On a picturesque spring night, as the sunset cast an orange glow over the Harraby pitches, the Man v Fat Carlisle Football League witnessed another thrilling week of competitive football that celebrated both individual performances and collective team efforts.
The evening was topped off by a wonder strike from Scran United Reds’ versatile Ryan Roberts.
The league, where football meets a comprehensive weight-loss programme, showcased a thrilling evening of competitive play, celebrating not only individual performances but the collective spirit of the teams.
Parmesan Belgrade Blacks continued their unbeaten run, marking five victories in as many games. With a staggering 78 goals in their favour and only 40 conceded, they boast a league-leading goal difference of 38.
However, the league remains unpredictable with Scran United Reds hot on their heels and all other teams still in the fray for a top finish, indicating a close and exciting rest of the season.
In the week’s fixtures, Parmesan Belgrade Blacks triumphed over Fatburn Rovers Blues in a high-scoring 15-8 encounter. Marcus Beattie, the Blacks’ goal-scoring machine, was instrumental in the victory, showing a tremendous engine and proving an invaluable asset in both attack and defence.
Elsewhere, Scran United Reds, led by Aaron Dowell, Ryan Roberts, and Dougie Penrice, clinched a 15-2 victory over the Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, once weight-loss goals were added in. Fatarselona Oranges also had a successful outing, outplaying Saint Eat-Again Greens 14-4 with goals from Dan Etheridge and Steve Wright.
The players of the match were lauded not just for their goal-scoring exploits but for their overall contributions on the field. Steve Wright from the Oranges demonstrated brilliant passing and constant movement, while Stuart Wareing from the Reds showcased superior ball control and overall play.
Dennis Craik from the Greens made a series of fantastic saves, whilst Charlie Moultrie from the Blues was hailed for his noticeable improvement on the field.
The week was also distinguished by significant weight loss triumphs. Aaron Moultrie from the Reds shed an inspirational 5.3kg, leading the pack that included Jamie McPherson from the Reds, Steven Baty and Hein van der Westhuizen from the Greens, and Marcus Beattie from the Blacks.
Remarkable milestones were also reached by Danny Etheridge from the Oranges and Marcus Beattie from the Blacks, who achieved 10 per cent and five per cent total body weight loss respectively. Between them, the players have managed to lose over 100kg in weight since the season began in March.
Reflecting on this week’s performance, coach Beverley Young said: “We’ve witnessed tremendous results across the club, particularly with the Blacks and Blues, who have consistently shed weight every week. It’s heartening to see 11 players achieve weight loss hat-tricks.
“A special shout out goes to Aaron from the Reds, who emerged as the biggest weight loser of the week at 5.3kgs!
“The weight loss success is all the more commendable when you factor in our fortnight off due to the bank holidays. The players within the club have stepped up – with Dan McAulay organising a bank holiday tournament and Marcus Beattie an impromptu steps challenge – which has certainly helped the lads stay on track!”
Man v Fat Carlisle is a weight-loss football league for men with a BMI of 27.5 or above, and provides a supportive and friendly environment for men to lose weight and improve their overall health and wellbeing, with over 1,000lb lost so far.
The league – which combines football with a weight-loss program that includes diet and exercise advice, weekly weigh-ins and support from fellow players – has been a resounding success, with dozens of players from across Cumbria experiencing significant improvements in their physical and mental health. The matches take place on every Monday evening at the Harraby 3G pitches on Edgehill Road.
Across the country, the FA-affiliated Man v Fat programme has over 8,500 participants in over 170 clubs. The initiative targets men who are overweight or obese, with a BMI greater than 27.5.
For more information or to join the programme, visit www.manvfatfootball.org/carlisle or search Man v Fat Football Carlisle on Facebook.
- Cumbria Crack readers can receive a special discount when signing up, by using code CUMBRIA when prompted on the Man v Fat website.
