Our MAN v FAT Soccer clubs have seen men across the US lose well over 5,000lbs since things got underway at the end of 2024 – and one member in New York City has made his own significant contribution to that total.
In our Long Island City league, Felix Montero is approaching 50lbs lost since he got started earlier in 2025, so we caught up with him to get the lowdown on his remarkable success so far.
What was it that made you want to sign up for MAN v FAT in the first place?
It was the idea of playing soccer while losing weight at the same time. It really caught my attention because I saw that it was full of guys just like me – men with extra weight who still love the game, even if we’re not the fastest on the pitch.
When I saw the results and success stories from other players, especially from the leagues in the UK, it truly motivated me to join. I thought, what better way to get healthier than by doing the sport I love? Also, the sense of community and support within MAN v FAT made me feel like I wouldn’t be alone in my journey – we’re all in this together, pushing each other to become better versions of ourselves.
Why do you think the program has worked for you and what additional efforts have you put in away from your weekly session to ensure you’ve been successful?
I think the program has worked for me because I’m a very competitive person. I always want to win, and knowing that every Thursday I would be weighed before the matches and that there was a leaderboard showing everyone’s weight loss progress – it really pushed me to give my best.
I told myself that I wanted to win and take that medal home, and I did! I earned both the ‘Amazing Loser’ and ‘Top Scorer’ medals, but it wasn’t easy.
From the very first week of the first season, I started doing intermittent fasting. Later, I challenged myself even more by doing a 4-day fast each week for about a month. During those days, I only drank water and made sure to walk for one hour straight every day. It turned out to be the perfect combination – it helped me lose a significant amount of weight and reach my goal of a 20% body weight loss.
Have you had previous weight loss efforts in the past and why do you think this time has been different?
Yes, I had tried to lose weight in the past, but I never really succeeded. I didn’t have the motivation or support and I just felt like I couldn’t do it alone.
Five years ago, I met my wife, and back then I weighed around 180 lbs. Three years ago, when we had our first son, my weight had gone up to 210 lbs, and by the time the MAN v FAT league started, I had reached 231 lbs. My doctor sat me down one day and asked me, ‘Do you love your wife and your son?’ Of course, I said yes. Then he told me, ‘You need to lose weight for your health. Your cholesterol is dangerously high, and if you keep eating the way you do and continue gaining weight, you could have a heart attack at any moment. Do you want that for your family?’ That hit me hard. It was a wake-up call.
Two weeks later, I found out about this league, which was perfect timing. This time has been different because now I have real motivation and accountability. I like the pressure of knowing I’ll be weighed every week and that my effort helps my team. It pushes me to stay focused, not just for me, but for my wife and my son. I’m doing this for them – and for my health and future.
We’re actually the first MAN v FAT league in New York City – the pioneers! It’s such a beautiful community, and I honestly love these guys. Every week I look forward to Thursday just to see them and play together. We’ve built a real brotherhood, full of support, laughs, and motivation. We even had our first BBQ recently, and it was such a great time!
Even after reaching my goal weight, I plan to stay because this league has become like a second family to me. I feel comfortable, supported, and surrounded by good people. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of something like this.
What is your final target with weight loss and what else do you hope to achieve with MAN v FAT?
My final target is to reach 150 lbs. I still have about 30 pounds to go, but I’m confident that I can get there. I’m hoping to reach that goal by Christmas – we’ll see how it goes! What I really hope to achieve with MAN v FAT is to inspire others, both new and current players.
I want them to see that with effort, discipline, and consistency, it’s truly possible to change your life. This program has already helped me so much, not only physically but mentally too. I’ve gained confidence, discipline, and new friendships. Now I just want to be that example that shows anyone can do it if they truly commit to it.
Want to follow Felix’s lead?
Our MAN v FAT Soccer program is growing! Take a look at www.manvfatsoccer.com for your closest league!
