Wonderful Losers 2026: Bradford Rogers

With our Wonderful Losers sport 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 12 months’s sport at Walsall FC. We transfer throughout to Kent and to fulfill certainly one of our Margate Seniors, Bradford Rogers!

Inform us extra about your preliminary causes for becoming a member of MAN v FAT

My preliminary motive for becoming a member of MAN v FAT Soccer was easy – I’d tried every thing else. All of the diets, all of the golf equipment, all of the weight-loss teams, Weight Watchers… every thing. And none of it actually labored for me. However after I noticed MAN v FAT Soccer, one thing clicked. Soccer has all the time been my ardour. I knew I used to be obese, and I knew I wasn’t as wholesome as I must be, however the concept of dropping pounds via soccer instantly sparked my curiosity. It gave me one thing I might genuinely join with – a approach to get more healthy whereas doing one thing I like.

For those who might return in time and discuss to the model of you at the beginning of your weight reduction efforts, what would you inform them concerning the modifications you’ve skilled?

If I might return and inform my greater self one thing, it will in all probability be this: this might work, so give it a go. Actually give it a go. You’ve tried every thing else. Each food plan, each membership, each plan. However this time, keep it up. Belief the method. As a result of it’s not nearly dropping pounds. It’s about staying wholesome, dwelling longer, and being there for your loved ones. It’s about having the ability to run round, kick a ball once more, and really feel happy with your self. And earlier than you realize it, the small steps add up. One session, one week, one weigh-in at a time. And abruptly you realise… you’re doing it.

Who would you wish to thank for his or her assist in your progress?

I’d additionally wish to say an enormous thanks to Adam, the coach. The steerage and encouragement he’s given have been unimaginable. He’s been there, he’s carried out it himself, and he understands the pitfalls alongside the best way. Each single week he takes the time for somewhat chat – How’s it going? You’re doing nicely. Maintain going. Don’t fear, it is going to come. That help makes an actual distinction.

However what’s been simply as vital – perhaps much more vital – are the teammates. The folks I now name buddies. Not simply teammates on a pitch, however genuinely good buddies. The laughter, the camaraderie, the banter each week… it’s been unimaginable. It turns one thing that might really feel like a problem into one thing you truly sit up for being a part of.

What are your future hopes round your well being and wellbeing?

Properly, I really feel like I’ve just about achieved the place I wished to be – not simply with MAN v FAT Soccer, however in life and in enterprise as nicely. I’ve misplaced almost 50% of my weight, which nonetheless feels unimaginable to say. However now I’m beginning to consider what comes subsequent. Possibly it’s about serving to and inspiring others. Serving to folks see that this may work for them too.

I’d like to help MAN v FAT in getting extra folks concerned, particularly older males who may really feel prefer it’s too late or that nothing will work for them. The over-fifties are one of many teams struggling probably the most with weight and well being points, and but we’re a part of the one senior pilot league within the nation in the meanwhile. Think about what might occur if extra of those leagues existed.

One thing like this might genuinely change lives. It might save the NHS and the nation hundreds of thousands by serving to folks change into more healthy earlier than severe issues develop. Truthfully, I feel programmes like this must be prescribed.

How a lot are you wanting ahead to the sport in Could?

I’m actually wanting ahead to the sport in Could. It’s clearly on a a lot bigger scale than what I’m used to, though I do nonetheless play 11-a-side soccer as nicely. Apparently, I typically step in with the youthful teams as a goalkeeper after they want somebody — even serving to out within the raffle to fill in after they’re quick. So soccer continues to be very a lot an enormous a part of my life.

What makes this one much more particular is that I’ll in all probability be the one senior participant concerned, which is kind of thrilling. It’s an ideal alternative to characterize the senior group and present that age doesn’t have to carry you again should you keep energetic and maintain pushing your self.