Stephen has had his personal gratifying weight reduction expertise at close by MAN v FAT St Helens and, after the current departure of the earlier coach James Bretherton, Stephen has stepped throughout to the Aintree membership to take over the reins.
We caught up with Stephen to seek out out his perspective on taking over his first teaching function and his goals for the months forward.
Inform us about your MAN v FAT story to this point and your progress with us
I joined MAN v FAT in February 2023 as a participant. My first crew was unbelievable — though we weren’t the strongest on the pitch, they helped me perceive the scoring system and the way getting caught in may assist us win. We ended up profitable the league, which felt superb after over 10 years away from soccer.
I smashed via my preliminary weight reduction targets and reached my 25%, with my subsequent milestone being a BMI Boss. Alongside the way in which, I noticed a chance to assist develop the league and improve its visibility. Lower than a 12 months into my journey, I stepped up as Assistant Coach at St Helens.
Since then, I’ve run periods, motivated lads to drop some pounds, and developed an actual starvation to help much more folks. The league has grown to eight groups and develop into a thriving group.
I used to be not too long ago supplied the possibility to develop into Coach — and given my journey to this point, it was a no brainer. I’m now able to develop a brand new league in its early levels and hopefully assist many extra males throughout the North West add years to their lives and rediscover a love for soccer.
Why has the programme labored for you?
For me, it’s the group and the dedication of the opposite gamers that made it work. I’d struggled with motivation earlier than, however these first few weeks have been key. Seeing how my weight reduction instantly contributed to the crew’s success — profitable medals and certificates — gave me a way of feat I’d by no means felt in soccer.
What actually units MAN v FAT aside is how open the setting is. It’s not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That decreasing of limitations is likely one of the most necessary components of anybody’s journey right here.
It would sound cliché, but it surely actually was about small steps. Once I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch group — but it surely’s come a great distance since then.
One key transfer was beginning different soccer periods exterior of league nights. These gave gamers from completely different groups the possibility to play with one another, not simply towards. That constructed friendships and made it simpler to attach.
I took over the membership’s social media presence and, with assist from others, we labored laborious to develop it. This allowed groups to showcase their achievements and help one another past match night time.
The excitement led to much more engagement: match highlights, milestone celebrations, and occasions exterior of soccer. Now, the group is completely thriving, and it’s been superb to see so many lads step up and contribute to it.
Based mostly in your learnings at St Helens, what are your plans for Aintree?
I’ve received loads of concepts for serving to Aintree develop — some drawn from what labored at St Helens, and a few new.
Social media will certainly play an enormous half — serving to lads have fun milestones and share their journey publicly. I additionally need to develop the 11-a-side facet of issues, because it’s a good way for gamers to bond exterior of weekly league video games.
One of many largest learnings from St Helens is simply how necessary it’s to make new gamers really feel welcome from day one. That’s key to retaining members and rising a wholesome, long-term league — and that’s precisely the sort of setting I’ll be encouraging right here.
What have your early impressions of the membership been?
It’s a league full of excellent lads who’re clearly dedicated — each to weight reduction and taking part in as a lot soccer as attainable.
The welcome I’ve had has been sensible, and that’s precisely what new gamers will expertise too. That first impression actually issues, and Aintree is already getting it proper
What can the lads or any new starters count on from you as a coach?
Gamers can count on steerage, dedication, and expertise to help them on their journey. I’m not only a game-day coach — I’m hands-on and obtainable to assist each member of the league nevertheless I can.
That stated, I’ll additionally push for extra — extra progress, extra help, and a greater league for everybody. Aintree has the potential to develop into a thriving, award-winning MAN v FAT membership, and I’m right here to assist cleared the path.
Wish to be a part of Stephen at Aintree?
In the event you’re able to get on prime of your weight reduction and wellbeing journey, we’d like to welcome you to MAN v FAT Aintree. Use the code AINTREE for £1.00 registration!
