Man v Fat Football Update

Man v Fat Football has been running in Bath since May. In that time the players involved in the League have lost approximately 45 stone all together. The scheme, endorsed by the FA, is a 16-week football league for players who are classed as overweight or obese. The league is geared to help players lose weight through six-a-side games, with a unique scoring system based on individual and team weight loss. There are currently 100 leagues running around the country and Bath City FC Foundation are proud to be involved in running the Bath league, which has recently received funding through BANES council to fund players for a season who are living within the BANES catchment area.

Geoff Stevens, Project Manager for the Foundation, is the coach on the league and has been involved in running leagues in Bridgwater, Bristol and now Bath since 2016. The scheme is unique in the way it supports weight loss through football. It has given many men an outlet where they feel comfortable in an environment with like-minded individuals all aiming for the same goal of losing weight. Not only do they achieve great weight loss but the team ethos and the support also helps tackle issues around mental health and well being. The weight loss so far has been fantastic and we look forward to being able to support many more players in the league in the future.

Aiden Fry, who has lost 25.9kg since starting (4 stone) / 18.46% of his body weight, said “It’s great to know that there are others like myself that are trying to get healthier. ManVsFat gives men the tools and encouragement to lose weight. Everyone on the ManVsFat team is friendly, helpful and very supportive; Great experience and very fun games of football”.

Jody Gaisford, who has lost 25.4kg since starting / 17.39% of his body weight. “Man V Fat has been a real game changer for me. I joined in May 2021, hoping to lose a little weight, but had no idea how successful it would be. Five months later, I am four stone lighter and feeling great. For the first time in many years my clothes are too big for me. I’m making better decisions about my diet and health, all kicked off by Man V Fat. Man V Fat works so well for me. My team mates (and the rest of the league) are all supportive of each other. I am playing football with players of a similar fitness level and it doesn’t matter if (like me) you are not the most skillful footballer, as you can pick up plenty of bonus goals for your team by losing weight. Not only have I shed a few stone, but I have made some good friends all with a common interest of losing some weight and playing some football.”

For those who are interested in getting involved in the league or would like to find out more visit https://www.manvfatfootball.org/bath.