Stephen has had his personal pleasant 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 search 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 date and your progress with us
I joined MAN v FAT in February 2023 as a participant. My first workforce was incredible — 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 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 possibility to assist develop the league and enhance its visibility. Lower than a yr into my journey, I stepped up as Assistant Coach at St Helens.
Since then, I’ve run classes, motivated lads to shed weight, and developed an actual starvation to help much more individuals. The league has grown to eight groups and turn out to be a thriving group.
I used to be just lately supplied the possibility to turn out to be Coach — and given my journey to date, 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?
or 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 instantly 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 now not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That reducing of obstacles is likely one of the most vital elements of anybody’s journey right here.
It’d sound cliché, however it actually was about small steps. Once I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch group — however it’s come a great distance since then.
One key transfer was beginning different soccer classes outdoors of league nights. These gave gamers from totally 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 exhausting to develop it. This allowed groups to showcase their achievements and help one another past match evening.
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.
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 rejoice milestones and share their journey publicly. I additionally wish to develop the 11-a-side facet of issues, because it’s a good way for gamers to bond outdoors of weekly league video games.
One of many greatest learnings from St Helens is simply how vital 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 form of atmosphere 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 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 anticipate from you as a coach?
Gamers can anticipate 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 nonetheless 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 paved the way.
Need to be a part of Stephen at Aintree?
Should you’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!
