May saw a host of new MAN v FAT Soccer leagues go live, welcoming many new men into the international MAN v FAT community.
A second league got started in Carrollton in Texas, and the guys there were joined by fellow new starters in Elkins Park and Hatfield (Pennsylvania), Jacksonville (Florida), Katy and West Houston (Texas).
Over the course of their first season, we’re going to be keeping track of the progress of a number of the new men and their experiences at MAN v FAT. Our thanks to all of them for taking part!
Gamaliel Claudio, Katy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m unemployed right now, so I take the kids to school, watch TV, coordinate Church things, try to work on my yard, pick up the kids, take them to practice and weekends is family time and Sundays to Church.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I was the heaviest I ever been; plus my kids. I’m bringing my experience of losing some weight without feeling anxious – I have discovered that there more people like me (no experience in soccer) that I can help and talk with them from a more understanding perspective.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Accepting, no pressure or offense, so really a welcoming and encouraging spirit from everybody.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Lose the weight that I gained during my break from my previous league at MAN v FAT Soccer and make more than a team – a group of friends to walk this road together.
Stephen Baker, Carrollton (Wednesdays)
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m a single dad and an attorney, but let’s be honest, the kids are the harder job. I do all the fun stuff to get them out the door for school each day, then I rush to work, grab a fast food breakfast sandwich and then follow it up with something equally greasy for lunch. I try and cook decently for the kids, but with band, sports, school, friends, and homework, I don’t always do the best job. After I get them off to bed, I usually enjoy an alcoholic nightcap.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
Well, obviously, I don’t have the healthiest lifestyle and I would like to make a positive change. But on top of that, I want to be able to just play soccer again. I’m 50 years old, have had multiple knee and back surgeries, and I miss simply having a kick about. On top of being a single dad, it would be nice to have something for me with guys my age, too.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
The league seems really positive and supportive. It wasn’t embarrassing to be old, slow, and hopelessly out of shape. To be fair, there are some guys who can really play, but the vibe is one of getting out there and doing it. Sure, you wanna win, but no one was being a jerk about it.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
My first goal is to simply play a game without needing to die. I’m a goalie, so I dont need to run as much, but even then… I was absolutely wiped out. Afterwards, my knees hurt a ton. They haven’t been asked to run in anger in a decade. And my goal is to get to a place where after a game, I feel good. Tired, yes, but not needing to wrap myself in a bag of ice.
Roberto Rodriguez, West Houston
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
During the week I’m working as a EHS coordinator in Katy, TX and when I’m not at work I’m either spending time with my girlfriend, playing video games or playing pick up soccer with friends.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
So originally I signed up because I was gaining a lot of weight pushing close to 300lbs and was trying to find motivation to be more active again. Back in September/October 2025 was the first time that I saw and heard of MAN v FAT on social media and my first impressions were that I honestly didn’t believe it. Well I signed up, because I thought why not and fast forward to present day, I’m about to commence my third season with MAN v FAT North Houston and also my first season here at West Houston as an assistant coach/player.
When I started back in October I was 297lbs and yesterday I weighed in at 231 lbs, a total of 66lbs. The reason why I wanted to join the West Houston league was because I wanted to be an assistant coach and I want to help inspire the next group of guys that are thinking about or wanting to start their weight loss journey just like how I was at the beginning.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
First impressions for West Houston were awesome. Our first night everyone lost weight and the game was very fun! We have a great group of guys and I’m sure this season will be filled with many milestones and memories being shared amongst one another. I’m super excited to be here with them and it brings back memories to my first night when I joined and getting to know everyone and what the program is about.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
For the first few weeks, I just wanna make sure that everybody gets acclimated to how MAN v FAT works and what it’s all about. I’m looking forward to working with our coach Zac and make sure everything runs smoothly and support him in every way. Lastly I just want everyone to have a great time and make our community even better and hopefully inspire others just how it has inspired me.
Alfonso Lozano, Houston
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m an IT Sales Engineer, husband and father of 3. I’m now an active soccer player and still moving towards my best form possible.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
2024 I was the biggest I had ever been at 367lbs and I could barely run or kick a ball. My son is a club soccer player and I couldn’t coach him and keep him active while I was as big as I was. I started to improve my life and started improve my fitness. I saw the ad for MAN v FAT and wanted to return to my youth of playing soccer while walking the walk and talking the talk in coaching my son.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Incredible guys, great energy and everyone supports each other regardless of team.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
I want to see my team grow and succeed on the scales and pitch. The idea isn’t to just win the league but help men win their life and health back.
Jon Niles, Elkins Park
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m 39 years old. I live in the Germantown area of Philadelphia with my wife and our four rabbits! My day-to-day these days is waking up and feeding my furry children, feeding myself, getting my wife ready for work, and then getting work done around the house. I try to get in some exercise or stretching, but a knee injury last year resulted in weight gain and lack of movement. That’s why I joined MAN v FAT Soccer.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I grew up playing and also played in some adult leagues when I lived in NYC. Now that my knee injury is more manageable, I wanted to get back into soccer and lose the extra pounds I’ve put on. The way that MAN v FAT is set up is ideal for my goals!
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Opening night for the Elkins Park league was great! There was great information shared, and it got me really excited to get started. Then, when we got onto the field to kick the ball around, I was excited to see how good everyone is. I’m definitely very excited to play, get to know my new teammates, and work together to reach our goals.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
I’m aiming to get back into the flow of the game, score some sick goals, and lose some weight!
Want to join the guys in action?
You can check out all of our current MAN v FAT Soccer locations by visiting www.manvfatsoccer.com!
We’ve got several more stories to tell over the next few days – and we’ll be back in touch with the guys in a couple of weeks’ time!
