MAN v FAT arrived in New York City in April, with the launch of its first three soccer leagues, as they joined our original group of men in Florida in receiving MAN v FAT’s support.
Leading the way in Long Island City is Karl Cereno, who was recently appointed as Health & Wellbeing Coach at the league to help the guys there. We caught up with him to find out more.
Tell us a bit about you
Born and raised in the Philippines and now living in Astoria, NY, I’ve spent the past 10 years working as both a healthcare and fitness professional. I’m passionate about helping people improve their health and quality of life through exercise. Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients in all kinds of settings – from leading group bootcamps and online coaching programs to working one-on-one with everyone from aspiring athletes to weekend warriors to older adults looking to feel like their younger selves again.
Other than that, I’m a proud cat dad, a lover of terrible jokes, and a self-proclaimed flan connoisseur. I’m always up for meeting new people, trying new things, and sharing a few laughs along the way.
What was it that made you want to get involved in MAN v FAT Soccer and support the men in Long Island City?
Growing up, I struggled with being overweight, so I know firsthand the challenges that come with it – from confidence issues to body image struggles and everything in between. This is something that hits home for me. What helped me turn things around was team sports. I was lucky to have amazing teammates who supported me, pushed me, and held me accountable.
As we get older, finding that kind of support gets harder — and that’s exactly what I want to help build here at MAN v FAT Soccer. A team where we lift each other up, keep each other going, and make the journey fun along the way.
How you you describe your coaching and wellbeing style?
I have three main areas of focus when it comes to coaching:
1. It all starts with mindset.
I’m a firm believer that attitude is everything. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen unless someone truly wants it — and that begins in the mind. My goal is to help clients reshape their relationship with their body and with food. It’s not about looking like a bodybuilder or a professional athlete. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin and celebrating what your body can do. Food isn’t something to fear or avoid — it’s fuel that helps us accomplish what we’re capable of.
2. Meet people where they are.
Everyone learns differently, and part of my job is figuring out what really clicks with each client. Some people need a drill sergeant. Others need a teammate. Some need demonstrations. Others need to just dive in and learn by doing. My goal is to deliver the right mix of guidance, motivation, and support based on what resonates best for each person.
3. Make it fun.
If it’s not fun, it’s not sustainable. Progress can be tough, but if we’re laughing, enjoying the journey, and celebrating wins (big and small), it makes the hard work feel a lot lighter – even if they don’t realize that’s by design.
What kind of community are you hoping to build at MAN v FAT Long Island City?
Without getting lost in the weeds, I truly believe there aren’t enough spaces where men can find real support. Or if they do exist, they’re often hard to find — especially as we get older. It becomes tougher to make new friends, find new social circles, or even just reach out for help when we need it.
A lot of us grew up with the idea that men have to be tough, to handle everything alone. I want to break away from all of that. I want to build a real community — brothers supporting brothers. A place where you can show up exactly as you are, feel comfortable reaching out, and know you’re not alone. A space to make friends, share some laughs, and lift each other up.
At the end of the day, I’m not just here to coach. I’m here to help build a brotherhood.
Beyond the obvious reasons — playing sports, making new friends, and improving your health — it also gives people who’ve never been part of a team the chance to experience it for the first time. You get to practice together, wear a team uniform, and be part of something bigger than yourself. It’s more than just a game — it’s a real community.
Want to join Karl and the guys at Long Island City? You can register today at our MAN v FAT Soccer website!
