As the sun set over the Harraby 3G pitches, marking the drawing in of the nights, the Man v Fat Carlisle football league entered its highly competitive fifth week.
With just a handful of points separating the six closely-matched teams, this is shaping up to be a season where truly anyone can win.
The week’s results were as electric as ever. Fatarselona Oranges triumphed over Parmesan Belgrade Blacks with a 12-9 win, while Scran United Reds edged past Saint Eat-Again Greens with a 13-10 victory.
Not to be outdone, Borussia Muncheneverything Whites bested Fatburn Rovers Blues with an 11-8 scoreline.
From Liam McMullen’s hat trick for the Whites to Mark Bray’s triple for the Blacks, the scorers showcased not just their football prowess but the spirit of this unique league.
Sponsored by RAW Insurance Brokers, the Man of the Match accolades recognised the week’s stand out players.
Ian Gillat of Fatburn Rovers Blues showcased skills and composure on the ball whilst linking up play, and Mark Bray of Parmesan Belgrade Blacks exhibited masterful control and vision.
Oliver Warnes from Scran United Reds was unyielding in defence and chipped in with three goals. Ash Clarkson from Saint Eat-Again Greens was the heart of every attack, underlining his significance with ceaseless running and a couple of well-taken goals.
Jon Gupwell of Fatarselona Oranges impressed with incisive tackles, and Harry Watson of Borussia Muncheneverything Whites was a constant threat upfront, seemingly only able to be stopped by the woodwork which he struck an incredible four times.
Notably, the league’s unique twist of integrating weight loss into football was reflected in this week’s milestones.
Mal Brown of Fatarselona Oranges was the standout, losing an incredible 5.3kgs, which contributed to extra goals on the pitch for his team. Gareth Ellis also marked a significant 5 per cent body weight loss this week.
Coach Beverley Young had effusive praise for all teams, said: “Kudos to Whites and Oranges for outstanding food and exercise tracking. A massive shout out to Mal Brown for his fabulous weight-loss week and a well-done to Blues and Greens for their player weight-loss hat tricks!”
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 1400lbs 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.
