Middlesbrough’s MAN v FAT Football club, which meets every Wednesday at Middlesbrough College, is part of a weight loss initiative aimed at helping overweight and obese men with a BMI of over 27.5 shed unwanted weight.
The club combines weekly football matches with lifestyle coaching sessions.
The club is currently looking for new players and organisers are encouraging local men looking to improve their health, to sign up.
At the Middlesbrough sessions, players are weighed, this is followed by a 30-minute game of seven-a-side football, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss.
A team’s total weight loss and match scores then contribute to its position within a club’s overall league table.
According to Public Health England data, around 66 per cent of adults in Middlesbrough are overweight or obese.
The club’s coach, Steven Aithwaite, said: “Seeing the guys growing in happiness and gaining confidence in their appearance and ability on and off the pitch is incredibly rewarding.
“Every week we watch experienced lads passing on knowledge and celebrating the weight loss of new players that join the club.
“A real togetherness has been created at our club.
“I can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.
“Hopefully we can help more guys reach their weight loss goals and enjoy their football in a friendly and supportive environment.”
Richard Crick, head of MAN v FAT, added: “Steven and the players at our Middlesbrough club have created a very special environment, where men initially join to lose weight – but end up with new friends and an improvement to their mental health, as well as their physical health.
“The club has spaces available for new players, so if you’re looking to make a positive change to your health and all-round wellbeing in the year ahead, get in touch.”
Currently, 8,500 men participate at more than 150 MAN v FAT Football clubs across the UK.
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The programme was created to differ from traditional weight loss classes and combines football with achievable weight loss goals for men.
In addition to football sessions, MAN v FAT players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
To find your closest MAN v FAT Football club, visit: https://www.manvfatfootball.org/L.
