Stephen has had his personal pleasing 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 position 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 workforce was implausible — 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 wonderful after over 10 years away from soccer.
I smashed by way of my preliminary weight reduction objectives 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 enhance 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 extra pounds, and developed an actual starvation to help much more folks. The league has grown to eight groups and turn out to be a thriving neighborhood.
I used to be lately provided the possibility to turn out to be 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?
or me, it’s the neighborhood 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 immediately contributed to the workforce’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 now not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That decreasing of obstacles is likely one of the most necessary elements of anybody’s journey right here.
It’d sound cliché, nevertheless it actually was about small steps. Once I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch neighborhood — nevertheless it’s come a great 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 laborious to develop it. This allowed groups to showcase their achievements and help one another past match evening.
The excitement led to much more engagement: match highlights, milestone celebrations, and occasions outdoors of soccer. Now, the neighborhood is totally thriving, and it’s been wonderful to see so many lads step up and contribute to it.
Primarily based in your learnings at St Helens, what are your plans for Aintree?
I’ve acquired 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 have fun milestones and share their journey publicly. I additionally need to develop the 11-a-side aspect 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 sort of setting I’ll be encouraging right here.
What have your early impressions of the membership been?
It’s a league full of fine lads who’re clearly dedicated — each to weight reduction and taking part in as a lot soccer as doable.
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 turn out to be a thriving, award-winning MAN v FAT membership, and I’m right here to assist prepared the ground.
Wish to be part of Stephen at Aintree?
For those who’re able to get on high 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!
