Read about Anthony's incredible weight loss journey so far

LOSE YOURSELF (OR AT LEAST 10KGS OF YOURSELF)!

“Knees weak, arms are heavy. There’s vomit on his sweater already – Mom’s spaghetti”

Rapped Eminem in his #1 hit Lose Yourself. Apart from that fact he hadn’t had his mother’s spaghetti for years (too many carbs), he could have been describing Anthony Lloyd ahead of his first session at SAL Soccer.

“I wouldn’t have come, if I didn’t have someone to show up with and push me. I felt like throwing up all day before that first time playing”

Said Anthony who bravely admitted to struggling with anxiety as well as his weight.

“You only get one shot, do not miss your chance”

And it could have been his own conscience talking. Anthony works in logistics and has a busy family life with 4 children taking up the rest of his time. He shares his passion for the beautiful game with his son but was struggling to keep up. He had no energy to play. Anthony was at his heaviest, had high blood pressure and various ailments as he hit 40 years – last year his doctor had told him he needed to make a change. With his family as his motivation, he listened to that advice and set to work.

Anthony started with his food intake. By tracking and recording everything he consumes, he is able to ensure that he is operating on a calorie deficit every day.

“I can still eat crisps every day, but I am mindful of which crisps and how many by recording my intake”. Anthony started moving more too – walking and attending the gym on his lunch breaks. Months later and feeling good, he decided that it was time to do more and signed up to SAL Soccer with a couple of friends. Playing football every week has really made the difference; “I’m competitive and so I want to be in the weight loss team of the week every week. I’m having fun, playing with people with similar goals who play the game the right way and I’m not as tired in the evenings now either”.

Since Anthony decided to make the change, he has lost a huge 49lbs – over 22kg! SAL founders Scott Withrington and Andrew Tovey are immensely proud of him and congratulated Anthony on his weight loss by awarding him medals. He’s the first player at SAL Soccer to lose 10kgs whilst being part of the programme.

“This is a celebration of Anthony. He looks great. You can visually see his progress now, we couldn’t be prouder of him!", Scott told the group when presenting his medals.