As the dust settles on the thrilling season six of the Man v Fat Carlisle Football league, it is Parmesan Belgrade Blacks who have carved their names into the league’s history books.
With 10 wins from 10, the side’s remarkable feat of a perfect season is not just the result of consistent performances on the pitch, but a reflection of their monumental off-pitch efforts too.
Despite not winning every game on the pitch, the team truly embodied the ethos of the league – combining the passion for football with dedication to weight loss – leading them to a hard-earned, unblemished victory run once weight-loss and tracking goals were added.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming four-week cup competition, where the unbeaten side will be firmly fixed in the sights of the opposition.
The concluding fixture for Parmesan Belgrade was a 2-2 draw on the pitch with Fatburn Rovers Blues. Once weight-loss goals were added in, the final result saw the Blacks earn a 13-7 victory: ensuring they finished the season undefeated with 20 points.
Elsewhere in this week’s matches, Scran United Reds and Borussia Muncheneverything Whites played out a thriller, with the Whites taking home a 13-11 win. Fatarselona Oranges and Saint Eat-Again Greens ended in an evenly fought 7-7 draw.
In the Blues match, Ian Gillatt was the standout player, demonstrating an unyielding work ethic and a terrific goal to add.
Stu Wareing of the Reds was a true maestro on the pitch with his effortless control and precise finishing. Andy Burton from the Whites showcased phenomenal effort and work-rate, leaving everyone in awe with his spectacular finishes.
Hein van der Westhuizen of the Greens was unstoppable with his athleticism. Parmesan Belgrade Blacks relied on Gareth Ellis, who was described as “a rock at the back” this week.
Shane Statter, earning the nickname ‘Shane The Bane’ from his opponents this week, demonstrated fantastic shot-stopping for the Oranges, with his formidable presence and performance in goal.
The opposition captain explained that Shane “deserves all the plaudits going for his development on and off of the pitch this season”.
Recently commended nationally by Man v Fat for his achievements, Shane Statter, a 37-year-old cook from Carlisle, explains that he has experienced a life-altering transformation thanks to the football and weight loss initiative.
Before joining the club, Shane was grappling with personal challenges and experiencing poor mental health. His fiancée encouraged him to take the step towards change, and Shane attests that it has been one of the best decisions he has ever made.
In his own words: “Joining MVF is by far one of the best decisions I have made. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive bunch of guys and coach.
“Since I joined in March 2022, I’ve lost 18kg, and the improvements in my physical and mental health have been beyond anything I could have hoped for. MVF is part of the reason I’m still here; it’s made such a difference in my life.”
But there’s more to Shane’s inspiring journey. Following a heart transplant, Shane’s battle for a healthier life became even more critical.
The physical conditioning and improvements gained through the Man v Fat Carlisle league have proven to be invaluable for his ongoing recovery. His teammates and the Carlisle MVF community rally around him as he continues to display grit and heart – in every sense of the word – week-in-and-week-out.
Coach Beverley Young expressed her elation. She said: “A cracking effort on and off the pitch for our league finale, and lovely to see the support going on behind the scenes!
“A great club-first in having overall weight loss every week, giving us our best ever season on the scales. A huge round of applause for our season six league winners: Parmesan Belgrade Blacks!”
In addition to on-pitch goals this week, players netted extra goals through weight loss achievements. The star of this week in weight loss was Charlie Moultrie from the Blues, who lost an outstanding 10 per cent of his starting body weight.
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.
The league – which combines football with a weight-loss programme 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 in Carlisle.
For more action-packed photos and highlights, 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.
