As the sun shone on the Harraby 3G pitches on Edgehill Road, Carlisle played host to the curtain-raiser of the new Man v Fat football season.
Tailored for overweight men looking to shed some pounds, the league promises not just a taste of the beautiful game, but also a transformative journey for players.
With a clean slate and the promise that anyone could clinch the title come the end of the season, this week’s matches were imbued with fresh energy, teamwork and determination. If the opening fixtures are anything to go by, we’re in for a rollercoaster of a season; every match had its fair share of goalmouth action and end-to-end play.
Parmesan Belgrade Blacks, last season’s double-winning heavyweights, made a statement with a top-drawer performance, netting an 18-8 win over Fatburn Rovers Blues.
While the Blacks may be the favourites for the title, the tenacious performances of Saint Eat-Again Greens and Fatarselona Oranges, who also secured impressive victories, proved that the Blacks won’t have an easy ride in season seven.
Adding a twist to the matches were the league’s unique weight loss and tracking goals. This week, Jonny Brown from Fatburn Rovers Blues led the charge with a commendable weight loss of 2.4kg, followed closely by Jack Cooper and Steve Wright, both from Fatarselona Oranges.
Mike Saul from Scran United Reds also celebrated a milestone achievement, hitting a five per cent total body weight loss since joining the league.
It was a week of firsts for many. Not only did debutant Oliver Warnes from Scran United Reds score on his first appearance, but the league also welcomed three more new players who instantly made their mark with confident performances.
The games also saw a Man of the Match title for Scott Clarkson, who joins his brother Ash in Saint-Eat Again Greens, and the same award for Liam McMullen on his debut.
Across the other matches, the several standout players showcased grit and determination on the pitch. Mark Bray from the Blacks was outstanding in defence and remained a consistent threat upfront.
Dale McDougall from the Reds showcased exceptional energy, aiding in their sole goal, while Ben Snell from the Oranges, was unplayable with his impeccable skills. Blues’ Ian Gillatt commanded respect as he controlled the game’s pace and fired off some clean strikes.
Reflecting on this season’s vibrant start, coach Beverley Young said: “It’s heart-warming to see our four new players making a mark right from their debut games.
“A goal and two man of the match titles between them, as well as the enthusiasm from all teams, made for a brilliant beginning to season seven. It’s a fresh start for all!”
Scott Clarkson, a 27-year-old mechanic from Carlisle, reflected on his debut match. He said: “It was a really good match, with them starting off the better team, but we grew into it, pulled it back and finished strongly.
“I joined Man v Fat to get motivated and to be part of a team that helps each other. My first impressions this week were great, to be honest! Everyone welcomed me and the game itself felt quite intense, which was really enjoyable.”
The initiative is for all abilities, and there’s no age limit. Players can go completely at their own pace, regardless of their fitness levels.
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 1,400lbs 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 over 100 players from across Cumbria experiencing 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 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.
