With our Superb Losers recreation on the horizon, we’re spending the times main as much as kick off assembly the lads who’ll be pulling on the shirts on this yr’s recreation at Walsall FC. Subsequent, we meet Gavin Cliff from our Hull membership!
Inform us extra about your preliminary causes for becoming a member of MAN v FAT
I joined MAN v FAT as quickly because the COVID restrictions had been lifted. I’ve struggled with melancholy and anxiousness for many of my life, and through that interval my weight had actually spiralled. I knew I couldn’t preserve ignoring it – I wanted to take management and make a change.
In case you might return in time and speak to the model of you firstly of your weight reduction efforts, what would you inform them in regards to the modifications you’ve skilled?
If I might return to the beginning, I’d inform myself it’s going to alter excess of simply your weight. Initially I used to be anxious. Nervous. I didn’t actually socialise a lot and my circle was small. I saved myself to myself. What I didn’t anticipate was to turn into a part of one thing greater – an prolonged household. I discovered the right way to open up. I discovered the right way to belief individuals. I discovered how highly effective it’s to work as a staff in direction of a typical aim as an alternative of battling issues by yourself.
The burden loss mattered, in fact. However the confidence, the friendships, and the sense of belonging mattered extra. I’d inform that earlier model of me: You’re not simply altering your physique. You’re constructing your tribe. And that can change every little thing.
Who would you prefer to thank for his or her assist in your progress?
From day one, Alan made me really feel welcome. That meant greater than individuals in all probability realised, particularly with the place my psychological well being was on the time. Strolling into one thing new while you’re anxious and not sure of your self isn’t simple, however he made that first step really feel protected. Clint, now Assistant Coach, was precisely the identical. And Dave, who was assistant coach again then, too. They didn’t simply run periods, they created an surroundings the place you felt included. That welcome modified every little thing for me. It helped me open up. It helped me keep. And it helped me develop.
What are your future hopes round your well being and wellbeing?
As an Assistant Coach and BMI lead, I’m dedicated to persevering with in each roles and giving again correctly. This programme has carried out loads for me personally. I’ve seen first-hand what construction, accountability and correct help can obtain. Due to that, I need to preserve serving to as many lads as potential on their very own journey, whether or not that’s weight reduction, confidence, health, or simply feeling higher week to week.
How a lot are you trying ahead to the sport in Might?
It’s a secret!
