2024 saw MAN v FAT venture into action with balls of a different kind, as we launched our MAN v FAT Rugby programme.
MAN v FAT Cheltenham was first out of the blocks, with Birmingham and Leicester not too far behind. The programme as a whole has helped guys lose a collective 3,245kg to date, with Cheltenham clocking up 356kg of that by the time they had their final weigh-in of year one at the start of September.
We caught up with coach Nick Jackson for his views on how the lads have fared.
How much have you enjoyed the first year of MAN v FAT Cheltenham Rugby?
The enjoyment I have felt in my first year as Health and Wellness coach for MAN v FAT Rugby has been unmatched in any coaching environment I have been in. The opportunity to see these guys weekly, spend time with them and support them towards their goals has been so rewarding. On a basic level, I simply enjoy hanging out with them and hearing about their week and getting into the fun social conversations you hear on touchlines up and down the land.
What have been the highlights of those first twelve months?
- Seeing MAN v FAT Rugby flourish as I knew it would.
- Having exposure to the Rugby World and wider rugby community to sell the virtues of the programme and its successes.
- Having our first 20%.
- Having a father and son come into the group and challenge and grow one another to hit some cool targets.
- Seeing the consistency of the lads to turn up each week and enjoying each others’ company.
- Seeing the boys who have not done any sport since school, come in and get active and realise their physical potential.
- The fact that MAN v FAT Cheltenham is like a legitimate rugby club in terms of its values and environment.
Talk to us about the community the guys have created there?
Straight forward this one. No matter who joins, they are integrated straight away and the feedback is always that the boys create a welcoming and warm environment. I could not be prouder of this.
Why has MAN v FAT worked for the men who have been a part of the Rugby programme?
The men have reconnected to a sport they fell out of, maybe because of physical challenges or personal circumstances. Some have been on the sidelines for years as fans and wanting to find a more user friendly version of the game and MAN v FAT Rugby has given them that opportunity to play the sport they have loved watching. They have seen through the discipline of the programme that they can change their physical and mental wellbeing themselves but also with the support of the boys around them.
What are you hoping to achieve in Year Two?
More of the same!
Want to get involved?
Take a look at our MAN v FAT Rugby website to see our current locations. Don’t see your home town or city? You can express your interest on the website!