Stephen prepared to assist Aintree to prosper

Stephen has had his personal gratifying 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 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 workforce was improbable — 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 profitable the league, which felt superb after over 10 years away from soccer.

I smashed by 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 periods, motivated lads to drop extra pounds, and developed an actual starvation to help much more folks. The league has grown to eight groups and change into a thriving group.

I used to be 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 levels 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 group and the dedication of the opposite gamers that made it work. I’d struggled with motivation earlier than, however these first few weeks have been key. Seeing how my weight reduction instantly contributed to the workforce’s success — profitable 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 setting is. It’s not taboo to speak about weight, meals, and well being. That reducing of boundaries is without doubt one of the most essential components of anybody’s journey right here.

It’d sound cliché, but it surely actually was about small steps. After I joined, there was already a budding off-pitch group — but it surely’s come a good distance since then.

One key transfer was beginning different soccer periods outdoors of league nights. These gave gamers from completely different groups the prospect to play with one another, not simply towards. 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 laborious to develop it. This allowed groups to showcase their achievements and help one another past match evening.

The excitement led to much more engagement: match highlights, milestone celebrations, and occasions outdoors of soccer. Now, the group is totally thriving, and it’s been superb 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 a giant half — serving to lads have a good time milestones and share their journey publicly. I additionally need to develop the 11-a-side aspect of issues, because it’s an effective way for gamers to bond outdoors of weekly league video games.

One of many largest learnings from St Helens is simply how essential 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 enjoying as a lot soccer as doable.

The welcome I’ve had has been good, 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 nonetheless 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 change into a thriving, award-winning MAN v FAT membership, and I’m right here to assist cleared the path.

Wish to be a part of Stephen at Aintree?

In the event 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!