As International Men’s Health Week coincides with Father’s Day this year, Man v Fat Football’s Carlisle club is shining a spotlight on its inspiring fathers who have taken strides towards healthier lifestyles.
Man v Fat Carlisle is a weight-loss football league for overweight or obese 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.
This week, the club is celebrating the dedication of father figures in achieving their health goals, whilst simultaneously setting positive examples for their children and families.
Mitch Bridgewater, a 33-year-old energetic father of two, said that he was on a mission when he joined Man v Fat.
Mitch was one of the founding members of the Carlisle club when it first launched in 2021, and was a star of BBC documentary We Are England, which followed the club’s early days.
He said, “My primary reason for joining Man v Fat was to stay around longer and keep up with my two boys.
“The club has definitely helped me to keep up with active kids and they’re proud of my achievements. Not only has my personal wellbeing improved, but also the way we think about food and exercise as a family.”
Mitch’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle has turned him into a role model for his children and is testament to the transformative power of the health-focused football league.
Two of the club’s newer players, father-son duo Charles and Aaron Moultrie have found common ground in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Charles, 62, of Workington said: “I joined MVF with my son Aaron, to support him on his way to a healthy lifestyle. We both enjoy the benefits and would recommend it to anyone who wants to give it a shot!
“To have banter with your kids is magical and sets you up for a better future for them and yourself, as you have a platform to talk with them on issues in the future.”
Michael Cameron, a 44-year-old data analyst from Carlisle, says it’s about setting an example for his children.
He said: “I think it’s important to show them that when you aren’t happy with something in your life, you take action and try and do something about it, and not quit, even if it’s the hardest thing to achieve.”
Dennis Craik, a 41-year-old carer from Annan, recently hit a 10 per cent weight loss milestone. Dennis, whose competitive spirit is as hearty as his sense of humour, said: “For me, it’s the addition of a little healthy competition between me and my son Harry.
“We both play goalkeeper. Every week we sit and have a funny little back and forth, about who’s better and who made better saves. Mind you, as he will happily tell you, he’s the best keeper in the world and twice the keeper I ever was, but just that wee back and forth is worth getting back on the pitch for.”
John Nicol, 33, is a popular leader at the Carlisle club, and celebrated his astonishing achievement of losing 15 per cent of his starting body weight this week.
The transformation has been remarkable, impacting not only his life but his family’s too.
Also a part of the BBC documentary in the club’s early days, he said: “Man v Fat gives me a place to become my healthiest self. A place to offload some of the stresses of the week and give my family a father who is feeling better, happy and confident.”
Kev Brough, a 43-year-old manager at a scrap metal and vehicle recycling yard from Workington, has undergone a transformation that is not just physical but also mental.
Kev said: “Having suffered with poor mental health for a few years, I saw the ad for Man v Fat and toyed with the idea of signing up. Having done no sport whatsoever for over 20 years, I was seriously doubting whether I would be able to physically manage to play football again. I also had the fear of playing with people I didn’t know, and whether or not I would be judged on my ability and weight.”
Kev’s journey took a positive turn when he gathered the courage to join Man v Fat. He said, “I felt completely comfortable there from the very first session, with everyone extremely welcoming and supportive.”
He reflects on the initial physical challenges but emphasises the rewards.
He added: “A year and a bit on, my mental health is the best it has been for years. Although the weight loss has been slow, for me Man v Fat is far more than just weight loss. I feel far more physically fit and a lot better about myself.
“I’ve now played for my kids’ teams in parents’ matches and surprised a few people during them as well, all of which is down to Man v Fat, coach Bev, and the great set of lads that make it all possible.”
Kev’s outstanding goalkeeping has won him the Man v Fat Carlisle Goalkeeper of the Season trophy for three seasons in a row.
Aaron Dowell, a father who values the importance of being an active role model for his children, shared how his involvement in football has positively influenced his kids.
He said: “Me playing football has encouraged my youngest two boys to start playing themselves, and they are non-stop in the back garden now! Sometimes them seeing their dad do things can help them want that same goal.”
The Man v Fat Football Carlisle club combines football with a structured weight-loss programme, encouraging men to improve their fitness and make healthier choices.
Currently eight weeks into its 10-week season, it is an ideal time for new players to sign up to Man v Fat Carlisle.
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.
For more information, or to join the programme, visit www.manvfatfootball.org/carlisle or search Man v Fat Football Carlisle on Facebook.
Readers of this article can receive a special discount when signing up, by using code CUMBRIA when prompted on the Man v Fat website.
