OVER the course of three years 175 pounds of excess weight has been lost thanks to a football club that’s putting men’s wellbeing at the forefront.
MAN v FAT Football Barnsley hosts matches every Tuesday evening at Honeywell Sports Village, with players getting weighed before heading on the pitch.
Results from the matches combine with a player’s individual weight loss throughout a week, contributing to an overall league table.
According to data published by Public Health England last year, around 67 per cent of adults in Barnsley are overweight or obese – the MAN v FAT club are therefore pushing weight loss, while helping men discover the mental health benefits of sport and build new friendships.
Callum Tingle, the club’s coach, said: “It’s been a pleasure being part of this club.
“Meeting like-minded men and supporting them through their journeys while building a community that works towards everyone achieving their goals, is an amazing feeling.
“I’ve seen some great progress at the club since we started, not only on the scales in terms of weight loss, but we have seen people grow in confidence.
“Players push themselves to limits they thought they wouldn’t reach, while building friendships they otherwise might not have made.
“The aim for the club over the next 12 months is to continue to grow and keep supporting the lads to help them reach their goals.
“We want to be Barnsley’s safe space for supporting weight loss, improving mental health and making new friends.”