[caption id=“attachment_5888” align=“alignright” width=“245”] Simon Stevenette[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_5891” align=“alignright” width=“227”] Simon Stevenette after pic[/caption] I am 53 years old and, although reasonably fit, was overweight for me at about 14 Stones 5 when I began the Football Fans in Training course in September. I had heard great reports about the first course and I have loved working with Jon and Shane on other projects; Football in the Community do so much both across the Swindon Borough and with our link with Livingstone, Zambia. Looking back now over the last three months the course on Thursday nights 6.30 — 8pm has been one of the most outstanding courses I have ever done. I have loved every minute learning from Jon, Shane and Louise and being part of a supportive, energising, inspiring community of 30 football fans. On Week 2 Shane suggested that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity which we needed to give our best shot. As Swindon Football Chaplain for 17 years and Vicar of Christ Church I do all I can to welcome people encouraging their growth in faith. At the end of each night I loved the words ​‘Great session , the best yet , we want to see less of you next week !’ As a group we have lost nearly 44 Stone between us. Personally, having never dieted in my life , but I have lost over 2 & ¹⁄₂ stone and am now 11 stone 9. This is entirely due to the support and friendship of the group. I would like to thank each one of them, especially ​‘the Legends’ of the first course, who have given up their time to be mentors and to share their experience with us on our course. It has been hugely appreciated. Each session we had 40 minutes or so of input including setting smart goals and then with the help of our pedometer doing circuit training, fitness training, Pilates or football skills to improve our fitness. On Week 6 Jon , Louise and Shane organised a trailer covered in sheets, underneath were 10 kg sandbags representing all the weight we had lost. Holding 10kgs of sand was a very humbling experience and I recognised I didn’t need it ! I am now less weight than I have been in my whole 29 year marriage! Nicola and I have five sons , in the beginning they were joking about me doing the course but they are now very proud of the progress I have made! In summary as a group we enormously appreciate the financial support of Public Health in Swindon and all those who have made the course possible. For all those who struggle with their weight I have nothing but the greatest understanding. Through the course we learnt that reducing portion size and increasing fitness was the best way to see result. One quick tip the more water you drink the more it takes away your appetite. Each of us are eating more fruit and vegetables and less biscuits , chocolates and crisps. Eating a good breakfast is key. Having watched Swindon Town players over 17 years kiss our Club badge there is great power in wearing the Swindon Town strip and being part of the team, ​‘Swindon till I die!’ Wearing the shirt has helped me overcome one of my many weaknesses which was eating cheese and biscuits after an evening meeting at about 10pm. I would describe being part of the course like being part of a retreat, participating has helped me love myself more and increased my self esteem, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Thank you to my team mates for their inspiration and countless words of encouragement . We enjoy meeting together to do the Kingshill steps, football on a Sunday afternoon and running together. Look out for our Football Fans in Training hats, if you see us pounding the streets do encourage us on! Looking forward to keeping up the good work as we are playing Manchester City Football Fans in Training at the Etihad in the New Year. I look forward to mentoring on the next course. Our Swindon Town Club Carol service is on Thursday 10^th December at 6.30pm when all the Football fans in training appear in their club kits or please do feel welcome to come to our Candlelit Carol service on Sunday 20^th December at 6.30pm . Have a happy Christmas