Wayne Scorah
When did you join the club?
I joined the club in May 2022, way back in Season 1!
What made you want to join?
Over Christmas in 2021, I felt really uncomfortable with my size and shape, and how unfit I was, and used the New Year as a catalyst for change. I had started to lose weight myself but felt I needed something extra. I had seen a number of adverts for the club around the New Year and initially ignored them, but the frequency of seeing them, and my love of football kept making me think more about signing up. It took a few weeks to arrange childcare (as my wife worked Monday evenings), but once it was in place, I signed up immediately.
Do you have a target weight or health goal?
I am more or less where I want to be, in terms of fitness. I am able to play my game on a Monday, and I take part in some of the extra football on offer – all without feeling too out of breath! As part of my journey I also took up running, and have managed to run 5k in a reasonable time for someone my age and weight. In terms of a target weight, I keep looking at the next percentage – for me, my next percentage is 30%, which would a sizeable difference from where I started
What’s your favourite MAN v FAT achievement, so far?
Way back in the presentation at the end of Season 2, I was awarded the ‘Clubman’ award for my work within the club. As I look through some of the names to have received this award since, there really is some fantastic people and to be considered alongside them is truly amazing.
What position do you play?
I tend to be defensive-minded, and sit back. I am comfortable being the last man in 5/6 aside. In terms of 11 a side, I can play anywhere along the back line.
What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to weight loss?
Every now and then things plateau out. When this happens it can take me a few weeks to realise and then I have to reconfigure things around – I re-do my TDEE and work out a new calorie deficit. I also look at my exercises, can I increase or change what I am doing. I have noticed in the last 2 years I walk a lot more and often find ways to get in a sneaky walk, even if it just walking to the shops while at work.
Who’s your favourite footballer?
Growing up, I really liked Paul Scholes and got to meet him in 2022.
What’s your go-to healthy meal or snack?
I like to batch cook some meals, so I always have something low-calorie available – these include a Chilli, Chinese Curry, and Pulled Pork Stew. These are so easy to use, add some cauliflower rice, a handful of air-fried chips, a jacket potato etc and that’s a filling meal in minutes. In terms of snacks, I have low-calorie snack/cereal bars to hand (all <100 cal), and a supply of flavoured snack-a-jacks.
How do you stay motivated when it gets tough?
I try to remember that tough times will pass. I look to see if there are any changes I can make that will make things better, and if not, ride it out.
Do you have a favourite film?
My favourite film is From Dusk Till Dawn.
What’s a fun fact about you outside of the club?
Not many know this, but I was diagnosed as autistic in 2023, which has really helped me and those close to me understand my experiences in a different light.