Stephen has had his personal pleasing 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 seek out out his perspective on taking over his first teaching position and his goals for the months forward.
Inform us about your MAN v FAT story thus far and your progress with us
I joined MAN v FAT in February 2023 as a participant. My first crew was improbable — though we weren’t the strongest on the pitch, they helped me perceive the scoring system and the way getting caught in may assist us win. We ended up profitable the league, which felt superb 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 best way, I noticed a possibility to assist develop the league and improve its visibility. Lower than a yr into my journey, I stepped up as Assistant Coach at St Helens.
Since then, I’ve run periods, motivated lads to drop extra pounds, and developed an actual starvation to assist much more folks. The league has grown to eight groups and change into a thriving neighborhood.
I used to be just lately supplied the prospect to change into Coach — and given my journey thus far, 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?
or 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 instantly contributed to the crew’s success — profitable medals and certificates — gave me a way of accomplishment I’d by no means felt in soccer.
What actually units MAN v FAT aside is how open the setting is. It’s now not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That decreasing of obstacles is without doubt one of the most vital elements of anybody’s journey right here.
It’d sound cliché, nevertheless it actually was about small steps. Once I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch neighborhood — nevertheless it’s come a great distance since then.
One key transfer was beginning different soccer periods 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 onerous to develop it. This allowed groups to showcase their achievements and assist one another past match evening.
The thrill led to much more engagement: match highlights, milestone celebrations, and occasions exterior of soccer. Now, the neighborhood is completely thriving, and it’s been superb to see so many lads step up and contribute to it.
Based mostly 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 have a good time 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 exterior 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 sort of setting 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 taking part in as a lot soccer as doable.
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 steering, dedication, and expertise to assist 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 mentioned, I’ll additionally push for extra — extra progress, extra assist, and a greater league for everybody. Aintree has the potential to change into a thriving, award-winning MAN v FAT membership, and I’m right here to assist prepared the ground.
Need to be a part of Stephen at Aintree?
When 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!
