Our MAN v FAT Soccer league in Houston has been a huge success since it got underway midway through 2025, with the guys there having lost nearly 900lbs of weight so far.
As so with so many of our MAN v FAT communities in the US and UK, it’s the power of community that provides a real support network for men of all backgrounds.
And that peer to peer support has played a big part in Cameron Roberts’ weight loss progress over recent months.
Cameron is nearly 50lbs down since getting underway with MAN v FAT Soccer in June and it’s help set him on a positive path. We caught up with him to find out why it’s been so positive.
1) What was it that encouraged you to join MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place? What were the personal/health reasons?
I had a health scare in spring 2022 when I was 410lbs and a borderline alcoholic after the pandemic. I quit drinking and started running. In 2023 & 2024, each year I ran over 30 events including 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons.
Despite being an overall much healthier person, I struggled to get much below 335lbs. I was happy with being healthier, but finally wanted to lose the weight for good. My dad is from Liverpool (we’re massive fans…not as fun this year!) so I’d heard of MAN v FAT Football before, and took MAN v FAT Soccer Houston launching this summer as a sign to make the leap.
2) Have you tried to diet previously by other methods? Why do you think MAN v FAT has worked for you?
I lost 70lbs (410>340) in a year by quitting drinking and running 10+ miles a week after that health scare. However I yo-yo’d between 330-340 after that despite maintaining a fairly active and far healthier lifestyle.
MAN v FAT has worked for me because of the accountability, both personally and jointly with my team. Personally, making myself track the food, and having to write down the junk I was eating made even buying it much less appealing. Picking a salad instead of BBQ was easy when I was doing it for the team. Cutting out the cookies was easy because I hated having to write it down. Healthy choices felt like wins instead “something I should probably do.”
3) Why do you feel that the Houston league has been so successful?
First and foremost, Coach Zac is the man. He’s always positive, whether you’re struggling or crushing it he’s going to motivate you with no shaming and just good tips for your diet and workout.
Second, the guys are just great. I think because of the nature of MAN v FAT Soccer, we’re all here to lose weight so everyone is incredibly supportive and it makes for a great atmosphere. We’re a very diverse group and I’ve met some of the nicest guys you’d want to meet here.
4) What are your future ambitions and targets around your weight and health?
I honestly didn’t think I’d get this far. I wanted to have some fun and hoped to cut off 15-20lbs. But then I saw myself in the top 3 of the % lost after a couple weeks, and was determined to make the podium by the end of the season, whatever that took diet and exercise wise. These guys pushed me HARD and we lost a ton of weight together, and I finished third in the end.
Now I figure I’m going to keep going for it and see where it takes me. I’m down 48lbs now after shedding some injury weight. Maybe not as drastic as the first season though. The great thing is there is no set diet to follow with MAN v FAT, your coach will work with you whatever you want to do.
I aimed to lose 3lbs/week season 1. This season I’m cool with making that 1.5lbs and adding cheese to my burritos again. The goal is just to lose each week, there’s wiggle room in that, which makes the program effective for me.
5) What would your message be to any guy thinking of joining MAN v FAT Soccer?
I get being nervous about it. I’ve been the fat kid my whole life, and dealt with being bullied for my weight when I’ve tried playing sports. That, and having genuinely no natural ability on the ball, made me stay away from something I knew I’d really enjoy.
But its different here. Nobody is going to judge, because we’ve all been there too. I’ve felt nothing but support from every single guy in the club. We’re all here to have fun with friends and be kids kicking a ball around, getting healthy together in the process.
Want to join Cameron in Houston?
There is soon to be a second league launching in Houston! To book your spot in any of our MAN v FAT Soccer leagues, take a look at our website today.
