Since its launch in the summer of 2025, the MAN v FAT leagues in New York have been a huge success, putting their members on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
Our Long Island City group enjoyed remarkable weight loss numbers, achieving nearly 800 pounds as the year’s sessions came to a close.
They have achieved this success under the leadership of Carl Serino, who has been in charge of the league since its inception.
We spoke to Karl when he first joined MAN v FAT and it’s been a period of personal fulfillment for him too, having recently taken up a role within the MAN v FAT Soccer HQ team. We caught up with him to get the lowdown on why his experience in MAN v FAT has been such a positive one so far.
Having coached MAN v FAT for several months, what caught your attention the most and what were your highlights?
What stood out most was how quickly men bought into MAN v FAT’s mission to lose weight and live a healthier life. As a coach, honestly I didn’t have to do a lot of motivation, they came prepared. All I had to do was give them a road map and some structure.
The early success we saw in the first season was a highlight for me. I’m not sure how other clubs are doing, but many of my players were losing weight every week, with a lot of them hitting 5%, 10%, and some even going beyond that.
How proud are you of the community that has been built and what is the secret to LIC’s success?
Pride is an understatement. I really like what we’ve built here at LIC. We are more than just a football club – we are a family. Real connections have been formed. We go to MLS games together, host BBQs, and even attend each other’s family events.
I don’t believe there is one “secret” to our success, because that would diminish everyone’s contribution. What I’ve tried to do from the beginning is create a space for men to be men in healthy ways — talking about sports, tearing each other down, joking around, being generous. Our group chat reflects that culture. Nothing but jokes, memes and positive energy to keep everyone engaged.
Your players’ weight loss shows no signs of slowing down, so how have you kept them focused on this part of their membership?
Two key matches this season have been decided in the balance. One team won on the field but lost overall because the other team achieved its weight loss goals. That was a real turning point and showed everyone how important the weight component really is.
To keep players focused, I constantly remind them of the implications of letting this part slip and how it can literally change the outcome of the game. I also empower leaders to hold their teams accountable throughout the week. This combination of awareness and peer accountability keeps weight loss at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
You have now joined the MAN v FAT team in your additional role – how have you found it so far and how do you hope to support the coaches and players in this capacity?
Stepping into my additional role has been great because it has allowed me to see the organization through a different lens. I now have a clearer sense of where clubs are thriving and where they need support.
In this role, I hope to help coaches and players by sharing what has worked for us at LIC – retaining players, building a strong community culture, and maintaining safety standards. I also want to be a resource for new coaches who may still be finding their footing, whether that’s helping them engage their teams, navigate difficult situations, or set up simple systems that keep their club running smoothly.