FAQs
Is MAN v FAT Soccer for me?
What is MAN v FAT Soccer?
MAN v FAT Soccer is a network of football leagues for men who want to lose weight. Every player is in the same situation and wants the same thing – to lose weight, get healthier and enjoy soccer.
Each league’s standings are decided not just on points won, but on pounds lost too. All players weigh in weekly before each game and their weight loss progress counts towards their team’s performance.
How much will I lose?
This is something that varies from person to person for many reasons, but our statistics in the UK show that 90% of people who join MAN v FAT Football lose weight. In an assessed 14-week pilot scheme, players lost 22lbs on average, with 62% hitting their 5% body weight target.
I'm no good at Soccer, can I still join?
Yes, of course!
MAN v FAT Soccer is primarily a weight loss program, so although soccer is a big part of what we do, your efforts to lose weight off the pitch are just as important.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never kicked a ball, or haven’t played since high school, no one is going to judge you for not being a pro.
What if I'm not fit enough to play?
MAN v FAT Soccer is for everyone, no matter your fitness level. If you’ve not exercised for years, that’s ok – just take things at your own pace.
If you feel you’re not able to play for the entire duration of a game, that’s fine! Do what feels comfortable. Your team can make use of subs with no problem, and you can work your way up to playing more. Remember, the safest way to return to physical activity is to go at your own pace.
Why do men join MAN v FAT Soccer?
Men primarily join to lose weight and improve their health, but becoming part of the MAN v FAT community is about so much more. We often hear from our members that being part of their league gives them a real boost to their wellbeing, and countless friendships are made at our sessions.
How do I know what my BMI is?
There are loads of free BMI calculators on the web: here’s one from the NIH. Simply pop your stats in and it’ll tell you what your BMI is.
MAN v FAT Soccer is for men with a BMI of 27.5 and above, which is why we ask for your BMI.
Why do you use BMI for eligibility?
I work shifts, can I still join MAN v FAT Soccer?
We have lots of members who work shifts and have to miss the odd game.
When you pay for a month of MAN v FAT Soccer membership, that place is yours even if you miss a game. Obviously, you don’t want to miss too many sessions, but we know that shift work can make it hard to attend week after week.
Let your coach know you’re not going to make a session as soon as you know your schedule. You’ll get the most benefit from MAN v FAT Soccer if you can make at least 10 out of the 14 sessions in a season.
Membership FAQs
I've just signed up, what happens next?
Welcome aboard!
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive an email to confirm you’ve registered to your selected league. Can’t see the email? Check your spam or promotions folder.
You’ll get the chance to join your new league’s WhatsApp group so you can start chatting with your new clubmates.
You’ll be assigned to a team ASAP. How long this takes depends on availability within your league, but your coach will be able to keep you updated.
For leagues not yet started, you’ll be assigned to a team nearer the league start date.
What happens at a MAN v FAT Soccer session?
All players weigh in at the start of each session. If it’s your first time, this weigh-in will be your starting point. You’ve got to weigh in to be able to play – no weigh, no play! Don’t worry about stepping on the scales, only you and your coach will be able to see the number.
You’ll be able to chat to your coach about how your week’s gone and get any support you need to make the next week a good one.
After you’ve weighed in, it’s time to lace up your cleats and get on the pitch. Your team will play against another team from your league, with the game lasting 28 minutes. Team performance on the scales gets added to the pitch results for the final score.
Can I join on my own?
Yes! We put all new members into teams, so you don’t need to worry about getting a team together before you join.
We know it can be daunting to start something new on your own, but you’ll always get a warm welcome from your league’s coach and your fellow players.
Is there a deadline for joining a league?
What do I do if I can't attend a game?
If you can’t attend a game, let your coach and team captain know as soon as you can so they can balance the team accordingly.
If you’re well enough, you can still attend the weekly weigh-in without playing so you can keep track of your weight and contribute to your team’s score – remember it’s about goals on and off the pitch.
If I leave, can I re-join my team at a later date?
If you choose to leave MAN v FAT Soccer, or your membership lapses, we may immediately offer your place to a new starter to ensure teams continue to have an equal number of players.
If you then decide to come back, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to re-join the team you were in previously. If you’d prefer to re-join your old team, contact us and let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your wish.
My league has a waiting list. What does that mean?
There will be times when a league is full, but you can still register for that league to be put on a waiting list.
When a player achieves his weight loss goals and decides to move on, opening a space up on a team, we’ll contact players on the waiting list in order of registration.
Payment FAQs
How much does MAN v FAT Soccer cost?
It costs $50 to register with a league. Your monthly payments start once you’ve been assigned to a team, and you’ll pay $125 a month.
When is payment taken?
You’ll pay a registration fee when you sign up, and then your first monthly payment is due when you’ve been assigned to a team.
Once assigned to a team, you’ll receive an email to activate your subscription. You won’t get assigned to a team until the same week as the first available session you can join, so you won’t be paying your monthly membership fee without being able to play.
You pay in advance for one month of membership at a time, so your payments will come out on or near to the same date each month, unless you cancel your membership before that date.
Do you offer a pay as you go membership option?
No, sorry.
We don’t offer a pay and play option because once you join a team, you take that spot on the team for the duration of your membership, and we cap the maximum number of players on each team to ensure everyone gets a game.
Do I have to buy MAN v FAT Soccer kit?
No, you don’t have to buy MAN v FAT Soccer kit to play at a MAN v FAT Soccer session. Basic kit from your local bargain sportswear store in your team’s colors is fine as long as you’re comfortable in it.
How do I cancel my membership?
If you’ve decided MAN v FAT Soccer isn’t for you, no hard feelings.
Fill out this form and your membership will be cancelled within 48 hours. Please only do this once you’ve had your last game.
Can I pause my membership?
No, sorry.
MAN v FAT Soccer is a popular program and places are always in demand, so we don’t offer a way of pausing your membership. Once your membership has been cancelled, we will offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
