Celtic Foundation to launch Man v Fat Footballl Scheme in January

The FA-endorsed MAN v FAT Football scheme that has helped over 15,000 men lose more than 230,000lbs is for the very first time available in Stalybridge from the start of 2020.

Local men who want to tackle their weight issues now have the chance to join this incredibly successful weight loss league, with the league being run in partnership with Stalybridge Celtic Foundation.

With 95% of players losing weight and some players losing up to 70lbs during a 14 week league, it’s no wonder that the leagues have been so popular and won several awards including the ukactive Healthy Community Award. 

Set up by Andrew Shanahan, who himself lost five stone and was fed-up with weight loss classes aimed just at women, MAN v FAT Football combines the beautiful game with easy to follow diet and lifestyle advice as well as 24/7 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. With players choosing team names such as 17 Stone Roses, Borussia Munching Flapjack and OB City – it’s clear that the men enjoy the opportunity to get back on the pitch. 

MAN v FAT’s Head of Football Richard Crick said: "We've seen that MAN v FAT Football can have an incredible impact on the health of our players with 95% of players losing weight and 93% reporting improvements from a range of conditions such as curing sleep apnoea to reversing diabetes.

“Our players have now lost more than 230,000lbs and we want to keep increasing that with leagues like the ones in Stalybridge.” 

Andy Dyke, National Participation Manager of Recreational Football at the Football Association said: “Football doesn’t begin and end with the professional game, there are different levels and styles of football played throughout the UK.

“MAN v FAT Football is a brilliant initiative for anyone who wants to address their weight and start working their way back into playing football. The results of the leagues are extremely impressive.

“You might be thinking that your footballing days are behind you, but MAN v FAT Football is a great bridge back into the national game. The FA are happy to back the scheme and suggest that players visit www.manvfatfootball.org to get started.”

Chris Fenton, joined MAN v FAT Football in January and has now dropped over 5 stone, “MAN V FAT Football gave me a kick up the behind and made me realise how bad my health was. I was then put into a group of lads who all had the same goals to play football and to lose weight. 

“It gives me a focus and a desire to lose weight and as the weeks go on I feel better about myself. I have more energy and for the first time I'm able to play with my kids without getting tired. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and would recommend it to any man.”

MAN v FAT Football launches in Stalybridge on January 31^st 2020. The only thing you have to lose is weight.