With our Superb Losers recreation on the horizon, we’re spending the times main as much as kick off assembly the lads who’ll be pulling on the shirts on this yr’s recreation at Walsall FC. We transfer throughout to Kent and to satisfy one in every of our Margate Seniors, Bradford Rogers!
Inform us extra about your preliminary causes for becoming a member of MAN v FAT
My preliminary cause for becoming a member of MAN v FAT Soccer was easy – I’d tried every little thing else. All of the diets, all of the golf equipment, all of the weight-loss teams, Weight Watchers… every little thing. And none of it actually labored for me. However after I noticed MAN v FAT Soccer, one thing clicked. Soccer has at all times been my ardour. I knew I used to be obese, and I knew I wasn’t as wholesome as I must be, however the thought of shedding pounds by soccer instantly sparked my curiosity. It gave me one thing I might genuinely join with – a option to get more healthy whereas doing one thing I like.
In the event you might return in time and discuss to the model of you in the beginning of your weight reduction efforts, what would you inform them concerning the modifications you’ve skilled?
If I might return and inform my larger self one thing, it will most likely be this: this might work, so give it a go. Actually give it a go. You’ve tried every little thing else. Each weight loss program, each membership, each plan. However this time, keep it up. Belief the method. As a result of it’s not nearly shedding pounds. It’s about staying wholesome, dwelling longer, and being there for your loved ones. It’s about having the ability to run round, kick a ball once more, and really feel pleased with your self. And earlier than you realize it, the small steps add up. One session, one week, one weigh-in at a time. And all of the sudden you realise… you’re doing it.
Who would you prefer to thank for his or her assist in your progress?
I’d additionally prefer to say a giant thanks to Adam, the coach. The steering and encouragement he’s given have been unimaginable. He’s been there, he’s finished it himself, and he understands the pitfalls alongside the best way. Each single week he takes the time for just a little chat – How’s it going? You’re doing nicely. Hold going. Don’t fear, it can come. That assist makes an actual distinction.
However what’s been simply as necessary – perhaps much more necessary – are the teammates. The individuals I now name mates. Not simply teammates on a pitch, however genuinely good mates. The laughter, the camaraderie, the banter each week… it’s been unimaginable. It turns one thing that would really feel like a problem into one thing you truly stay up for being a part of.
What are your future hopes round your well being and wellbeing?
Effectively, I really feel like I’ve just about achieved the place I needed to be – not simply with MAN v FAT Soccer, however in life and in enterprise as nicely. I’ve misplaced practically 50% of my weight, which nonetheless feels unimaginable to say. However now I’m beginning to consider what comes subsequent. Possibly it’s about serving to and inspiring others. Serving to individuals see that this could work for them too.
I’d like to assist MAN v FAT in getting extra individuals concerned, particularly older males who may really feel prefer it’s too late or that nothing will work for them. The over-fifties are one of many teams struggling essentially the most with weight and well being points, and but we’re a part of the one senior pilot league within the nation in the mean time. Think about what might occur if extra of those leagues existed.
One thing like this might genuinely change lives. It might save the NHS and the nation thousands and thousands by serving to individuals grow to be more healthy earlier than critical issues develop. Truthfully, I feel programmes like this must be prescribed.
How a lot are you wanting ahead to the sport in Might?
I’m actually wanting ahead to the sport in Might. It’s clearly on a a lot bigger scale than what I’m used to, though I do nonetheless play 11-a-side soccer as nicely. Curiously, I generally step in with the youthful teams as a goalkeeper once they want somebody — even serving to out within the raffle to fill in once they’re brief. So soccer remains to be very a lot a giant a part of my life.
What makes this one much more particular is that I’ll most likely be the one senior participant concerned, which is sort of thrilling. It’s an incredible alternative to signify the senior group and present that age doesn’t have to carry you again in case you keep energetic and maintain pushing your self.
