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Weight loss football club kicks off in Gateshead

MAN V FAT

A nationwide football programme that has been proven to help men tackle obesity across the UK is helping Gateshead residents to lose weight.

The six-a-side football club, organised by MAN v FAT Football in association with the council, takes place 7-8pm on Fridays at Gateshead International Stadium. The club is specifically aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5 and through our Active Through Football programme, eligible players in East Gateshead can join for free. The 32 members in Gateshead have lost an impressive 62kg between them in their first 9 weeks of taking part in the programme.

MAN v FAT, an FA-affiliated scheme, currently has 8,500 players taking part in more than 170 leagues across the UK. The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men. The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 510,000 pounds.

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. But it's not just about losing weight, it's about enjoying sport in a safe, friendly environment, learning about healthy lifestyle and diet, and getting together with like minded new friends.

A new league starts on Friday 16 June, although new players are welcome at any time. Players can check if they're eligible to join for free and sign up at manvfatfootball.org/gateshead or by calling 0345 163 1042.

For more Active Through Football activities, visit gogateshead.com/ActiveThroughFootball or follow @ATFGateshead on Facebook.

MAN V FAT
12 June 2023

A nationwide football programme that has been proven to help men tackle obesity across the UK is helping Gateshead residents to lose weight.

The six-a-side football club, organised by MAN v FAT Football in association with the council, takes place 7-8pm on Fridays at Gateshead International Stadium. The club is specifically aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5 and through our Active Through Football programme, eligible players in East Gateshead can join for free. The 32 members in Gateshead have lost an impressive 62kg between them in their first 9 weeks of taking part in the programme.

MAN v FAT, an FA-affiliated scheme, currently has 8,500 players taking part in more than 170 leagues across the UK. The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men. The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 510,000 pounds.

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. But it's not just about losing weight, it's about enjoying sport in a safe, friendly environment, learning about healthy lifestyle and diet, and getting together with like minded new friends.

A new league starts on Friday 16 June, although new players are welcome at any time. Players can check if they're eligible to join for free and sign up at manvfatfootball.org/gateshead or by calling 0345 163 1042.

For more Active Through Football activities, visit gogateshead.com/ActiveThroughFootball or follow @ATFGateshead on Facebook.

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