Man v Fat Carlisle – a football league where weight loss achievements are just as important as goals on the pitch – is experiencing the most competitive season since its inception.
With just two games remaining this season, it has shaped up to become a three-horse race for the title.
Fatarselona Oranges lead the charge with 11 points, closely followed by Scran United Reds and Borussia Muncheneverything Whites, neck-and-neck on 9 points. The intense competition this season means that any of the top three teams are still in contention for the crown with just two games remaining.
The results this week saw a high-scoring match between Parmesan Belgrade Blacks and Saint Eat-Again Greens ending 3-11, a close shave for Fatburn Rovers Blues against Fatarsealona Oranges at 9-10, and a draw between Borussia Muncheneverything Whites and Scran United Reds, finishing at 6-6.
This week’s Raw Insurance Brokers Man of the Match awards went to players who truly made their presence felt on the pitch.
Tom Burkes of Parmesan Belgrade transitioned from outfield to play a goalkeeping role in the second half, demonstrating versatility and making some crucial saves.
Liam of the Whites was lauded for his outstanding attacking prowess, dazzling footwork, topped off with an outstanding goal.
Paul Sewell of the Reds displayed his goal-scoring touch, lighting up the pitch with three brilliant finishes, while Mike Cameron of the Greens stood out with a resilient defensive performance, characterized by well-timed tackles.
Steve Wright of the Oranges exhibited a combination of staunch defence and tireless running, while Shane Statter of the Blues haunted his former team with outstanding saves and astute distribution.
This week’s top weight-loss achievers, an integral part of the unique set up of Man v Fat league, included Tim Linford of the Whites, shedding a remarkable 2.9kg, followed by Ross McDonald of the Blues and Ben Millington of the Greens.
These weight loss milestones translate into added goals on the pitch, reinforcing the dual objectives of the league.
Moreover, Ross McDonald of the Blues reached a significant milestone, shedding 10 per cent of his starting weight, while Ben Millington achieved a commendable five per cent weight loss.
Coach Beverley Young reflected on the week’s action. She said: “Some well contested games last night with teams starting to play so well together. Good effort by both the White and Orange teams for all those that weighed in having tracked their food to score extra goals.
“We’re also thrilled to see our long-term injured player, John Nicol, making a comeback in an Orange shirt!”
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 programme 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.
