If you’re familiar with the MAN v FAT in St Helens, you already know that it’s about more than just football—it’s about creating a supportive, fitness-focused community for men working to get healthier together. For some players, the transition to 11-a-side football can seem like a big leap, so we’ve answered a few questions you may have and explained how to get involved.
Moving from 7-a-Side to 11-a-Side
Most MAN v FAT sessions start with 7-a-side games, which are fantastic for building fitness and teamwork on a manageable scale. But as teams and players progress, there’s often interest in a larger-scale game, which is where 11-a-side football comes in. Transitioning to 11-a-side provides members with the chance to experience the full field, engage in a longer match, and hone different skills.
We understand that taking the leap to an 11-a-side game can be daunting and that is why we run two teams here at St Helens, our Social Side and our First Team.
What is our Social Side
This is where our players join to try out 11-a-side for the first time, or for those who want to take part in the game for the social aspect, the love of the game or just the extra fitness.
All of our Social games guarantee minutes to players and feature rolling subs, meaning if you can only do 5 minutes per half, that’s absolutely fine, you’ll be on the pitch and part of the team! Where possible, we aim to ensure that all players get equal playing time and these games are very much about the taking part. Of course, a win is great, but the culture always comes first here to make it as fun as it can be.
What if I want to win?
For those who are driven by results and want to win, our First Team is entered into two tournaments for the year, the MAN v FAT National Tournament, affiliated with the FA, and then the Northern Tournament, run by other local MAN v FAT 11-a-side teams.
These leagues feature group phases, qualification criteria and knockout phase football with the chance to win silverware and put our name onto MAN v FAT’s official, and unofficial trophies.
What does it cost?
All games, whether First Team or Social side cost £5 per game. This covers the cost of pitch hire and referees.
For our First Team, there are additional costs, including an annual membership fee which covers our affiliation with the FA, entry into the league, the required Public Liability, Professional Indemnity and team insurances.
There will be a further membership fee implemented on our Social side which is required to ensure that the club can continue to provide everything needed to play, such as our trademark Pink kit, match balls, first aid kits (and courses) and other training equipment.
How do I know when games are?
Games will be listed on our website wherever possible however, the best place to find out what is happening and when it is best to speak to your captain and join the teams WhatsApp group where you will be invited to join the Clubs Spond group. This is where fixtures are loaded, invites to matches sent, squads and lineups posted and payment for matches made.
Do I have to play every game?
Every game will be shared via Spond and you’ll be asked if you’re available or not. Simply mark yes or no and the squad will be selected accordingly, remember for our Social side it is guaranteed minutes!
If you cannot attend a game, simply mark those which you can play and join them, there is no obligation to play week in week out but many players love taking part and join in when they can.
How do I get involved?
Speak to your Captain in the first instance who can point you in the right direction, or within our WhatsApp community you will find our MvF 11s Social Squad chat which you can join, as well as our MAN v FAT 11’s St Helens WhatsApp group.
