Football team work together to lose weight and have fun

A FOOTBALL team set up to help players lose weight has achieved remarkable results, transforming the bodies and lives of the men who signed up.

- ALEX RIDOUT

The Man v Fat Bridgend club is part of a national programme for players with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.5 or over.

The club has dozens of players, split into eight teams who compete for results on the pitch and weight loss off it.

Players are weighed before each match, earning points that go towards their end of season total.

One of the teams, KFC Scoffenheim has won a national award for Team of the Year after the nine players involved lost an incredible 185.2kg (over 29 stone) during the season.

One of the club’s players, Dylan Painter, has lost 82 kilograms (nearly 13st) alone since becoming involved, while assistant club manager Jean-Luc Howe, 30, has also had an incredible weight-loss journey, losing 52kg (more than 8st) after joining the league two years ago.

Dylan won the Amazing Loser award at the annual ceremony, while the national Community Hero Award went to Dave Hughes for his charity work and helping others

Jean-Luc said: “Losing weight has completely changed my life in ways I never thought possible. A few years ago, I couldn’t imagine running more than a few minutes. However, I've now completed a full marathon (with many half and full marathons booked!).

“I feel fitter, healthier, and more confident than I've ever been. But it’s not just about the physical changes; the biggest difference has been mental.

“I've found a new sense of belief in myself, a positive mindset, and a real passion for helping others.