Stephen has had his personal pleasurable 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 search out out his perspective on taking up 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 group was implausible — 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 by means 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 improve its visibility. Lower than a 12 months into my journey, I stepped up as Assistant Coach at St Helens.
Since then, I’ve run classes, 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 into a thriving neighborhood.
I used to be just lately provided the prospect to turn into Coach — and given my journey to this point, it was a no brainer. I’m now ready to develop a brand new league in its early phases 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?
For 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 had been key. Seeing how my weight reduction immediately contributed to the group’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 surroundings is. It’s not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That decreasing of boundaries is likely one of the most vital components of anybody’s journey right here.
It would sound cliché, however it actually was about small steps. After I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch neighborhood — however it’s come a great distance since then.
One key transfer was beginning different soccer classes exterior of league nights. These gave gamers from completely different groups the prospect to play with one another, not simply in opposition to. 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 night time.
The thrill led to much more engagement: match highlights, milestone celebrations, and occasions exterior 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 bought 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 an enormous half — serving to lads have a good time milestones and share their journey publicly. I additionally wish to develop the 11-a-side aspect of issues, because it’s a good way for gamers to bond exterior of weekly league video games.
One of many largest 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 surroundings I’ll be encouraging right here.
What have your early impressions of the membership been?
It’s a league full of excellent lads who’re clearly dedicated — each to weight reduction and enjoying as a lot soccer as attainable.
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 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 out there to assist each member of the league nevertheless I can.
That mentioned, I’ll additionally push for extra — extra progress, extra help, and a greater league for everybody. Aintree has the potential to turn into a thriving, award-winning MAN v FAT membership, and I’m right here to assist paved the way.
Wish to be a part of Stephen at Aintree?
In case you’re able to get on prime 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!