Football players enjoy game and tackle weight!
A Bath-based six-a-side football club run by MAN v FAT Football and the Bath City FC Foundation has helped men from the region lose 250kg, or 40 stone, in its opening 14-week season.
In addition, 15 players have already lost 5 per cent of their total body weight. The club is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 25.
Matches take place on Monday evenings at Odd Down Sports Ground, Chelwood Drive, Bath, BA2 2PR.
The Fa-endorsed scheme, which has 5,900 players in over 100 clubs across the UK was created by Andrew Shanahan. He was fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women and decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.
Before matches, the players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
Stuart Normansell, the manager for
MAN v FAT in Somerset said: “We’re very proud of the results already achieved by the men taking part at our Bath club, who have made a tremendous start to their weight loss and healthy lifestyle journeys.
“Our colleagues at Bath City FC Foundation have been an exceptional partner across the first 14 weeks of the programme and we’re very grateful for
their support.
“MAN v FAT isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about enjoying sport in a safe, friendly environment, learning about healthy lifestyle and diet - and making new friends. We have a few spaces for new players, so if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, get in touch - we’ll be with you every step of the way!”
According to Public Health England data covering the year up to April 2020 around 55 per cent of adults in Bath and North East Somerset were overweight or obese, lower than the national average of 62.3 per cent.
Players can join up at www.manvfat. com/football and they can get more information by calling 0345 163 1042 or emailing football@manvfat.com.