As our recent May launches settle into their weekly routine, the guys in the leagues will be getting used to MAN v FAT Soccer life.
Over recent days, we’ve introduced to several of our new starters and here are our final quartet. We’ll be back in touch with all of those we’ve spoken to in a couple of weeks to see how they’re getting on!
Michael Vayner, Katy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I’m a single dad of two teenage daughters. I’m a business owner. My days are spent working at my desk for my business and then driving my kids to where they need to be throughout the day.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I love Soccer. Played it all my life. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in late 2024. I saw the Facebook ad for this and decided it would be a fun way to get in shape. It’s also because I want to be there on the long run for my kids.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Great group of guys. Lots of excitement, and potential for weight loss and creating an amazing community.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Major weight on the first few weeks and gelling with my new mates.
Haadi Hasan, Katy
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
I am a high school teacher in Sugar Land, TX. My day to day is a mix of a lot of sitting and computer work with active engagement with students, parents, and staff. Day to day, I try to be active but recently having gone through an injury and also engaged in graduate school have left me lazier than usual.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
My goal is to get fit again and also to learn the game of football. I am an avid Premier League fan (COYG), and enjoy watching football every weekend. I now want to learn the game and also lose some pounds while doing so.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Opening night was a blast. Within the first 15 minutes I truly felt the community that was promised with this program. Everyone was so kind, the football was fun, and I love the added bonus of competition to not only win but lose weight.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
My goals for the first week is to be as active of a member as possible within the group and more specifically my team. I am lucky enough to be captain for Purple Team and I look forward to being a leader and to learn from them. I also want to shed 5-10lbs! I’m already 4lbs down in the first week so we are on a good start!
Steve Kim, Carrollton Wednesdays
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
My name is Steve, and I’m 34 years old. I work in financial services by day, and am a massive nerd & dork outside of work. I love playing video games, keeping up with the latest science news, and am a massive fan of Manchester United! I also enjoy dabbling in board games and love traveling.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I moved to Texas about 2 years ago and enjoy making new friends and expanding my horizons, as well as playing soccer in my free time. And you know what they say about Texas: everything gets bigger in Texas! I noticed a lot of the clothes that would fit me perfectly began to fit a bit too tight and needed additional ways to incorporate physical activity. MAN v FAT seemed like the perfect addition!
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
Lots of positivity and encouragement. From the intro video to the comradery on the pitch, there was a sustained vibe of supportiveness. It certainly helps that Terry set the right vibes by being concise and encouraging as well.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Just getting settled in and getting to know my teammates is the first step! I also run a group that plays pick-up soccer together and it would be great to invite more folks to not only help provide additional activity & score off the pitch, but also to make new friends.
Pedro Herrera, West Houston
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
My name is Pedro Herrera and I’m a 27 year old Houston Native; born and raised in the H, my day to day consists of counting my calories and preparing my meals for the next day. I also go on runs now to keep myself active, and I take my kids to the park so we can practice futbol together.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I signed up for two reasons, Number one to be apart of a futbol team, and number two to be healthy for myself and my family,
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
My first impression was like: WOW, everyone is so welcoming and friendly. The vibes were always amazing and everyone was there for the same reason I was there so you definitely feel a sense of unity right off the bat. After the first game was done, it definitely left me wanting to play more!
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
To be able to play longer on the field than before, to lose at least 10% of my body weight as well, And to Captain What-a-belly FC to lose weight, and win games! UP THE BELLYS!
Brian Thorpe, West Houston
Tell us a bit about yourself and your day to day life
45 year old male originally from Northern California and currently living in Houston. Been overweight most my life, but have been over 300lbs for about the last 8 years with the highest weight reaching 350 lbs and I am currently at 327. Biggest issue with my weight is portion control and the food I generally eat is not the healthiest.
Work consists of about 50 hours a week with the vast majority of it sitting at a desk. Usually mentally spent after work so I spend most evenings on the couch watching TV. Weekends are pretty relaxed but I try to get out and play golf a few times a month.
What made you sign up for MAN v FAT Soccer in the first place?
I signed up for MAN v FAT because I really enjoyed playing football through high school and thought it would be a good way to get back on track. I have wanted to try indoor for a while but getting into a league with my shape and fitness level always made me hesitant. Didn’t want to be the one fat guy on the team and couldn’t play very long.
With this league everyone is like me and don’t feel like I will be that one guy anymore and it is a field of a bunch of players just like me. Like the idea of working with my teammates to help them reach their goals and I thought the scoring system would put enough pressure on me not to let my teammates down and stick to the health in the first place.
What were your first impressions of the league at the opening night?
The league is awesome. The coaches are great and energetic and always trying to help you out with tips to lose weight. All the players were encouraging one another and everyone seemed to be having fun and getting a good workout in.
What are your aims for the first few weeks of being involved?
Goal is to continue monitoring my food intake and trying healthier recipes. Also try to be more active outside of league night whether joining the pick up game on Friday or trying to get to the gym more frequently. Hopefully all those will continue to help drop the weight I have been holding onto for far too long
Want to join the guys in action?
You can check out all of our current MAN v FAT Soccer locations by visiting www.manvfatsoccer.com!
We’ve got several more stories to tell over the next few days – and we’ll be back in touch with the guys in a couple of weeks’ time!
