Meet Marcel Feller from the MAN v FAT Soccer membership in Bury. Marcel joined MAN v FAT Soccer in February of 2024, when the membership launched, greedy a chance to deal with weight reduction, and reignite a ardour for enjoying the gorgeous recreation.
Discussing the twists of destiny that led him to him dusting off his boots, Marcel explains: “Soccer was all the things to me rising up. I spent each spare minute both on the pitch or watching matches. I began taking part in once I was 4 and though I dreamed of being outfield, I shortly discovered myself in purpose. I went on to play as a goalkeeper for native, faculty, and even regional squads.
“After I was 15, I used to be identified with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It precipitated soccer to slowly begin to fade into the background. Throughout chemotherapy, my focus shifted to the pc and it grew to become one of many few issues that stored me going. That path finally led me right into a rewarding profession in cyber safety, nevertheless it additionally meant lengthy hours sitting at a desk. Over time, with soccer gone from my life, the burden naturally crept on.”
You would possibly assume that overcoming most cancers would make anything appear straightforward, however Marcel discovered himself struggling to shift the burden he placed on through the years. He provides: “I attempted all the same old fixes; weight-reduction plan, the fitness center, train plans, however nothing caught. I knew I wanted to make a change, and I genuinely needed to, however I couldn’t discover the precise solution to make it occur.”
This was when MAN v FAT got here into play for Marcel. He continues: “I had heard about MAN v FAT years earlier than, however I stored placing it off. I didn’t wish to be part of a longtime membership and really feel just like the ‘new man’ who couldn’t final greater than a few minutes on the pitch.
“Then in the future, I noticed a Fb advert for a brand-new membership opening in Bury. That felt completely different as everybody can be beginning contemporary collectively. I signed up immediately, and for the primary time in a very long time, I felt relaxed about giving soccer one other go.”
Coming to the Bury membership, Marcel didn’t simply discover fellow footballers, he discovered a supportive, pleasant, and welcoming neighborhood. He says: “The neighborhood and assist community have been superb. Everyone seems to be so encouraging, whether or not issues are going nicely or not, there’s at all times positivity from teammates and coaches. That fixed assist has made an enormous distinction all through my journey.
“Being a part of the neighborhood actually boosted my psychological well being, I not felt alone in my weight reduction journey. Everyone seems to be supportive and sharing suggestions with one another, which made me really feel like we have been all in it collectively.
“It has had such an influence on me that I even shared my MAN v FAT journey throughout one among my staff displays at work. Afterwards, one among my colleagues reached out as he had been interested by becoming a member of however wasn’t positive. A couple of weeks later, he signed up and has already been making nice progress. In abstract: The neighborhood makes all of the distinction.
“MAN v FAT has positively had a big impact on my life-style. It has been a good way to drop pounds with out it feeling like a chore. In contrast to the fitness center, it doesn’t really feel compelled, the main target is on weight reduction, however the weekly video games make the method pleasing and one thing to sit up for. I additionally actually just like the weekly check-ins; with the ability to see my progress in actual time has stored me motivated and accountable.
“I’ve additionally modified my relationship with meals. The monitoring has helped me turn out to be extra conscious of what I eat with out reducing out the issues I take pleasure in. I nonetheless deal with myself to takeaways and quick meals every now and then, however I’ve discovered a steadiness that works for me. “Health-wise, the distinction has been unimaginable. After I first joined, I struggled to run in any respect, however over time my health picked up. I by no means considered myself as a runner, however I’ve actually began having fun with it. Now, I’ve run two 5k races, and each of my medals are proudly on show.”
Wish to be part of Marcel at MAN v FAT Bury?
You could find out extra particulars on how one can register on our web site!