Getting set for Christmas | The Newsround

2020, eh? One we’ll all be glad to see the back of.

But, despite the challenges of the year, our MAN v FAT players have enjoyed some fantastic successes and we are delighted to have played our small part in getting men of all ages into shape this year.

Christmas is just around the corner, of course, and it can be tough if you’re trying to lose weight. Everyone’s in a good mood and everything seems to focus on food and drink as we get closer and closer to Christmas Day itself.

Take a look at our blog to see how you can stay on track when the food and drink are both in plentiful supply.

What we’re reading this week
It’s been a tough year – that much is clear. Here at MAN v FAT, we’re well aware of the importance of looking after your mental health and it has been great to see so many of you making use of the access we’ve provided to the mental health platform SilverCloud as part of your membership.

It has been a useful addition to what our MAN v FAT players receive and, whilst football is at the heart of our biggest men’s weight loss programme, we also know that football is more than just a sport.

Whether it’s in your MAN v FAT weekly league or watching your favourite side home and away (remember that? Roll on when we can do that again!), the pitch reveals emotion in the extreme: from the glory of goals and the rollercoaster of club loyalty, through to the immense pressure of expectation, fear of injury, and crushing defeat.

It’s easy to get swept up by the drama of the beautiful game.

But when players at the peak of their physical fitness commit suicide, or poor mental health derails careers, there can still be a stunned silence in the community, a lack of connection.

Dominic Stevenson, a writer, player, coach and lifelong football obsessive, interviews a diverse cross-section of characters in the football world to try to understand this lost connection between the sport and the mind.

This book contains contributions from internationally renowned players such as Sam Hutchinson, Chris Kirkland, Ella Masar, John Harkes and Iffy Onoura. From voices at top clubs around the globe including Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and DC United, to the stories of smaller clubs and unsung heroes behind the scenes, Dominic reveals personal battles both on and off the pitch, touching on anxiety, depression, discrimination, trauma, identity and recovery.

We’d highly recommend Dominic’s book if you’re looking to drop any last minute hints to the family! Grab your copy today.

A new twist on an old favourite
As we face a slightly different festive period this year, it’s no surprise that many of us have feelings of nostalgia as we begin our Christmas preparations.

Here at MAN v FAT HQ, we’re a real mix of ages but, it’s fair to say, some of us are older than others. And, in our childhood, grabbing a box of Top Trumps was always a winner and a great way to spend our lunchbreaks at school.

The good news is that Top Trumps are very much still a thing and they’re even better than ever!

There are now more themed packs than ever and we were lucky enough to be sent a few to take a look at – and they all had a sporting theme, which will no doubt appeal to those of you who participate in our MAN v FAT programme.

As keen football afficionados, we were particularly taken with the World Football Stars series – there’s the traditional Top Trumps format, a Top Trumps Quiz version and the remarkable Top Trumps Match, which takes the competition up another notch.

We might not be able to have the whole family over this Christmas, but for those that are there, these are the perfect way to fill the gap between opening your presents and the football returning on Boxing Day!

Ashley hits the headlines
MAN v FAT Oxford player Ashley Towne hit the headlines in the last couple of weeks, featuring in a great article about his weight loss during his with us.

We’ll be launching a second league in Oxfordshire in the new year, as Bicester goes live on January 29th. If you’re an Oxfordshire resident and meet the criteria for signing up, there are funded places available via our friends in the Achieve Oxfordshire team!

 

What’s Been Happening In MAN v FAT
A huge round of applause to our MAN v FAT Norwich players, who have been showing their generous side again ahead of the festive period.

The Norfolk boys have had a food collection in the last couple of weeks and a whip round to provide care packs for the homeless in Norwich.

MAN v FAT has created some incredible communities of men, so well done the Norwich lads for their generosity – we’re sure your kindness will be much appreciated.

All that remains to be said is have a great Christmas and we’ll see you soon for a big 2021 for all in MAN v FAT!

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