With our Wonderful Losers sport on the horizon, we’re spending the times main as much as kick off assembly the lads who’ll be pulling on the shirts on this 12 months’s sport at Walsall FC. Subsequent, we meet Gavin Cliff from our Hull membership!
Inform us extra about your preliminary causes for becoming a member of MAN v FAT
I joined MAN v FAT as quickly because the COVID restrictions have been lifted. I’ve struggled with melancholy and nervousness for many of my life, and through that interval my weight had actually spiralled. I knew I couldn’t maintain ignoring it – I wanted to take management and make a change.
When you may return in time and speak to the model of you firstly of your weight reduction efforts, what would you inform them concerning the modifications you’ve skilled?
If I may return to the beginning, I’d inform myself it’s going to vary way over simply your weight. Initially I used to be anxious. Nervous. I didn’t actually socialise a lot and my circle was small. I stored myself to myself. What I didn’t count on was to turn out to be a part of one thing greater – an prolonged household. I realized easy methods to open up. I realized easy methods to belief individuals. I realized how highly effective it’s to work as a staff in the direction of a typical aim as an alternative of battling issues by yourself.
The load loss mattered, in fact. However the confidence, the friendships, and the sense of belonging mattered extra. I’d inform that earlier model of me: You’re not simply altering your physique. You’re constructing your tribe. And that can change all the pieces.
Who would you wish to thank for his or her assist in your progress?
From day one, Alan made me really feel welcome. That meant greater than individuals in all probability realised, particularly with the place my psychological well being was on the time. Strolling into one thing new if you’re anxious and uncertain of your self isn’t straightforward, however he made that first step really feel secure. Clint, now Assistant Coach, was precisely the identical. And Dave, who was assistant coach again then, too. They didn’t simply run classes, they created an surroundings the place you felt included. That welcome modified all the pieces for me. It helped me open up. It helped me keep. And it helped me develop.
What are your future hopes round your well being and wellbeing?
As an Assistant Coach and BMI lead, I’m dedicated to persevering with in each roles and giving again correctly. This programme has executed rather a lot for me personally. I’ve seen first-hand what construction, accountability and correct assist can obtain. Due to that, I wish to maintain serving to as many lads as potential on their very own journey, whether or not that’s weight reduction, confidence, health, or simply feeling higher week to week.
How a lot are you trying ahead to the sport in Could?
It’s a secret!
