THE County Press was in the privileged position to get a first-hand experience of Man v Fat in midweek – a weight loss group for Isle of Wight men centred around football.
The programme launched on the Island in January 2021 and has gone from strength to strength.
Every week, on a Tuesday evening, a group of around 60 men get together to play football at The Bay CE School.
Each season spans 14 weeks, comprising ten weeks of league matches between six teams and a four-week cup competition.
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Every three seasons, the teams are redrafted, and it is a football league where losers really do win.
Match scores are combined with bonus goals awarded for weight loss and weekly challenges, and more often than not, it is the weight loss goals which prove decisive.
The County Press’ very own Matt Curran was invited to step in as goalkeeper for a match and managed to limit the opposition to a single goal.
“On the Isle of Wight, it’s been massively successful,” said the health and well-being coach, Colin Jackson.
“We’ve got close to 60 players, which is our capacity.
“If a waiting list develops, which is looking likely, there’s every chance we can get a second club going.
“Every player who signs up currently gets a full season funded by the Isle of Wight Council.
“Come the end of that funding, you start paying a monthly subscription, just shy of £30.
“We’ve had some real success stories. Some of the lads have achieved what they wanted to achieve and moved on, and for the first time we’re hosting an awards night and starting a hall of fame.
“We’re hosting it at Sandown Community Club, where we will do all our season awards, and the players will pick up medals for success in the league and weight loss.
“We also run other events throughout the year.
“It’s as much about mental well-being as it is about weight loss and weight management.
“The want to do well for your team is one of the main driving forces for the guys.
“A lot them have struggled with weight loss in the past, when they’re just relying on their own willpower.
“But being responsible for what happens on the pitch, and the goals that they achieve – they find a little bit more dedication in it.
“There are some really good football players here. We have an 11-a-side team as well, who are actually top of the league at the moment.
“It’s really easy to get involved. You can come along on a Tuesday night and say hello and see what we’re all about, and to get started, all you have to do is sign up online.
“In terms of limitations, it’s man vs fat, so it is a men-only club. The only pre-requisite, really, is that you are 27.5 BMI or higher.
“And if you are successful, and lose weight, you’re still a member of the club, and will remain a member of the club until you decide you don’t want to do it anymore.”
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