FIT Jacks helps Malcolm rediscover his love for physical activity
Having been active in his younger years, Malcolm Jones, 60, joined Swansea City AFC Foundation’s FIT Jacks programme looking to regain his fitness, but he would end up taking far more from the experience than he had anticipated.
Having grown up in Morriston, Malcom joined the expanded weekly FIT Jacks sessions in Morriston Leisure Centre, completing the 12-week programme and revitalising his fitness.
Through the initiative, Malcolm found himself losing an impressive amount of weight, and he was inspired to achieve goals that he had not pursued since his younger years.
“It’s rejuvenated my appetite for physical activity. I’ve always been keen on sports but this has now taken it to a different level for me,” said Malcolm.
“I’ve always had so many ambitions during my sports days, one was to do a marathon. I completed that on my own the other day, 26.2 miles, a magical number.
“I’ve lost about 10kg within the nine weeks so far. I’ve set myself various goals and I’ve smashed them all but that’s because of the superb camaraderie in the team that we have found here.
“I’ve got far more confidence and I’ve even taken that into my workplace. I really feel I can sit and hold a meeting, I feel comfortable with what I’m saying.
“I’m a big Swans supporter having been born and brought up in Morriston. I actually went to the school here back in the 1970s so to come back here now, 44 years on, where I played my football, cricket, and to be active now at 60 years of age is great.”
Malcolm also supported the Foundation by refereeing as they hosted the Joma Cup, a walking football fixture between Swansea City AFC Foundation and Norwich City Community Sports Foundation participants, having previously been a referee across south Wales.
Abdul Mithwani led the sessions in Morriston, and he was delighted to have Malcolm continue to be involved with the Foundation.
“Malcolm is a really great guy. He’s been here since week one, he's here week in week out coming from Bridgend, so there’s a big commitment from his part,” said Mithwani
“Malcolm joined us to be the referee for the Joma Cup, as well. He’d mentioned that he’d done refereeing previously and so he volunteered to be there for us. It rolled back the years for him so I think it was a great opportunity for him.”