Across our MAN v FAT community, we are constantly inspired by the amazing coaches that support our clubs and the men who are taking steps to improve their health and wellbeing.
Whether it be our Football, Rugby or Soccer programmes, we have a hugely talented cohort of coaches who are making a huge difference to their club.
Lisa Di’Iulio has been in charge of our MAN v FAT Rugby club in Swansea since it launched in May 2025 and has supported the guys to lose 250KG. Here’s what she had to say about her experiences so far!
Talk to us about your background in health and wellbeing and why coaching at MAN v FAT attracted you to get involved?
I’ve worked in healthcare for over 10 years and am a Registered Nurse with frontline experience. Over the years I’ve developed a strong interest in public health promotion, particularly around prevention and long term wellbeing of men. Working on the frontline has shown me that the current model isn’t working as well as it should. We already have plenty of education around health, we know what we should be doing but we still don’t take action. If it is so easy then why aren’t we doing it?
On a personal level I’ve also lost a few male friends to suicide, drugs, alcohol over the years. which have had a profound impact on me. It’s a stark reminder that wellbeing isn’t just about weight or fitness but about community, purpose and feeling seen.
I strongly believe the focus needs to shift towards meaningful behaviour change rather than simply providing more information.
Coaching at MAN v FAT really appealed to me because it directly addresses this gap. The sessions offer a supportive, community led approach that builds motivation, accountability and consistency helping people turn knowledge into sustainable habits. This aligns closely with my professional background and my belief that effective health promotion must be practical, engaging and rooted in real life, sustainable behaviour change.
Add to that the fact that rugby is deeply rooted in Welsh culture and within my family, MAN v FAT felt like a natural and powerful way to engage men who want to make changes but struggle with the confidence and support to do it.
After several months now coaching the guys in Swansea, how would you sum up the group and their efforts to improve their health and wellbeing?
Inspirational.
I consistently see the guys bring authenticity, honesty, mutual encouragement and resilience every week no matter what life has thrown at them. They have absolutely smashed and mastered the art of showing up which has been a key skill to nail before anything else.
Confidence has grown week on week. The determination they display to make the club a success in order to improve themselves and others is admirable.
What do you enjoy the most about leading this group?
I really enjoy leading this group because these guys are top notch role models not just for everyone around them but for me too.
The guys show up, take ownership and are honest about both progress and challenges. That combination creates real trust and momentum and it makes leading the group genuinely rewarding because the growth we see is real and shared.
How do you approach your wellbeing education with these guys compared to some of your other clients?
I take a much more stripped back, no frills practical approach than I might with some other clients. Time is precious for us all so I keep it simple, so everything we do has to feel immediately relevant and usable, not theoretical or fluffy.
A big part of the work is creating a space where the lads can tell me or their team mates anything, without judgement or consequence. That trust is imperative. If they don’t feel safe to be honest, the work doesn’t land.
I lean heavily on the idea that questions are the steering wheel of the mind. Instead of long explanations, I use the right questions to help them reflect, reframe and arrive at their own insights quickly. That keeps engagement high and ownership strong.
Repetition is key. We don’t chase novelty for novelty’s sake. We reinforce a small number of core principles again and again, in different contexts, until they become second nature. That’s what turns wellbeing education from something they “know” into something they actually live.
2025 saw the Men’s Health Strategy for England released by the government. What would be your three main priorities for men’s health going forward and why?
- Mental Wellbeing: Have a laugh, support each other, stay social.
- Health & Fitness: Get stronger, fitter, healthier – your pace, your way.
- Challenge Norms: Ditch macho stereotypes, ask for help, back each other up.
These guys are role models in their communities. By focusing on their mental and physical health and making positive changes, they set a good example, helping to create stronger men, families and communities.
Sum up MAN v FAT and its community in three words
Togetherness. Transformative. Resilient.
Want to join Lisa and the lads?
You can sign up for MAN v FAT Rugby in Swansea at our MAN v FAT Rugby website – take a look, we’d love to have you along!
