A GROUP that helps overweight and obese men to get fit has seen more than 100 men lose 100 stone in just a year.

The men are members of Man V Fat Football Warrington which encourages them to adopt healthy lifestyle choices.

At the start of sessions, which are based at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, players are weighed in to monitor their weight loss progress across a week.

Half-an-hour games of six-a-side football then take place, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss.

A team’s combined weight loss and match scores then contribute to its league position within a club.

At the Warrington club, members have lost an impressive combined 100 stone in just a year.

In February, Dan Edwards, the Warrington club’s coach, and Al Robinson, a player and member of the group, attended a reception at Parliament to celebrate Man v Fat Football’s 10-year anniversary.

Warrington Guardian: Al Robinson

At the event, around 100 guests heard from men whose lives had been positively affected by the programme since its inception in 2014. The total amount of excess weight lost by Man v Fat players in the UK currently stands at more than 650,000 pounds, or 45,000 stone.

Dan said: “For me as the coach, I get fantastic job satisfaction and my passionate juices flow as I see the men of our community meet their targets and goals.

“I love seeing the lads hit the weight loss milestones we have in play at Man v Fat Football. Seeing their journeys and being able to witness them, add in any help they need gives me great satisfaction.

“Not just milestones with weight loss but I love seeing the other wins the lads get with things like fitting in smaller clothes, going down a trouser size, being able to go out to things like theme parks and fit in the ride seats, have the confidence to go out with how they look.

“I love it all like that, seeing the dads in our community having more energy with their kids and families being more active.”

Al Robinson, a player at the club adds: “During the first Covid lockdown I had started my own weight loss journey due to being in a high-risk category with a BMI over 50 and having been diagnosed with diabetes.

“After a couple of months, I felt I needed to add something else alongside the diet element so when I saw an advert for Man v Fat, it was something I really thought would help.

"Like-minded men playing the game they love while losing weight just seemed an ideal fit - and it was!

Warrington Guardian: Dan Edwards and Al Robinson at Parliament

 “I love the community aspect of Man v Fat, it’s a great environment to be in, where you can play football without being judged on your weight or ability. It isn't just about one football session either my team and our wider community have become friends.

“My starting weight was 24 stone and I've lost seven stone with the help of the programme. I now regularly exercise and push myself with lifestyle changes that have improved my overall health and wellbeing.

“I have reversed my diabetes and no longer require medication. Man V Fat really has helped with both my physical and mental health.”

Aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5, MAN v FAT Football has more than 8,000 players taking part in over 150 clubs across the UK.

Man V Fat Football Warrington takes place on Tuesday evenings from 8pm at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

More information about the Warrington club and how to sign-up can be found here: https://www.manvfatfootball.org/warrington