The UK’s leading men’s weight loss programme, MAN v FAT, has gained Football Association of Wales Affiliate Partnership, with the two parties set to develop their relationship further to integrate the MAN v FAT community into Welsh grassroots football.
MAN v FAT have previously enjoyed Associate Membership status, but will deepen their partnership with the FAW by joining the Affiliate Partnership framework.
The Affiliate Partnership gives MAN v FAT access to a broad range of support from the FAW and ensures a robust level of governance for the six MAN v FAT clubs in Wales.
This extended collaboration builds on the fantastic successes enjoyed by MAN v FAT’s programme in Wales, where the club communities have grown to support 500+ Welsh players on and off the pitch, with nearly 12,000kg of excess weight lost in their weekly sessions.
MAN v FAT nationally has acted as a gateway to get men back into active sport and work will continue to integrate MAN v FAT Football into the Football Association of Wales’ participation development plan.
Rebecca Osland, National Participation and Partnerships Manager for the Football Association of Wales said: “We are excited to continue our partnership with MAN v FAT through our new FAW Affiliate Partnership Programme for 2024/25.
“There is a huge opportunity for growth of recreational football across Cymru and partners like MAN v FAT are key in supporting that. As we know, Football has a significant impact on individuals health and wellbeing, and by creating more opportunities for men to access this provision in communities across Cymru, we will continue to see these positive affects on lives.”
The MAN v FAT programme has been fortunate to take its UK national tournaments to some great venues in the past and it’s hoped this new relationship will open up possibilities across the Welsh border.
Stuart Normansell, Regional Manager for MAN v FAT, added: “Myself and our delivery team in Wales are really excited to move forwards knowing the MAN v FAT Football programme in Wales is recognised by the country’s governing body. We hope this relationship can strengthen our mission to help men get healthier through football.”
And Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT was equally delighted to confirm the new partnership: “MAN v FAT community members in Wales continue to achieve great things. Our clubs there host some incredible people who so do much to support those around them.
“To now have our values officially aligned with the FAW is a testament to our clubs, players and staff. This relationship will also help us to continue to build our governance and standards across the nation.”
