Colchester United

The MAN v FAT Football scheme has been so popular it has been featured on BBC's The One Show and has even been the focus of a programme on Brazilian national television.

With 93% of players losing weight and some players losing up to 70lbs during the 14 week league, it's no wonder Colchester United, Colchester United's Football in the Community and MAN v FAT have teamed up to bring the scheme to North Essex. 

The league is being offered to men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.5 or over and you can find out your BMI by visiting https://manvfat.com/football.

Uniquely, the MAN v FAT Football league is decided not just on points won, but pounds lost.

It is suitable for men of any fitness level and there are even non-playing roles available, meaning that men of any size can get involved and get healthier.

As well as free football, every player also receives free resources, inspiration and 24/7 support to help them lose weight and get fitter via MANVFAT.com.

If you missed the first session, it's not too late to get involved! Take a look at the MAN v FAT website for more information

The league will run Wednesdays between 8pm and 10pm and the small sided pitches at The Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Andrew Shanahan, Managing Director of MAN v FAT said: "I set up MAN v FAT when I lost over 70lbs and discovered just how little help there is out there for men who want to lose weight, so we are thrilled to bring MAN v FAT Football to Colchester.

"We've already had a brilliant reaction to the idea and if you're interested in playing then get in fast as places always go fast in every league we've run.

"I'd urge any guys who fancy winning their battle against fat to give it a try – the only thing they have to lose is weight!"

Chris Fenton, joined MAN v FAT Football in Solihull in January and has dropped over three stone. He said: "MAN v FAT Football first gave me a kick up the behind and made me realise how bad my health is.

"I was then put into a group of lads who all had the same goals to play football and to lose weight.

"It gives me a focus and a desire to lose weight and as the weeks go on I feel better about myself.

"I have more energy and for the first time I'm able to play with my kids without getting tired. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and would recommend it to any man."

Andy Hunt has lost over five stone since joining and has found the benefits to be around his family.

He said: "I'd spent the first years of my children's lives getting progressively more and more over weight to the point where my BMI had reached 39!

"To be honest I was more than a little unsure if it would work for me. However, I am absolutely loving it.

"I've not only lost weight during that time but more importantly I've addressed the many elements of my lifestyle that were responsible for my steady weight gain.

"I've made lots of friends with guys in exactly the same situation as myself and together we encourage each other to succeed both on and off the pitch.

"I'd not played football for many years largely due to weight gain and the stigma associated with being known as "the big lad".

"My friends and family are delighted with my progress and my eight year old son tells me every week how proud he is of me!

"MAN v FAT Football has provided a fantastic platform from which to address my lifestyle and is turning out to be totally life-changing and even life-saving!"

. www.manvfat.com/football Register now at

Please note that spaces on the leagues are limited and you don't have to be a team to play, 99% of those who sign up to the leagues are individuals just looking to play football and beat fat!