Meet Marcel Feller from the MAN v FAT Soccer membership in Bury. Marcel joined MAN v FAT Soccer in February of 2024, when the membership launched, greedy a possibility to deal with weight reduction, and reignite a ardour for taking part in the attractive sport.
Discussing the twists of destiny that led him to him dusting off his boots, Marcel explains: “Soccer was every thing to me rising up. I spent each spare minute both on the pitch or watching matches. I began taking part in after I was 4 and though I dreamed of being outfield, I shortly discovered myself in purpose. I went on to play as a goalkeeper for native, college, and even regional squads.
“Once I was 15, I used to be recognized with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It triggered soccer to slowly begin to fade into the background. Throughout chemotherapy, my focus shifted to the pc and it grew to become one of many few issues that saved me going. That path finally led me right into a rewarding profession in cyber safety, however it additionally meant lengthy hours sitting at a desk. Over time, with soccer gone from my life, the load naturally crept on.”
You would possibly suppose that overcoming most cancers would make the rest appear straightforward, however Marcel discovered himself struggling to shift the load he placed on over time. He provides: “I attempted all the standard fixes; weight-reduction plan, the gymnasium, train plans, however nothing caught. I knew I wanted to make a change, and I genuinely needed to, however I couldn’t discover the fitting technique to make it occur.”
This was when MAN v FAT got here into play for Marcel. He continues: “I had heard about MAN v FAT years earlier than, however I saved placing it off. I didn’t wish to be part of a longtime membership and really feel just like the ‘new man’ who couldn’t final greater than a few minutes on the pitch.
“Then sooner or later, I noticed a Fb advert for a brand-new membership opening in Bury. That felt totally different as everybody can be beginning contemporary collectively. I signed up straight away, and for the primary time in a very long time, I felt comfy about giving soccer one other go.”
Coming to the Bury membership, Marcel didn’t simply discover fellow footballers, he discovered a supportive, pleasant, and welcoming neighborhood. He says: “The neighborhood and help community have been superb. Everyone seems to be so encouraging, whether or not issues are going nicely or not, there’s at all times positivity from teammates and coaches. That fixed help has made an enormous distinction all through my journey.
“Being a part of the neighborhood actually boosted my psychological well being, I not felt alone in my weight reduction journey. Everyone seems to be supportive and sharing ideas with one another, which made me really feel like we had been all in it collectively.
“It has had such an affect on me that I even shared my MAN v FAT journey throughout one in every of my crew shows at work. Afterwards, one in every of my colleagues reached out as he had been serious about becoming a member of however wasn’t positive. Just a few weeks later, he signed up and has already been making nice progress. In abstract: The neighborhood makes all of the distinction.
“MAN v FAT has undoubtedly had a big impact on my way of life. It has been a good way to drop some weight with out it feeling like a chore. Not like the gymnasium, it doesn’t really feel compelled, the main focus is on weight reduction, however the weekly video games make the method satisfying and one thing to sit up for. I additionally actually just like the weekly check-ins; having the ability to see my progress in actual time has saved me motivated and accountable.
“I’ve additionally modified my relationship with meals. The monitoring has helped me grow to be extra aware of what I eat with out reducing out the issues I take pleasure in. I nonetheless deal with myself to takeaways and quick meals at times, however I’ve discovered a steadiness that works for me. “Health-wise, the distinction has been unimaginable. Once I first joined, I struggled to run in any respect, however over time my health picked up. I by no means considered myself as a runner, however I’ve actually began having fun with it. Now, I’ve run two 5k races, and each of my medals are proudly on show.”
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