At our Eastleigh club, Ashley Healey has managed to lose more than 42kg in unwanted weight since joining MAN v FAT in 2021 and has managed to make a number of changes to his lifestyle that have left him happier and healthier.
His time with MAN v FAT started with a funded place courtesy of Hampshire County Council, who provide support across a host of MAN v FAT clubs in the county.
Ashley recognised that his weight was causing a decline in his health, saying: “My health was deteriorating at a ridiculous rate for someone of my age. I was struggling to walk up flights of stairs and just hated who I was at that moment in time. I thought, ‘this isn’t right, I need to do something about it’.”
That made Ashley realise that he had to start losing weight, but what was it that drove him to MAN v FAT in particular? He explains: “I work in football on a daily basis, coaching for Eastleigh Football Club, I needed a change in lifestyle not only for myself but for my professional life as well. MAN v FAT looked like a great way to continue my passion for football, lose weight and meet some great friends, all at the same time. Looking back, I was totally right, I’ve managed to do all of those things!”
Joining MAN v FAT Eastleigh, Ashley quickly found his passion for playing football reignited, with his competitiveness helping to drive his weight loss. He continues: “I really enjoy the competitive edge of the football. Football has been a main part of my life ever since a young age, playing for a multitude of clubs back home in Wales. I really missed how fast I could run as a nipper, but also how fit I used to be, and that comparison has helped to drive me to lose weight and get fit.
“My exercise routine has changed drastically over the past few years, being at MAN v FAT. I put positive pressure on myself to upload my daily cardio into the group chat, hoping to inspire others to complete even a couple of kilometres running. I now have fitness like never before, but still nowhere near where I envisage myself being this time next year!”
Ashley also found the community at the club to be incredibly helpful for his fitness journey, with team members and the club’s coach all contributing to push Ashley to become the best he could be. He says: “Joe, who is the coach for MAN v FAT Eastleigh is fantastic, and I cannot thank him enough for the encouragement, advice and friendly chats since joining up.
“I really enjoy the positive atmosphere in the club’s community. James, Toru, Kev, Neil, Luke, Joe, and Oscar have not only been teammates, but have become lifelong friends and brothers to me now.”
And to those who might be considering MAN v FAT Football, Ashley is emphatic, saying: “I would really encourage anyone to approach it with confidence and ambition, you really can do anything with a great bunch of lads around you!”
Want to follow Ashley’s lead?
If Ashley’s story has encouraged you to get started with MAN v FAT, then you can read more about the funded opportunities in Hampshire on our county landing page.
