In week two of Man v Fat Carlisle’s season seven, slim victories weren’t just about narrow margins on the pitch.
As Parmesan Belgrade Blacks edged a narrow one goal victory, players throughout the league also revelled in their individual achievements off the field.
Amid the rain and rivalry this week, weight-loss milestones stood shoulder to shoulder with footballing accomplishments, highlighting this unique league’s dual impact.
Fatburn Rovers Blues and Saint Eat-Again Greens showcased their passion for the game and their determination to improve, ending in a nail-biting 6-6 draw. Another high-octane match saw Fatarselona Oranges stride past Borussia Muncheneverything Whites with a score of 5-11.
Man of the Match accolades were awarded for some true standout performances. Oliver Warnes of Scran United demonstrated leadership, orchestrating the play and maintaining composure when stakes were high.
Jack Cooper’s nimble movement and striking prowess were evident for Fatarselona, whilst newcomer Liam McMullen showcased sheer grit and tenacity for Borussia Muncheneverything.
Ian Gillatt from Fatburn Rovers displayed exceptional skills with pinpoint passes and tireless running, and Ash Clarkson from Saint Eat-Again was the heartbeat of his team, rallying them to push forward and inspiring a second-half comeback.
A unique aspect of the MVF League is its combination of weight loss alongside results on the pitch.
Mark Bray not only marvelled on the pitch, but also emerged as the club’s top loser with an astounding 3.5kg shed this week.
Following closely were Dan McAulay from the Blues and Dale McDougall from the Reds, with significant weight loss achievements. Dale also celebrated a body weight loss milestone, after shedding five per cent of his starting weight.
This week’s featured match saw the league favourites, Parmesan Belgrade Blacks – fresh off their league and cup double win last season – managing to clinch a narrow victory against the gritty Scran United Reds.
Right from the first whistle, Parmesan Belgrade showcased their championship mettle, taking an impressive 5-1 lead against Scran United on the pitch.
However, the unique format of the Man v Fat league ensures that players’ weight loss efforts are just as consequential as their footballing skills. Once the off-pitch achievements were tallied, the margin closed dramatically, ending in a final score of 12-11 to the Blacks.
Mark Bray of Parmesan Belgrade was a true standout in this week’s featured game. Not only did he dazzle on the pitch with a well-taken hat-trick, but he also secured an additional goal thanks to his club-highest weight loss feat for the week.
Awarded with a Man of the Match accolade, he exerted a palpable control over the game. His ability to make pivotal decisions, coupled with his adeptness in dictating the pace of the match with finesse, proved instrumental in ensuring the Blacks’ slender victory.
Mark, 34, said, “I’m only new to Man v Fat, having only joined around five weeks ago. However, my fitness is already probably the best it has been in years and gets better every week!”
“Being in an environment with other like-minded men and having some accountability around what you are eating really helps to keep you focused on losing weight.
“Where you may have given in on the diet by mid-week in the past, knowing that every Monday the scales won’t lie and that weight loss will help your team mates keeps you on track.
“Everyone has been very welcoming, and anyone who wants to lose some weight and who enjoys a kick about should give it a go.”
Coach Beverley Young shared her pride in the club’s performance, saying, “I’m over the moon with the debut of our new recruits, Shawn for the Whites and Rob for the Blues. Liam, in only his second week, even grabbed a well-deserved Man of the Match! It’s heartening to see the dedication of the Greens, Whites, Reds, and Blacks – each player tracking their progress diligently in Week 2.”
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 1,400lb 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 over one hundred 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.
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.
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.
