We continue our My First Season series by visiting four more of our new starters from May 2026.
Getting underway with your MAN v FAT experience can often be a big first step, so we wanted to speak to several of our new starters and follow their progress.
Here’s our next batch of guys – a huge thanks again for their time.
Brian Lafonte, Katy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m a 48 year old, married (20 years this year) father of 1 son (14yr old). I work from home as a software/database global SME. I lift 3 days a week, cycle indoor twice a week and cycle outdoors once a week. I was coaching rec soccer for the past 10 years. I retired from that this season.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I signed up with MAN v FAT to have a team that holds me accountable as as well as playing some soccer. My weight has been bouncing between 210 and 220 for 6 months. I need external goals to keep me consistent.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
My first impressions were positive. It’s a positive atmosphere and the soccer – While competitive – isn’t overly serious. Safety and exercise were the main focus.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Get my weight loss consistently headed in the right direction. No extra non-super healthy meals (I have pho once a week). I would also like to have our team dominate on and off the pitch.
Bryan Kuhn, Carrollton Wednesdays
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
My name is Bryan, I’m an Air Force veteran and for the last 8 years I’ve been working in healthcare at a level 1 trauma hospital. My wife and I have been married for 10 years, and I’m the father of 2 young boys ages 7 and 6.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I have always enjoyed participating in competitive sports at a recreational level, but over the last decade my health and weight goals have been slipping more and more. As my kids are now getting into sports and becoming more active, it made me realize I wanted to get back into becoming more active as well. This is both to be more engaged with them as well as for my own health.
I was searching for a local sports league that wouldn’t feel too intimidating to get into while I worked on getting back into shape, and when I saw an ad for MAN v FAT, it sounded exactly like what I was looking for.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
On orientation night, I was very happy to see everyone there being very supportive and respectful to each other. Even in the first scrimmage, there were cheers of encouragement from all sides, and overall was a very positive experience that made me excited to get started.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
For these first few weeks, I really just want to work on my cardio and stamina, because even during the orientation scrimmage, I was winded after just a few minutes, which was very humbling. Long term, my starting weigh-in was 275.4, and my overall goal is to get down to around 215 by the end of the year.
Rogelio Arenas, West Houston
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m a 28 year old General Manager, so my day-to-day is usually pretty busy with 10 to 12 hour shifts at work. Outside of work, I’m still fairly new to Houston, so on my days off I enjoy exploring the city, going on walks, and trying new foods. Most nights are pretty simple though, I’ll get home, cook dinner, and unwind with some video games or TV.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I came across an ad on Instagram and had already been looking for a way to get back into sports while also making new connections. MAN v FAT felt like a great fit because it seemed like a supportive environment where I could focus on both my health and meeting people.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
My first night was honestly a little nerve wracking, especially going into something new, but everyone was really welcoming and supportive right away. It made things feel a lot more comfortable. When I joined the West Houston league, I came in with the mindset of helping others feel welcomed the same way the Tuesday Houston group made me feel. Having Terry involved was awesome too, and the group dynamic felt really natural.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
For the first few weeks, I’m really hoping to build some meaningful relationships while improving my overall health. My biggest focus areas are mobility, diet, and becoming more active socially while getting back into sports.
Rodz Amazan, Elkins Park
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
My name is Rodz Amazan, I am originally from the Republic of Haiti I’m 34 years old and have lived in the US for the past 24 years. I have always loved football, played as a kid a lot and as a teen.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I signed up because, I wanted to get back into shape. At my age I was feeling older than I am and as I age I didn’t want it to get worse. MAN v FAT offered the opportunity for me to start getting active with people that I can relate with so I jumped at the opportunity.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
First night was great. I enjoyed the breakdown of how everything worked and the guys were great too.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
The first few weeks I hope I can lose enough weight to keep myself motivated and help my team score some off the pitch goals.
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!
