Our Welsh group has been a longstanding success story for MAN v FAT with a bunch of vibrant golf equipment representing the most effective of what we do throughout the programme.
2026 has not solely seen the Welsh golf equipment effectively represented throughout the Awards shortlists, however they’ve additionally acquired a bunch of illustration on this yr’s Wonderful Losers squads.
These lads will little question take pleasure in being managed by Neville Southall and, forward of this yr’s occasions, we caught up with Cardiff and Newport coach James Stanford to speak about their optimistic story.
1) How proud are you of the lads who’ve obtained nominations, the nominations you’ve obtained at membership stage and the way has this been obtained by the group?
Unbelievably proud. I’m fortunate to be the coach of two wonderful golf equipment in South Wales, with sensible gamers and distinctive assistant coaches. Each golf equipment have actually been pleased with their nominations.
MAN v FAT Soccer Cardiff has been going since 2018 – one of many longest operating golf equipment within the UK. In South Wales we’ve got so many wonderful golf equipment it’s at all times onerous to face out, however this yr we’ve actually good run of issues and are reaping the rewards. A Membership of the 12 months nomination has simply topped off an excellent yr.
At MAN v FAT Soccer Newport I’ve among the best groups I’ve ever coached in Fatletitgo Madri. They’re such a dedicated bunch. They’ve been collectively in all the things they’ve come up in opposition to, together with the unhappy dying of a teammate’s spouse only a few months in the past.
Lastly, we’ve got MAN v FAT Cardiff participant Nick Fudge – a stalwart of the league. Fudgie is completely the correct man to be nominated as MVP. He galvanises the league and units the tone for the success we’ve got.
2) The Welsh golf equipment have at all times been on the forefront of what’s finest about MAN v FAT – how have you ever stored that tradition going for therefore lengthy?
I believe the large factor in South Wales is the sense of group. Throughout Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea and Bridgend there’s an actual togetherness between the golf equipment and the coaches. Everybody desires the identical factor for the lads – to really feel welcome, to take pleasure in their soccer and to enhance their well being.
At membership stage we’ve labored actually onerous to maintain issues pleasant, welcoming and optimistic whereas nonetheless having that aggressive edge. A variety of that comes from the management throughout the leagues. We’ve acquired implausible captains and gamers who set the tone for others, and the WhatsApp teams are at all times stuffed with banter which helps construct that camaraderie.
It’s additionally about giving folks methods to attach past the weekly sport. In Newport we’ve acquired a very thriving darts competitors happening, and through the years we’ve had golf days, strolling teams and different bits taking place too. These issues assist the lads construct actual friendships, and as soon as that occurs the tradition virtually takes care of itself.
3) You’re additionally effectively represented throughout the Wonderful Losers squads – speak to us concerning the lads concerned and why you suppose the membership surroundings has given them the platform to succeed?
We’ve acquired some unbelievable tales popping out of the Welsh golf equipment and I’m actually proud that a number of of our lads are a part of the Wonderful Losers squads. From Cardiff you’ve acquired Andrew Millar, Igor Camara, Adam Watts, Alex Williams and David Quinn – and each considered one of them has achieved unbelievable weight reduction. Quinn, for instance, has misplaced over 77kg which is simply extraordinary.
From Newport we’ve acquired Jordan Lewis who has additionally carried out one thing unbelievable, shedding over 50kg and greater than 40% of his physique weight. These sorts of transformations don’t occur accidentally.
What all of them have in frequent is consistency and the assist of the folks round them. They lead by instance for his or her groups and the broader leagues, and I believe the membership surroundings performs an enormous half in that. If you’re surrounded by teammates who’re all working in direction of related targets it pushes you to maintain going and provides you that accountability each week.
4) How a lot have the current bits of reports given the lads a elevate going into 2026?
It’s positively given everybody a elevate. The nominations are nice recognition for the trouble that the lads and the volunteers put in week after week, and it’s at all times good when that will get seen.
On the similar time there’s already a whole lot of momentum going into 2026. Cardiff has grown to 10 groups now which is sensible to see, and throughout each leagues we’re seeing large weight losses and a whole lot of gamers recommitting to their targets for the brand new season.
The popularity helps, however what actually motivates the lads is seeing the progress taking place round them. If you’ve acquired teammates hitting new milestones and golf equipment persevering with to develop, it naturally provides everybody that additional push.
5) What are the subsequent steps for the Welsh golf equipment and Cardiff and Newport specifically? How do you proceed to prosper?
The principle focus is continuous to develop whereas defending the tradition that makes the golf equipment particular. We need to preserve bringing new gamers into the leagues, creating new captains and leaders throughout the groups, and ensuring everybody who walks by way of the door feels supported.
There’s additionally so much we will preserve constructing across the soccer. Group occasions, charity work and social competitions all assist strengthen the bonds between the lads and make the golf equipment greater than only a weekly sport. On the similar time we need to preserve pushing the aggressive facet as effectively with robust groups and competitions that the gamers can actually get behind.
For me personally each Cardiff and Newport maintain a particular place in my coronary heart. I’m fortunate to work with nice gamers and sensible assistant coaches at each golf equipment, and if we preserve specializing in supporting long-term weight reduction whereas conserving that group spirit alive, I’m assured each leagues will proceed to thrive.
Need to be part of the lads?
In case you’re eager to affix as much as both Cardiff or Newport, you may go to www.manvfatfootball.com right this moment to get your self signed up!
