Our Welsh community has been a longstanding success story for MAN v FAT with a host of vibrant clubs representing the best of what we do within the programme.
2026 has not only seen the Welsh clubs well represented within the Awards shortlists, but they’ve also got a host of representation in this year’s Amazing Losers squads.
Those lads will no doubt enjoy being managed by Neville Southall and, ahead of this year’s events, we caught up with Cardiff and Newport coach James Stanford to talk about their positive story.
1) How proud are you of the lads who’ve received nominations, the nominations you’ve received at club level and how has this been received by the community?
Unbelievably proud. I’m lucky to be the coach of two amazing clubs in South Wales, with brilliant players and exceptional assistant coaches. Both clubs have really been happy with their nominations.
MAN v FAT Football Cardiff has been going since 2018 – one of the longest running clubs in the UK. In South Wales we have so many amazing clubs it’s always hard to stand out, but this year we’ve really good run of things and are reaping the rewards. A Club of the Year nomination has just topped off a great year.
At MAN v FAT Football Newport I have one of the best teams I’ve ever coached in Fatletitgo Madri. They’re such a committed bunch. They’ve been together in everything they’ve come up against, including the sad death of a teammate’s wife just a few months ago.
Finally, we have MAN v FAT Cardiff player Nick Fudge – a stalwart of the league. Fudgie is absolutely the right guy to be nominated as MVP. He galvanises the league and sets the tone for the success we have.
2) The Welsh clubs have always been at the forefront of what’s best about MAN v FAT – how have you kept that culture going for so long?
I think the big thing in South Wales is the sense of community. Across Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea and Bridgend there’s a real togetherness between the clubs and the coaches. Everyone wants the same thing for the lads – to feel welcome, to enjoy their football and to improve their health.
At club level we’ve worked really hard to keep things friendly, welcoming and positive while still having that competitive edge. A lot of that comes from the leadership within the leagues. We’ve got fantastic captains and players who set the tone for others, and the WhatsApp groups are always full of banter which helps build that camaraderie.
It’s also about giving people ways to connect beyond the weekly game. In Newport we’ve got a really thriving darts competition going on, and over the years we’ve had golf days, walking groups and other bits happening too. Those things help the lads build real friendships, and once that happens the culture almost takes care of itself.
3) You’re also well represented within the Amazing Losers squads – talk to us about the lads involved and why you think the club environment has given them the platform to succeed?
We’ve got some incredible stories coming out of the Welsh clubs and I’m really proud that several of our lads are part of the Amazing Losers squads. From Cardiff you’ve got Andrew Millar, Igor Camara, Adam Watts, Alex Williams and David Quinn – and every one of them has achieved unbelievable weight loss. Quinn, for example, has lost over 77kg which is just extraordinary.
From Newport we’ve got Jordan Lewis who has also done something incredible, losing over 50kg and more than 40% of his body weight. Those kinds of transformations don’t happen by accident.
What they all have in common is consistency and the support of the people around them. They lead by example for their teams and the wider leagues, and I think the club environment plays a massive part in that. When you’re surrounded by teammates who are all working towards similar goals it pushes you to keep going and gives you that accountability every week.
4) How much have the recent bits of news given the lads a lift going into 2026?
It’s definitely given everyone a lift. The nominations are great recognition for the effort that the lads and the volunteers put in week after week, and it’s always nice when that gets noticed.
At the same time there’s already a lot of momentum going into 2026. Cardiff has grown to ten teams now which is brilliant to see, and across both leagues we’re seeing big weight losses and a lot of players recommitting to their goals for the new season.
The recognition helps, but what really motivates the lads is seeing the progress happening around them. When you’ve got teammates hitting new milestones and clubs continuing to grow, it naturally gives everyone that extra push.
5) What are the next steps for the Welsh clubs and Cardiff and Newport in particular? How do you continue to prosper?
The main focus is continuing to grow while protecting the culture that makes the clubs special. We want to keep bringing new players into the leagues, developing new captains and leaders within the teams, and making sure everyone who walks through the door feels supported.
There’s also a lot we can keep building around the football. Community events, charity work and social competitions all help strengthen the bonds between the lads and make the clubs more than just a weekly game. At the same time we want to keep pushing the competitive side as well with strong teams and competitions that the players can really get behind.
For me personally both Cardiff and Newport hold a special place in my heart. I’m lucky to work with great players and brilliant assistant coaches at both clubs, and if we keep focusing on supporting long-term weight loss while keeping that community spirit alive, I’m confident both leagues will continue to thrive.
Want to join the lads?
If you’re keen to join up to either Cardiff or Newport, you can visit www.manvfatfootball.com today to get yourself signed up!
