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 possibility to deal with weight reduction, and reignite a ardour for enjoying the attractive sport.
Discussing the twists of destiny that led him to him dusting off his boots, Marcel explains: “Soccer was every little thing to me rising up. I spent each spare minute both on the pitch or watching matches. I began enjoying 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 triggered soccer to slowly begin to fade into the background. Throughout chemotherapy, my focus shifted to the pc and it turned one of many few issues that saved me going. That path ultimately led me right into a rewarding profession in cyber safety, however it additionally meant lengthy hours sitting at a desk. Over time, with soccer gone from my life, the load naturally crept on.”
You would possibly suppose that overcoming most cancers would make the rest appear straightforward, however Marcel discovered himself struggling to shift the load he placed on over time. He provides: “I attempted all the standard fixes; weight-reduction plan, the gymnasium, 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 option 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 saved placing it off. I didn’t wish to be a 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 at some point, I noticed a Fb advert for a brand-new membership opening in Bury. That felt totally different as everybody can be beginning recent collectively. I signed up immediately, and for the primary time in a very long time, I felt comfy 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 help community have been superb. Everyone seems to be so encouraging, whether or not issues are going effectively or not, there’s at all times positivity from teammates and coaches. That fixed help 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 ideas with one another, which made me really feel like we had been all in it collectively.
“It has had such an impression on me that I even shared my MAN v FAT journey throughout certainly one of my group displays at work. Afterwards, certainly one of my colleagues reached out as he had been fascinated 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 huge effect on my life-style. It has been a good way to drop extra pounds with out it feeling like a chore. In contrast to the gymnasium, it doesn’t really feel pressured, the main target is on weight reduction, however the weekly video games make the method gratifying and one thing to stay up for. I additionally actually just like the weekly check-ins; having the ability to see my progress in actual time has saved 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 chopping out the issues I get pleasure from. I nonetheless deal with myself to takeaways and quick meals every now and then, however I’ve discovered a stability 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 a part of Marcel at MAN v FAT Bury?
You’ll find out extra particulars on find out how to register on our web site!
