Many other guys have passed through the doors since things got started in 2024, each adding their own flavour and impact on a brilliant community of men.
A host of launches in September 2026 saw the number of players participating at the same time pass that 1,000 threshold and it’s just the start for MAN v FAT in North America.
There are now over 30 live league locations and the start of 2027 will see a host of new leagues go live to join that community, including our first locations in Ohio.
We caught up with Director of MAN v FAT, Richard Crick, to find out more about the past two years.
How proud are you of the growth of MAN v FAT Soccer across the last two years?
Incredibly proud. I remember my first trip to Soccerex in 2018 which was the start of us truly thinking MAN v FAT Soccer could be a reality. COVID curbed those ambitions but to be here eight years on with 1,000 men playing week in, week out across the US community really feels special.
What have been the biggest successes and challenges in getting MAN v FAT Soccer to where it is today?
Each state has its own personality, its own unique feel and most importantly its own climate to navigate. We felt our messaging and the way we support men in the UK would translate to America but we never truly knew. 1,000 men playing is a huge milestone, but each player supported – whether physically or mentally – is the true definition of success. The numbers are merely yard sticks by which to measure these successes.
How exciting has it been to take MAN v FAT to different states?
It’s fair to say there’s never a dull day across MAN v FAT, whatever the program or nation. But as someone who’s been visiting the States for a while and has a huge passion for sport and community impact, I find every trip we do not just fulfilling but really informative and inspiring on where to go and what to do next to build this brand stateside.
How much has having supportive partners stateside enabled what we’ve done since 2024?
This has been integral. Alongside having a team of great Coaches, this has arguably been the most important thing for us. What has also been great is to see Soccer facility providers like our friends at Soccer 5, UNLMTD Soccer, TOCA and So Five have so much growth even in the short time that MAN v FAT Soccer has been running.
What have been the biggest differences between Football and Soccer? And what have been the commonalities?
Whilst the culture in the USA is very different, the key pillars of the program such as accountability, peer support, gamification and the football (soccer!) family all translate.
There’s no doubt Soccer has a different feel to football and the game in the US is still very much evolving and growing. Identity around the game itself is slightly different but I’m certain that there are some incredibly strong club communities across all our MAN v FAT Soccer states.
What have been the biggest learning curves in running a program in a new territory?
Operationally there are different standards, different climates and different attitudes to learn and navigate. Whatever the state, we’ve welcomed players of all walks of life and all soccer abilities. In the UK we’ve never had to work across multiple time zones, different legal practices and such diverse communities. I’ve also learn the hard way that many English phrases are not American English phrases!
How impressive have the communities been that the players have built and how much have the Coaches have played a part in that?
We are truly blessed with the calibre and commitment of Coaches, referees and key individuals within our leagues. There guys and ladies are the heartbeat of what we do.
Just like in the UK our coaches are an eclectic mix of backgrounds but all share a passion for supporting men and see the power of the brand in terms of engagement and activation for men across the US. Getting their perspectives, guidance and passion as the program grows has made the journey even more special.
Having built the foundation of having 1,000 active players for the first time, what are the next targets for MAN v FAT Soccer?
We just want to keep getting better, keep growing and, where feasible, ensure that if there’s a man out there in the US that wants to take on their battle with fat and improve their mental health, that we can grow towards supporting them.
