MAN v FAT will be expanding its footprint in the north of the country in 2024, with a new funded club getting underway in Gateshead from January 2024.
The six-a-side football club, organised by MAN v FAT Football in association with Active Through Football Gateshead and Gateshead Council, takes place on Wednesday evenings at Gateshead International Stadium, Neilson Road, and will provide the opportunity of a 14 week funded spot for men in the town.
MAN v FAT is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5. In 2019 it was reported that 69% of adults in Gateshead are overweight or obese, which could be as many as 113,000 people.
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 600,000 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. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
Josh Scott, Active Through Football Project Lead at Gateshead Council, said: “We are very excited to be launching a new season of MAN v FAT Football in Gateshead.
“This programme gives us the ability to reach out to individuals who may currently have limited opportunities in the local community, to get active and offer a much-needed boost for their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT, added: “We’re delighted to be expanding our programme in Gateshead following many successful years of helping men lose weight and improve their lifestyle elsewhere in the country.
“MAN v FAT isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about enjoying sport in a safe, friendly environment, learning about healthy lifestyle and diet – and making new friends. We have spaces for new players in Gateshead and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”
To see if you qualify for a funded spot, visit our Gateshead page to start your registration today!
