Since getting started in 2024, MAN v FAT Soccer has helped men lose over 10,000lbs of excess weight and make countless health improvements.
May saw another batch of MAN v FAT Soccer leagues go live and we’ve been catching up with some of the newest recruits to the MAN v FAT community to find out their reasons for getting started.
Amgad Albukari, Katy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
My name is Amgad, but everyone calls me Migo. I own a construction company with my brothers here in Houston, so we work in an office or from home sometimes. I work everyday from 7 to 5 in the office, sometimes more sometimes less. Usually after that I hangout with my friends to eat out or rarely cook food at home. I then get back home and finish my day on my PC.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
My friend Haadi, who is captin of the purple team, convinced me to do so because we were not very active and started to gain a lot of weight. So we both signed up together.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
I felt really included and where I belonged, because everyone had the same issue as I did. We all got tired fast and it wasn’t embarrassing to say that you wanted to sub that fast. Also I am usually self aware of my appearance so I always tried to hide my belly, but here it didn’t bother me that much.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Hopefully lose a bunch of weight, improve my stamina, and get rid of this belly!
Javier Bray, Katy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
My name is Javier Bray – I’m from Argentina so love soccer or futbol as we call it. I have lived in the USA for 28 years.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I signed up because it was the perfect combination of futbol and a weight loss program!
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
It was amazing, I was not alone in this journey and everybody welcomed me.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Try to fit with the program, make new friends and get all the help that I can to achieve my goals on losing weight and get a better routine.
Joan Alvarenga, Carrollton Wednesdays
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I am a 28 year old aspiring actor – I loved acting all my life as well as soccer. The 2 hobbies have been a huge part of my life since I was 5. I work as a store manager at Paymore Electronics and before this my physical activities were non existent. I moved from Houston to Irving and I’m glad I joined this program as it has ignited a flame in me to do better.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I signed up because I was tired of seeing myself in the mirror and see how far I had let myself go. I love soccer, so I couldn’t let this chance go where I can enjoy the sport again and lose weight.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
When the presentation was going on, I was kinda nervous but as it was all explained and I saw the room, I was in I felt safe to pursue my goal to lose weight and play some good soccer.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
My aim is to see how far I can go with losing weight. I want to look the best I can for my marriage in November and this is the first steps I have taken to ensure that. I’m excited for the journey!
Jose Molina, West Houston
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m 41. I’m an attorney working in-house at a renewables EPC. My day to day is either working from home or in office and I’m pretty busy all the time from 8-5:30. I’m burned out by 5:30 typically. Before moving in-house, I was a firm working 50-60 hour weeks. I live alone and it’s hard to cook for one.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I joined because I love soccer since a kid. I’ve always played rec leagues, and was playing as late as 2021 in a league with with law school friends. But they are all late 20s or early 30s, many former college athletes and I couldn’t keep up anymore, and I’ve missed playing ever since. I saw ads for MAN v FAT and thought it was a great opportunity to get back into it, while getting healthier, and at a level I could have fun playing (no one likes being on the receiving end of a 14-2 drubbing).
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
I was surprised at the level of camaraderie. It was great to see everyone’s positive attitude. Everyone is there for the same reason and I think that helps everyone let the guard down and be themselves and have fun.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Aim to: get to know everyone at the club; continue to lose weight; build stamina and strength; have fun!
Stephen Arbour, Elkins Park
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m 53 years old, and have struggled with weight loss for years. I work out consistently, at least 5 days a week, but I have a sedentary desk job in financial software. I have two boys, 11 and 14, and we like to go on hikes or kayaking on the weekend.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I enjoy playing soccer/football, but haven’t had much opportunity as an adult, except when my kids played in local rec leagues. I see it as a great way to improve my accountability in my weight loss journey, while also having a great time!
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Ha! We’re all nervous and scared and more capable than we realize.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Get to know my team. Remember how to play. Start good habits around tracking meals and workouts (thank god for the Smart Watch here). Just have fun!
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!
