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.
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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!