At our Eastleigh club, Ashley Healey has managed to lose over 42kg of unwanted weight since joining MAN v FAT in 2021 and has managed to make a number of changes to his lifestyle which have made him happier and healthier.
His time with MAN v FAT began with a venue funded by Hampshire County Council, which provides support across a range of MAN v FAT clubs in the county.
Ashley realized his weight was causing his health to deteriorate, saying: “My health was deteriorating at a ridiculous rate for someone my age. I was finding it difficult to climb stairs and I hated the way I was at that moment in time. I thought: ‘This isn’t right, I have to do something about it.’”
This made Ashley realize that he had to start losing weight, but what drove him to MAN v FAT in particular? He explains: “I work in football on a daily basis, coaching for Eastleigh Football Club, and I needed a lifestyle change not only for myself, but for my career as well. MAN v FAT seemed 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 absolutely right, I managed to do all of these things!”
After joining MAN vAT Eastleigh, Ashley quickly found his passion for playing football renewed, as his competitiveness helped him lose weight. He continues: “I really enjoy the competitive edge of football. Football has been a major part of my life since I was young, playing for many clubs back home in Wales. I really missed how fast I could run, but also how fit I was, and that comparison helped push me to lose weight and get fit.”
“My workout routine has changed radically over the past few years, while I’ve been on MAN v FAT. I’ve put positive pressure on myself to upload daily cardio workouts in the group chat, hoping to inspire others to complete even a few kilometers of running. I’m now fitter like never before, but still nowhere close to where I envision myself being this time next year!”
Ashley has also found the community at the club to be incredibly helpful in his fitness journey, with all the team members and the club coach contributing to pushing Ashley to become the best he can be. He says: “Joe, who is the MAN v FAT Eastleigh team coach, is fantastic, and I can’t thank him enough for the encouragement, advice and friendly chats since he joined.
“I really enjoy the positive atmosphere in the club community. James, Toro, Kev, Neil, Luke, Joe and Oscar have not only been teammates, they are lifelong friends and brothers to me now.”
And for those who might be considering a MAN vs FAT Football match, Ashley emphasized: “I would really encourage anyone to approach it with confidence and ambition, you can really do anything with a great group of lads around you!”
Want to follow Ashley’s example?
If Ashley’s story has encouraged you to get started with MAN v FAT, you can read more about funding opportunities in Hampshire on the county homepage.