With International Friendship Day landing tomorrow, there’s no better time to shine a light on one of the most underrated benefits of being part of the MAN v FAT squad: real camaraderie.
From Strangers to Squad mates
Let’s be honest, joining anything new as an adult can be daunting. You turn up to your first session, unsure of the format, the people, or even how your shins will hold up. But within weeks, many of us find ourselves looking forward to Thursday nights not just for the football or the weigh-in wins, but for the banter, support and brotherhood that only your team can offer.
Why? Because MAN v FAT isn’t your typical league. Every bloke there gets it. Everyone’s on the same mission. There’s no ego, no judgement, just a bunch of lads showing up for themselves and for each other.
The Draft: A Twist That Builds More Than Just Teams
Let’s talk about the Draft. Yes, that Draft. The one that comes around every three seasons and tends to ruffle a few feathers.
We get it. You’ve finally found your groove. You’ve bonded with your team, got your inside jokes, and maybe even figured out who not to pass to (we won’t name names). So the idea of being shuffled into a new team? Feels like someone’s pulled the rug out.
But here’s the thing. The Draft isn’t about breaking up friendships. It’s about building more of them.
Every time you’re put with a new bunch of lads, you’re handed an opportunity. To share what you’ve learned, to support someone who might be new or struggling, and to forge fresh connections. Before you know it, the teammate you were grumbling about last week becomes the one checking in on your steps or dragging you to an extra kickabout.
The Draft busts cliques, refreshes dynamics, and keeps the club inclusive. It’s a reset button, not just for teams but for perspective. And if anything, it proves that friendship in MAN v FAT isn’t limited to one squad. It’s club-wide.
Because if you’re only in it for the colour of your shirt, you’re missing the point.
It’s Not Just About Football
Sure, the football brings us together. But it’s what happens off the pitch that really cements the friendships.
You’ll find teammates checking in midweek on WhatsApp:
“How’s the meal prep going?”
“Fancy a walk Saturday morning?”
“Pub for a diet coke after the game?”
Suddenly, you’ve got mates in your corner, encouraging you to get your steps in, helping you dodge the chippy, and celebrating your wins – on and off the scales.
Some lads even go on holidays together. Others start side hustles or running clubs. For many, the team becomes the support network they didn’t even realise they needed.
The Science of Male Friendship
Research backs it up: men who have close friendships are more likely to maintain healthy habits, experience lower stress levels, and have better mental health overall. Yet studies also show that after a certain age, men tend to lose friendships or struggle to make new ones.
That’s where MAN v FAT bucks the trend.
By bringing men together around a shared goal – weight loss through football, it naturally builds bonding opportunities, weekly accountability, and a shared sense of purpose.
And the beauty? It doesn’t feel forced. It just happens.
Celebrating Our Friendship Wins
This International Friendship Day, we’re not asking you to send your teammates a bouquet of flowers (though if that’s your vibe, crack on). But maybe give them a nod. A message. A quick voice note. Or just turn up to your next game and let your effort on the pitch do the talking.
Because whether you realise it or not, your team has probably helped you more than you’ve said out loud.
They’ve been there during plateaus, encouraged you after a tough week, and celebrated your hat-tricks and half-stone awards like they were their own.
That’s the MAN v FAT difference. It’s not just a football league. It’s a lifeline for friendships.
So Here’s to the Mates That Matter
To the ones who slide tackle your excuses, who cheer your first 5K, who remind you you’re not in this alone.
Happy International Friendship Day, lads. You might have joined to lose weight, but you’ve probably gained a mate for life.
