Stephen has had his personal pleasurable weight reduction expertise at close by MAN v FAT St Helens and, after the latest 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 up to now and your progress with us
I joined MAN v FAT in February 2023 as a participant. My first workforce was improbable — though we weren’t the strongest on the pitch, they helped me perceive the scoring system and the way getting caught in might assist us win. We ended up successful the league, which felt wonderful after over 10 years away from soccer.
I smashed by means of my preliminary weight reduction targets and reached my 25%, with my subsequent milestone being a BMI Boss. Alongside the best way, 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 a few pounds, and developed an actual starvation to help much more individuals. The league has grown to eight groups and develop into a thriving group.
I used to be not too long ago provided the possibility to develop into Coach — and given my journey up to now, it was a no brainer. I’m now ready 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 had been key. Seeing how my weight reduction straight contributed to the workforce’s success — successful 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 atmosphere is. It’s not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That decreasing of boundaries is among the most necessary elements of anybody’s journey right here.
It’d sound cliché, however it actually was about small steps. After I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch group — however it’s come a good distance since then.
One key transfer was beginning different soccer periods outdoors 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 arduous to develop it. This allowed groups to showcase their achievements and help one another past match night time.
The thrill led to much more engagement: match highlights, milestone celebrations, and occasions outdoors of soccer. Now, the group is totally thriving, and it’s been wonderful 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 bought 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 a giant half — serving to lads rejoice milestones and share their journey publicly. I additionally wish to develop the 11-a-side facet of issues, because it’s an effective way for gamers to bond outdoors of weekly league video games.
One of many greatest 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 type of atmosphere 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 potential.
The welcome I’ve had has been good, 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 steering, dedication, and expertise to help them on their journey. I’m not only a game-day coach — I’m hands-on and accessible to assist each member of the league nonetheless I can.
That mentioned, 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 paved the way.
Wish to be a part of Stephen at Aintree?
Should 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!