With Worldwide Friendship Day touchdown tomorrow, there’s no higher time to shine a light-weight on one of the vital underrated advantages of being a part of the MAN v FAT squad: actual camaraderie.
From Strangers to Squad mates
Let’s be sincere, becoming a member of something new as an grownup will be daunting. You flip as much as your first session, not sure of the format, the folks, and even how your shins will maintain up. However inside weeks, many people discover ourselves trying ahead to Thursday nights not only for the soccer or the weigh-in wins, however for the banter, help and brotherhood that solely your workforce can provide.
Why? As a result of MAN v FAT isn’t your typical league. Each bloke there will get it. Everybody’s on the identical mission. There’s no ego, no judgement, only a bunch of lads exhibiting up for themselves and for one another.
The Draft: A Twist That Builds Extra Than Simply Groups
Let’s discuss in regards to the Draft. Sure, that Draft. The one which comes round each three seasons and tends to ruffle a number of feathers.
We get it. You’ve lastly discovered your groove. You’ve bonded along with your workforce, received your inside jokes, and perhaps even found out who to not go to (we gained’t title names). So the thought of being shuffled into a brand new workforce? Looks like somebody’s pulled the rug out.
However right here’s the factor. The Draft isn’t about breaking apart friendships. It’s about constructing extra of them.
Each time you’re put with a brand new bunch of lads, you’re handed a chance. To share what you’ve realized, to help somebody who could be new or struggling, and to forge recent connections. Earlier than you understand it, the teammate you had been grumbling about final week turns into the one checking in in your steps or dragging you to an additional kickabout.
The Draft busts cliques, refreshes dynamics, and retains the membership inclusive. It’s a reset button, not only for groups however for perspective. And if something, it proves that friendship in MAN v FAT isn’t restricted to 1 squad. It’s club-wide.
As a result of when you’re solely in it for the color of your shirt, you’re lacking the purpose.
It’s Not Simply About Soccer
Positive, the soccer brings us collectively. Nevertheless it’s what occurs off the pitch that basically cements the friendships.
You’ll discover teammates checking in midweek on WhatsApp:
“How’s the meal prep going?”
“Fancy a stroll Saturday morning?”
“Pub for a food regimen coke after the sport?”
Immediately, you’ve received mates in your nook, encouraging you to get your steps in, serving to you dodge the chippy, and celebrating your wins – on and off the scales.
Some lads even go on holidays collectively. Others begin aspect hustles or working golf equipment. For a lot of, the workforce turns into the help community they didn’t even realise they wanted.
The Science of Male Friendship
Analysis backs it up: males who’ve shut friendships usually tend to preserve wholesome habits, expertise decrease stress ranges, and have higher psychological well being general. But research additionally present that after a sure age, males are likely to lose friendships or wrestle to make new ones.
That’s the place MAN v FAT bucks the development.
By bringing males collectively round a shared objective – weight reduction by way of soccer, it naturally builds bonding alternatives, weekly accountability, and a shared sense of goal.
And the wonder? It doesn’t really feel pressured. It simply occurs.
Celebrating Our Friendship Wins
This Worldwide Friendship Day, we’re not asking you to ship your teammates a bouquet of flowers (although if that’s your vibe, crack on). However perhaps give them a nod. A message. A fast voice notice. Or simply flip as much as your subsequent recreation and let your effort on the pitch do the speaking.
As a result of whether or not you realise it or not, your workforce has in all probability helped you greater than you’ve mentioned out loud.
They’ve been there throughout plateaus, inspired you after a troublesome week, and celebrated your hat-tricks and half-stone awards like they had been their very own.
That’s the MAN v FAT distinction. It’s not only a soccer league. It’s a lifeline for friendships.
So Right here’s to the Mates That Matter
To those who slide deal with your excuses, who cheer your first 5K, who remind you you’re not on this alone.
Comfortable Worldwide Friendship Day, lads. You may need joined to reduce weight, however you’ve in all probability gained a mate for all times.
