Since they got underway in summer of 2025, MAN v FAT’s leagues in New York have been hugely successful, setting its members on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
Our group in Long Island City have enjoyed remarkable weight loss numbers, having achieved nearly 800lbs weight loss as the year’s sessions come to a close.
They’ve achieved that success under the tutelage of Karl Cereno, who has been in charge of the league since it first got started.
We spoke to Karl when he first joined MAN v FAT and it’s been a period of personal achievements for him too, having also recently taken on a role within the MAN v FAT Soccer HQ team. We caught up with him to get the lowdown on why his MAN v FAT experience has been such a positive one so far.
Having been coaching MAN v FAT for several months now, what has stood out the most to you and what have been your highlights?
What has stood out the most is how quickly the guys bought into MAN v FAT’s mission of losing weight and living healthier lives. As a coach, I honestly didn’t have to do much motivating—they came in ready. All I had to do was give them a roadmap and some structure.
A major highlight for me was the early success we saw in Season 1. I’m not sure how other clubs stack up, but so many of my players were losing weight every week, with a large number hitting their 5% and 10% milestones, some even surpassing that.
How proud are you of the community that’s been built and what has been the secret to the success of LIC?
Proud is an understatement. I genuinely love what we’ve built here in LIC. We’re more than a soccer club – we’re a family. Real connections have formed. We go to MLS matches together, host BBQs, and even show up to each other’s family events.
I don’t think there’s a single “secret” to our success, because that would take away from everyone’s contribution. What I tried to do from the start was create a space for guys to be guys in healthy ways – talk sports, bust each other’s chops, joke around, be silly. Our group chat reflects that culture. It’s nothing but jokes, memes, and positive energy that keeps everyone engaged.
The weight loss from the guys shows no signs of slowing down, how have you kept them focussed on that part of their membership?
A couple of key games this season were decided on the scales. One team won on the pitch but lost overall because the other team hit their weight-loss goals. That was a real turning point and showed everyone how important the weight component truly is.
To keep the guys focused, I constantly remind them of the implications of letting that part slip and how it can literally change the outcome of a match. I also empower the captains to hold their teams accountable throughout the week. That combination of awareness and peer accountability keeps weight loss front and center for everyone.
You’ve now stepped into the MAN v FAT team in your extra role – how have you found that so far and how do you hope to support coaches and players in this capacity?
Stepping into my extra role has been great because it’s allowed me to see the organization through a different lens. I now have a much clearer sense of where clubs are thriving and where they need support.
In this role, I hope to help coaches and players by sharing what has worked for us in LIC—retaining players, building strong community culture, and maintaining safety standards. I also want to be a resource for newer coaches who may still be finding their footing, whether that’s helping them engage their teams, navigate difficult situations, or set up simple systems that keep their club running smoothly.
