In among our MAN v FAT coaching community, we have some incredible coaches. And within that number, there are many coaches who pick up more than one MAN v FAT club in their area.
Up and down the country, our MAN v FAT clubs grow their own identity – often in line with the part of the UK that they’re from – and that is led by the men or women who lead those sessions.
One coach who picks up two clubs is Tom Irving, who looks after two clubs in Colchester. Both clubs have close ties with League Two side Colchester United, with one played on the astroturf facilities at the stadium site, whilst the other takes place at the Colchester United Community Foundation’s venue on the other side of town.
Here’s what Tom had to say about his two clubs.
As a coach of two clubs in Colchester, what are the similarities and differences between the two groups?
Players bounce off of one another in both clubs – when one player takes it by the scruff of the neck and take action on their health, others step up too.
Social proof is key in both clubs – when you see people hitting milestones it shows it can be done.
We are a support network for all lads, both clubs have strong connections as they are all in it for the same purpose. The seasons structure allows for teams to have 3 seasons together before a reshuffle via the draft, and this enables new connections to be made. It’s great.
Colchester Wednesdays
The Wednesday club have a fantastic weigh-in area in the form of Legends Suite at stadium. Football is usually on TV, players have a coffee, snack and chat before and after sessions. It’s a great opportunity to share ideas and socialize.
We have a dominant team in the form of the Black team, dominating on the pitch pitch and even sorting out the weight loss for last season too. This doesn’t necessarily pose a problem, especially with drafts due. The players like the challenge but also know a draft isn’t far off.
Shrub End Thursdays
They are an incredibly supportive group with strong intra and inter team connections built. They are genuinely happy for one another when someone does well and motivated by other players and teams success.
Partly due to the pitch being larger, but most teams are evenly matched with pitch usually 1-2 goals between it, and overall it’s nice and close too. Last week we had a draw and an 8-7 win!
The clubs are among the longest standing in MAN v FAT. How do they keep their focus on weight loss and what types of communities have you built?
The players are aware of the history at our Colchester clubs and know that we have some of the highest net weight loss over the years. They see individual weight loss achievements and strive to achieve this for themselves too.
Some of the players post their updates on our WhatsApp chats and receive great engagement from players. They utilize the new platform and like having their journeys presented in a clear and sequential way.
We often do challenges including exercise bingo, steps challenges, fakeaways and many more. The lads always engage well.
If there are any guys in the local area who are thinking of joining, what would you say?
To any new chaps wanting to join, I would urge them to either come and watch, sign up for a trial or take the leap of faith that hundreds before them have.
Their coach has been a Dietitian, as well as Head Performance Nutritionist at Ipswich Town FC for 5 years and is the longest serving coach at MAN v FAT (to best of my knowledge) so has helped 100s of players lose 10s of thousands of kgs over the last 9 years.
Above all is urge them to DO SOMETHING FOR THEMSELVES…we spend our lives prioritising others, but to better help them, we have to first help ourselves.
Want to get started?
If you’re based in the Colchester area and want to get started with MAN v FAT, then you can register on our website at either the Colchester Stadium or Shrub End club. We look forward to seeing you soon!
