Worcester is set for a new football-focused weight loss scheme to help men kick their excess pounds.

Lovers of the beautiful game will be able to lace up their boots and show their unwanted weight the red card through the six-a-side healthy lifestyle programme, dubbed 'MAN v FAT'.

The FA-affiliated scheme has already proved a huge hit in Redditch at Woodfield Academy on Wednesday evenings and Kidderminster on Monday evenings at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, helping 90 Worcestershire men shed a collective 800 pounds of weight in 2021.

Off the back of that success, a new club is set to launch in Worcester on February 18, with men from the area actively being encouraged to sign-up.

Once fully set up, teams will meet on Wednesday evenings from 7pm at Perdiswell Leisure Centre.

Iain Rob Wright, an author from Redditch, said: “MAN v FAT has allowed me to rediscover my love of playing football, and has given me something to get excited about every week.

"I’m getting fit without even thinking about it, and I don’t have to worry about boring gyms or miserable jogs in the rain.

“There is a fitness crisis in this country and part of the problem is that some people don’t enjoy running or going to the gym.

"MAN v FAT however, takes the boredom out of exercise by giving members a chance to exercise in a fun, semi-competitive environment.

"It also has a great social aspect as football brings together people from all walks of life. Best of all, everyone plays at their own pace.

“The programme has allowed me to make a ton of new buddies, without a calorie-filled pint in sight. It’s built my confidence in a lot of ways.”

MAN v FAT is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5, and currently has 6,500 players taking part in over 100 clubs nationwide.

According to Public Health England, around 65.4% of adults in Worcestershire are classified as overweight or obese, higher than the national average of 63.9%.

The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme which combines football with achievable weight loss goals for men. 

Before matches, 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.

Weight loss and match scores then contribute to teams’ league positions within a club. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. 

Richard Crick, MAN v FAT’s Head of Football, said: “We are extremely proud of the progress made by our players, coaches and the wider team involved at our Worcestershire clubs.

“Our Redditch club and new Worcester club both currently have spaces for new players, so if you’re ready to shed some of the Christmas excess, while having fun and making new friends in the process, get in touch!”

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
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