“I have been involved for around 5 years now, I look forward to Thursday every week to come and see the lads, I enjoy the banter, the support to lose weight, love the format, your team scores a goal in the weight loss game if you lose weight, so even if you’re injured you can still contribute to the results, it doesn’t matter what age or ability you are, the support from your team mates is incredible. no egos or superstars, just a group of like minded lads wanting to play the game we all love and lose weight.”

Having been a Manwell member for a number of years now, I have seen the charity grow and, more importantly, the lads who attend. Having quit football 10 years prior, I tried getting back into football, but nothing seemed like a good fit for me. Manwell was the complete opposite.

I was suffering injury after injury and gave up playing, but my weight was becoming unmanageable, hitting 23 stone. The final straw for me was not being able to walk to the match with my son due to back issues and being overweight. I had to attend physio and was even put forward for a gastric band. I knew I needed Manwell.

Fast forward to today, I am nearly 6 stone lighter, I have no back issues and am able to have no worries about where I go or what I do. I owe this all to Manwell, and I volunteer to help out the charity and, more importantly, others involved. The charity has given me the chance to get back into the game I love so much, along with meeting lads who I feel will be friends for life.