With Worldwide Friendship Day touchdown tomorrow, there’s no higher time to shine a light-weight on some of the underrated advantages of being a part of the MAN v FAT squad: actual camaraderie.
From Strangers to Squad mates
Let’s be sincere, becoming a member of something new as an grownup might be daunting. You flip as much as your first session, uncertain of the format, the folks, and even how your shins will maintain up. However inside weeks, many people discover ourselves trying ahead to Thursday nights not only for the soccer or the weigh-in wins, however for the banter, assist and brotherhood that solely your crew can supply.
Why? As a result of MAN v FAT isn’t your typical league. Each bloke there will get it. Everybody’s on the identical mission. There’s no ego, no judgement, only a bunch of lads exhibiting up for themselves and for one another.
The Draft: A Twist That Builds Extra Than Simply Groups
Let’s discuss in regards to the Draft. Sure, that Draft. The one which comes round each three seasons and tends to ruffle a couple of feathers.
We get it. You’ve lastly discovered your groove. You’ve bonded together with your crew, obtained your inside jokes, and possibly even discovered who to not move to (we gained’t title names). So the concept of being shuffled into a brand new crew? Looks like somebody’s pulled the rug out.
However right here’s the factor. The Draft isn’t about breaking apart friendships. It’s about constructing extra of them.
Each time you’re put with a brand new bunch of lads, you’re handed a chance. To share what you’ve realized, to assist somebody who may be new or struggling, and to forge recent connections. Earlier than you realize it, the teammate you have been grumbling about final week turns into the one checking in in your steps or dragging you to an additional kickabout.
The Draft busts cliques, refreshes dynamics, and retains the membership inclusive. It’s a reset button, not only for groups however for perspective. And if something, it proves that friendship in MAN v FAT isn’t restricted to 1 squad. It’s club-wide.
As a result of when you’re solely in it for the color of your shirt, you’re lacking the purpose.
It’s Not Simply About Soccer
Certain, the soccer brings us collectively. But it surely’s what occurs off the pitch that basically cements the friendships.
You’ll discover teammates checking in midweek on WhatsApp:
“How’s the meal prep going?”
“Fancy a stroll Saturday morning?”
“Pub for a food plan coke after the sport?”
All of a sudden, you’ve obtained mates in your nook, encouraging you to get your steps in, serving to you dodge the chippy, and celebrating your wins – on and off the scales.
Some lads even go on holidays collectively. Others begin aspect hustles or working golf equipment. For a lot of, the crew turns into the assist community they didn’t even realise they wanted.
The Science of Male Friendship
Analysis backs it up: males who’ve shut friendships usually tend to preserve wholesome habits, expertise decrease stress ranges, and have higher psychological well being general. But research additionally present that after a sure age, males are inclined to lose friendships or battle to make new ones.
That’s the place MAN v FAT bucks the development.
By bringing males collectively round a shared objective – weight reduction by way of soccer, it naturally builds bonding alternatives, weekly accountability, and a shared sense of function.
And the wonder? It doesn’t really feel compelled. It simply occurs.
Celebrating Our Friendship Wins
This Worldwide Friendship Day, we’re not asking you to ship your teammates a bouquet of flowers (although if that’s your vibe, crack on). However possibly give them a nod. A message. A fast voice word. Or simply flip as much as your subsequent recreation and let your effort on the pitch do the speaking.
As a result of whether or not you realise it or not, your crew has in all probability helped you greater than you’ve mentioned out loud.
They’ve been there throughout plateaus, inspired you after a tricky week, and celebrated your hat-tricks and half-stone awards like they have been their very own.
That’s the MAN v FAT distinction. It’s not only a soccer league. It’s a lifeline for friendships.
So Right here’s to the Mates That Matter
To those who slide sort out your excuses, who cheer your first 5K, who remind you you’re not on this alone.
Completely happy Worldwide Friendship Day, lads. You may need joined to drop extra pounds, however you’ve in all probability gained a mate for all times.