A new football club that encourages men who are overweight or living with obesity to get fit and adopt healthy lifestyle is launching in Cowes.
This follows a programme in Sandown which helped local men to lose a combined total of over one tonne (1,050kg) of unhealthy weight in 2023.
Weekly sessions launching in February
MAN v FAT Football Cowes launches on Friday 16th February 2024 at Cowes Enterprise College. Sessions will take place on a weekly basis, every Friday.
New players on the Island can benefit from a free first 14-week season funded by the Isle of Wight council which works in partnership with MAN v FAT. Eligibility criteria applies and spaces are limited.
Tackling obesity
The Director of Public Health highlights this as part of our approach to tackle obesity which according to data published in April 2023 from the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities, the number of adults on the Island who are overweight or living with obesity is high, at 63%.
To meet the needs of men, with a Body Mass Index of above 27.5, MAN v FAT Football has more than 8,000 players taking part in over 150 clubs across the UK. The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at over 600,000 pounds.
Team’s combined weight loss contributes to league position
At the start of a MAN v FAT session, players are weighed to monitor their weight loss progress across each week. 30-minute games of six-a-side football take place and extra goal bonuses are awarded to teams based on their weight loss. A team’s combined weight loss and match scores then contribute to its league position within a club.
Lazarus: Diabetes was the wake up call I needed to turn my life around
Mike Lazarus, a player at the club who has lost an impressive two and a half stone with the help of the programme explains,
“What I enjoy the most is the chance to get out, meet people and get more physically active, the club has a nice bunch of lads.
“My starting weight was 95kg (15 stone) and now I’m 81kg, so I’ve lost almost three stone. I was a 38 waist, now down to 34. Diabetes was the wake up call I needed to turn my life around.”
Crick: It’s about more than just losing weight
MAN v FAT Head of Football, Richard Crick, explains,
“The tonne of weight lost by men at our first Isle of Wight club in Sandown is testament to the sheer hard work and determination shown by the players. As well as the incredible coaching team, who lead the programme on the Island.
“While the main aim of the programme is to help men lose weight, MAN v FAT is about so much more than that. Lifelong friendships are formed at our clubs. Thousands of players across the UK have benefited from an improvement in their mental wellbeing, as well as their physical health.
“The programme is perfect for men who want to get back into playing football but might feel nervous about doing so due to their fitness levels. We encourage non-judgmental behaviour, body positivity and losing weight at a healthy, sustainable pace.
“We are delighted to be able to offer free 14-week seasons at our new Cowes club. This is thanks to a partnership with the Isle of Wight Council, who will be funding places for new players matching certain criteria.”
Sign up for MAN v FAT Football Cowes ahead of its 16th February launch via the website.
MAN v FAT players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. Players also get full access to MAN v FAT online gym, so they can train in their own time at home.
To find your closest MAN v FAT Football club, visit the website.
Article edit
12.10pm 17th Jan 2024 – Photo of Sandown team added
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
