Football team with a difference targets weight loss goals
EXETER health and wellbeing charity, CITY Community Trust is aiming to help local men score their weight loss goals in 2018 - through an innovative football league.
The charity has partnered with Get Active Exeter to launch MAN v FAT, an FA-endorsed football league for UK men who are overweight or obese.
It is the first time the incredibly successful weight loss league has been operated in Exeter and those taking part will get to play on Exeter City Football Club’s 3G pitch at its Cliff Hill training ground.
MAN v FAT combines football with easy to follow nutrition and lifestyle advice, as well as 24/7 online and offline support. There’s the traditional weigh-ins before each game, but this is then followed-up by a 30 minute game of six-a-side football. Extra goal bonuses are awarded depending on the pounds lost by the players, so it becomes a real team effort.
Previous participants who took part in MAN V FAT in Yeovil, described the programme as ‘life changing’. ‘It’s not just about the football, it's the camaraderie which comes from being part of a team, shared goals not wanting to let your team mates down at weigh in. I couldn't have done it without the support from the coaches and team mates, I can now run around with my son and be a better Dad.’
Jamie Vittles, Head of Community at CITY Community Trust, said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with MAN v FAT football to offer men in Exeter the chance to get back into football, lose weight and improve their health. With 95 per cent of players losing weight, some up to 70lbs during the 14 week league, and 93 per cent reporting other health improvements, MAN v FAT football can have a life-changing impact on the health of players.’
CITY Community Trust provides a range of activities to people of all ages, focussed on health, education, wellbeing and physical activity and has been delivering its services to the people of Exeter for more than 25 years.
Other programmes delivered by the charity include Powerchair football for wheelchair users, sessions for deaf people and young people with Down’s Syndrome, as well as opportunities for men and women of all ages with mental health issues and learning difficulties.
It also works closely with other agencies to engage people who may be hard to reach, including a lunchtime football club session for homeless people. The organisation also delivers the National Citizen Service across 21 Devon schools and colleges. Last summer more than 500 15-17 year olds signed up to take part in the programme. It also runs after school and holiday clubs for children aged from three years old.
MAN v FAT Football launches at St James Park, Exeter FC on January 19, 8pm-10pm and runs every Friday 8pm-10pm at Cliff Hill Training Ground, Sidmouth Road, EX5 1DP for the next 13 weeks. It costs £9.99 to register and games cost £5 per week (taken in monthly instalments of £20).
Players can join up at www.manvfatfootball.org or for more information call 0845 163 0042 or email football@manvfat.com
