Up and down the UK, MAN v FAT delivers its Football and Rugby programmes with the support of incredible club community programmes.
Working with clubs allows us to support their fanbase to improve their health and wellbeing and MAN v FAT can also add something different to their community engagement mix.
We love working with clubs of all levels and sizes and we caught up with Emma Schofield from long standing partner Rotherham United Community Trust for her perspective.
How proud are you of your part in MAN v FAT reaching this momentous landmark?
We are incredibly proud to have played a part in MAN v FAT reaching this remarkable milestone. Rotherham was one of the first leagues in the country to launch, and the fact that we are still engaging more than 60 men every Friday evening all these years later is testament to the programme’s success.
While the scale of the weight loss achieved is hugely impressive, what makes us most proud is the impact those changes have had on participants’ physical health, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life. To have been involved from the pilot phase and to see the programme grow into something that has helped so many men across the country is incredibly rewarding.
How does MAN v FAT fit into the Trust’s mix of programmes to support local health and wellbeing?
MAN v FAT is a unique and valuable part of our health and wellbeing offer because it specifically engages men through a shared passion for football. As part of our male focused programmes, it provides a lifestyle intervention that appeals to men who may not typically access traditional health services.
The programme gives participants the opportunity to play football in an environment designed for them, often at a stage when they feel unable to take part in mainstream sport.
Alongside the physical benefits, we’ve seen a tremendous impact on confidence, mental wellbeing and social connection. The positive influence also extends beyond participants themselves, reaching families, friends and wider communities.
MAN v FAT plays a key role in supporting our vision Everyone in Rotherham; United, Successful and Living Well.
What role do Trusts like yours have in engaging hard-to-reach men?
Supporting hard to reach men is one of our key priorities. We know that many of these groups experience some of the biggest health inequalities, yet they can often be the least likely to engage with traditional support services.
As the charitable arm of Rotherham United, we are in a unique position to use the power of the club badge and a familiar, non clinical environment to build trust and create meaningful connections. That trusted relationship enables us to engage men who may otherwise not seek help and support them to make positive, lasting changes to their health and wellbeing.
Why do you think MAN v FAT works so well for guys looking to make health improvements?
The programme works because it is built around something that many men already love, football. It provides a straightforward, relatable approach to improving health, which resonates strongly with participants.
The combination of camaraderie, friendly competition and team accountability helps keep men engaged over the long term. Players support one another, celebrate successes together and often feel motivated because they don’t want to let their teammates down.
For many participants, the opportunity to play football again is life changing. Some never thought they would return to the pitch, so being able to do so in a supportive environment is a powerful motivator. The Friday evening format also works well, particularly for men who work away during the week, while offering a healthy alternative to the traditional end of week takeaway and drinks.
What has been the highlight of the Trust’s involvement with MAN v FAT?
The biggest highlight has been seeing the life changing impact the programme has had on participants. We’ve witnessed improvements not only in physical health, but also in mental wellbeing, confidence and social connectedness.
Over the years we’ve seen lasting friendships develop, support networks form and men help one another through difficult periods in their lives. We’ve seen participants reduce their reliance on medication, return to work, improve family relationships and achieve goals they never thought possible. To see a programme still thriving after eight years and continuing to change lives is something we are incredibly proud of.
What are your future plans for the MAN v FAT Rotherham club?
Our ambition is to continue growing the programme and return to an eight team league so that even more men can benefit from the support it provides.
We are also keen to secure additional funding that will allow us to offer subsidised places for men from underserved communities and help increase the diversity of the programme. Ultimately, we want to ensure that as many men as possible have access to the life changing benefits that MAN v FAT can offer.
