The MAN v FAT Football match saw Conservative, Labour and SNP MPs come together for the game, which the MPs’ team won 6-5.
MAN v FAT football clubs are specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5. According to Public Health Wales statistics around 60% of adults in Wales are overweight or obese, with a quarter of those classified as obese.
Prior to the game, the MPs heard how MAN v FAT, an FA-affiliated scheme, currently has more than 8,000 players taking part in over 170 clubs across the UK. The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at nearly 500,000 pounds. Locally, there are MAN v FAT clubs in Swansea, which meets on Tuesday evenings and in Bridgend, which meets on Friday evenings.
Before matches, players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Weight loss and match scores then contribute to teams’ league positions within a club. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
Stephen Kinnock MP, commented: “Aside from having a great morning with the MAN v FAT team and a fairly intense and competitive match, it was a real eye opener to hear about the transformative effect that the programme is having for so many men around the country. At a time when obesity is a real problem, initiatives like this that make such a difference deserve to be highlighted. And, given that we won the match, we’re already thinking about a return fixture!”
Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT, says: “It was a great match played in good spirits and it was a great opportunity for us to show the MPs first-hand the success that MAN v FAT is having in improving levels of wellbeing and the difference that the programme is making but to players all around the country.”
Players can join up at www.manvfat.com/football and they can get more information by calling 0345 163 1042 or emailing football@manvfat.com.
