MAN v FAT member Kieran Reynolds has been leading the way when it comes to talking about his lived experience with autism, dyspraxia and dyslexia.
Kieran, who has just celebrated his first year as a member with MAN v FAT Sutton, was recently invited to present in front of a group at Sutton Mental Health Foundation, where he also volunteers.
He spoke about his lived experiences and also how MAN v FAT has supported his health and wellbeing over the past twelve months.
We caught up with his coach Nicola Stearn and with Kieran himself to find out more.
KIERAN’S ANSWERS
How has MAN v FAT supported you to achieve your weight loss and wellbeing goals?
My weight is something I had been conscious about for a long time. Previous attempts to lose weight had mostly been unsuccessful, partly because I would try to be perfect. I would then lose motivation when I was struggling and end up going back to bad habits. I have always been passionate about football and being able to combine weight less with one of my special interests made a big difference. I also found it very helpful to meet others who are going on the same weight loss journey and we are able to support each other.
Part of my motivation for joining to improve my mental health and meet new people. When I signed up for MAN v FAT in May 2025, my mental health was in bad place. I was finding it difficult to motivate myself to meet new people and try new things.
Attending our sessions on a Friday night has allowed me to meet so many people in a structured environment which has been extremely beneficial. I was unable to play between October and March due to illness and surgery but I would come down on a Friday night when I was well enough so I could continue to be part of the club and this was extremely beneficial during my recovery.
How supportive have Nicola and the rest of the community been in helping you with your additional needs?
When I first joined MAN v FAT, I was not sure what to expect. When Nicola contacted me after I signed up, I told her that I was Autistic, Dyslexic and Dyspraxic. She reassured me that I would be welcome and supported. She also provided clear guidance of what to expect. Nicola and her assistant coaches Adam and Tom have been incredibly supportive since I joined and have always been willing to talk and discuss anything with me when needed.
My first captain, Owen, also did a lot to help me settle in and introduced me to others at the club. He also encouraged me to attend social events outside of our regular Friday sessions and made sure I was welcome.
I will be first to admit that I am not a particularly good footballer. Dyspraxia impacts my coordination and motor skills. My childhood dreams of emulating my childhood football hero Alan Shearer were short lived! Despite this, everyone has been extremely understanding and I have never felt unwanted.
How much has the weight loss meant to you and how has it improved your physical and mental health?
I passed my 15% milestone in December, just over six months after joining. When I attended my first session last May, I was struggling to move around the pitch and was not able to last very long before going off. Since then I have become far more mobile and I am starting to become more confident about my body.
I was extremely self conscious about my weight before I joined and I am now able to look at photos of myself without cringing. I now have a healthy blood pressure which had not been the case for years. I still have ambitions to lose more weight but I feel so much better already and this has undoubtedly had a positive impact on both my physical and mental health.
NICOLA’S ANSWERS
How have you and your community supported Kieran to ensure he is looked after appropriately in the club?
We have supported Kieran by creating an environment where he feels safe, understood, and included. As a club, we’ve taken time to learn about his individual needs, preferences, and any triggers that may cause him discomfort or anxiety. This has allowed us to adapt our approach – for example, by giving clear instructions, maintaining consistent routines, and providing extra time when needed.
Within the club, we’ve encouraged awareness and understanding so that other members are supportive and inclusive, helping Kieran feel like a valued part of the group.
Overall, my main focus as coach has been on ensuring he is not just accommodated, but genuinely included and able to enjoy his time at the club. And I would like to think his mental health that was poor when he joined the club, has improved significantly and we have been able to help with that. And his weight loss has been incredible, most recently hitting his 15%.
What experiences of supporting autism did you have prior to meeting Kieran and how has this developed by working with him?
Prior to meeting Kieran, my experience of supporting autism was mainly personal, as I have a two-year-old Freya who is currently on the pathway to being diagnosed with autism. Through this, I had already started to develop an understanding of the challenges and differences in communication, behaviour, and sensory needs that can be associated with autism. It has helped me become more patient, observant, and aware of the importance of routine and clear communication.
However, working with Kieran has further developed my understanding in a practical setting. It has shown me how important it is to adapt approaches to suit the individual, as autism presents differently in each person. I’ve learned to be more flexible in how I communicate, give instructions, and respond to situations, as well as the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
This experience has strengthened both my confidence and my empathy. It has allowed me to apply what I am learning in my personal life while also developing new skills in a team environment, helping me better support individuals with additional needs now and in the future.
Want to know more?
A huge thank you to Nicola and Kieran for their answers and for bringing this great story to our attention. We wish Kieran every success with his ongoing weight loss and time with the club!
If you want to read more about the Sutton Mental Health Foundation, you can visit their website. To sign up for MAN v FAT Sutton, visit their club homepage!
