Man v Fat Football Carlisle, a pioneering weight-loss football league, celebrated its end of season awards this week – marking another milestone in its journey of transforming the health and wellness of men in the city.
It was a night to remember as the league celebrated the end of a successful season and recognised the outstanding achievements of its players: both on and off the pitch.
Man v Fat Carlisle is a weight-loss football league for 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.
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 200 players in Cumbria experiencing significant improvements in their physical and mental health.
This season alone, participants have achieved a collective weight loss of 85kg, and since the club started, the players have now lost a total of 830kg – or 130 stones.
Following a competitive season, the awards evening provided an opportunity for the league to celebrate the success and achievements of its players.
Players from all teams gathered to recognise and celebrate their individual and collective achievements. Awards were presented in various categories, including top scorer, goalkeeper of the season, players’ player of the season, amazing loser, top team and cup winners.
The man of the night was undoubtedly Gareth Hewgill of Fatarselona Oranges, who took home league winner and cup runners up medals, the Top Scorer trophy for his 16 weight loss goals; the Hat-trick King award for consistent weight loss; and the Amazing Loser award, for having lost 9.5% of his body weight.
The Oranges’ goalkeeper certainly played his part on and off the pitch in steering his side to a league title win.
The Top Team Weight Loss award went to the Oranges, who led with 16 points, demonstrating not just their skills on the pitch but also their commitment to their health goals. The league title winners were also the Oranges, with the Greens as runners-up.
The winners of the coveted season eight cup were Parmesan Belgrade Blacks, who took home the trophy after a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the final game of the season.
Jamie Dunn clinched the Golden Boot for scoring an amazing 26 goals in just 14 games, and Mike Vevers was honoured with the Players’ Player award. Shawn Berry defended his title as Goalkeeper of the Season after impressing between the sticks.
The league’s inaugural Most Improved Player award was presented to Viktor Krall, who has made significant strides on and off the pitch this season. The Tim Linford Award, created to celebrate the shining examples of Man v Fat Carlisle in terms of leadership, commitment and personal growth, went to Shane Statter.
Additional recognition was given to those who made significant health strides, with awards such as the Biggest Waist Loss, presented to Andrew Trickett for losing an outstanding six inches from his waist in just three months, and multiple players achieving significant milestones in weight loss, acknowledged with 5%, 10%, and 15% weight loss certificates.
The evening also set the stage for future growth and excitement, with announcements about season nine, including new teams, a new league and cup format, and an inspiring message for what lies ahead.
The event highlighted the positive impact that the club has had on the health and wellbeing of its players, and the supportive community that has grown since the league’s inception in September 2021.
MAN v FAT Football Carlisle, which meets at Carlisle Campus Sports on Mondays from 7pm to 9pm, has seen over 200 men join up since it started in September 2021.
Between them, players at the Carlisle club have now lost an incredible 1,600 pounds in weight since the club started.
Across the country, the FA-affiliated Man v Fat programme has over 8,500 participants in over 170 clubs. The initiative targets men who are overweight or obese, with a BMI greater than 27.5.
To sign up or for more information, visit ‘Man v Fat Carlisle’ on Facebook or go to www.manvfatfootball.org/carlisle.
