With our Amazing Losers game on the horizon, we’re spending the days leading up to kick off meeting the lads who’ll be pulling on the shirts in this year’s game at Walsall FC. We go north of the border now, to meet Gary O’Neill from Fife!
Tell us more about your initial reasons for joining MAN v FAT
Following the COVID19 lockdowns I had gained a lot of weight and was really missing playing football. A while later there were a few really unflattering pictures taken at family events, and I discovered that my weight was almost 20 stones, by some coincidence or fate, MAN v FAT ads kept popping up on my Facebook and Instagram feeds. It looked interesting from the football aspect, so I did some research, found my local club, and I’ve been there ever since!
If you could go back in time and talk to the version of you at the start of your weight loss efforts, what would you tell them about the changes you’ve experienced?
It has been a fun and rewarding journey with MAM v FAT. I feel so much healthier now, and I am so much more active in general, and on the football pitch. The buzz I get from seeing the other lads hitting their goals too is fantastic, we are all in it together!
Who would you like to thank for their help in your progress?
Coach Ryan, and club mates including, but not exclusively, Willie Mossie, James Mavor, Alan McKenna, Jordan Cassidy, for providing much needed encouragement and motivation, and some times inspiration!
What are your future hopes around your health and wellbeing?
As a specific hope, I’d love to build up my stamina, and technique to be able to comfortably run at least 5km without walking. Longer term just to maintain my now-healthy BMI and general positive health.
How much are you looking forward to the game in May?
Very much looking forward to getting back onto an 11s pitch, hopefully at the age of 52 I won’t make a fool of myself chasing the youngsters around!
