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MAN v FAT Football, in partnership with Sport England and the Athletic Community Trust, is bringing it's FA-endorsed 14-week football league to Oldham on April 24.

MAN v FAT Football is heading to Oldham for the first time.

Aimed at local men who want to tackle their weight issues, the incredibly successful weight-loss scheme has seen over 90% of players lose weight, with some losing up to 70lbs during its 14-week duration.

Exclusively for the 68% of UK men who are overweight or obese, MAN v FAT Football leagues are officially endorsed by the Football Association, Sport England and football clubs across the country.

MAN v FAT Football combines the beautiful game with easy to follow dietary and lifestyle advice, as well as online and offline support.

Before each game, a weigh-in takes place, followed by a 30-minute six-a-side football match.

Players can earn extra goal bonuses for their team depending on the number of pounds lost, putting the emphasis on teamwork.

The final result of each match consists of the score on the pitch and the score from the scales.

Mike Diaper, Executive Director at Sport England, said: “We’re delighted to support this hugely innovative scheme which gives inactive and overweight men the confidence to lose weight, gain fitness, and improve their well-being through football.

"The investment of £190,000 of National Lottery funding will provide support to communities where it can make a massive difference.”

Andy Dyke, National Participation Manager of Recreational Football at the FA, said: “Football doesn’t begin and end with the professional game, there are different levels and styles of football played throughout the UK.

"MAN v FAT Football is a brilliant initiative for anyone who wants to address their weight and start working their way back into playing football.

"The results of the leagues are extremely impressive and we are excited to see the impact this could have on men’s health across the country and around the world.

"You might be thinking that your footballing days are behind you, but MAN v FAT Football is a great bridge back into the national game.

"The FA are happy to back the scheme.”

MAN v FAT Football was set up by Andrew Shanahan - who himself lost five stone - as he was fed-up with weight loss classes just for women.

He said: "We're thrilled to roll out our effective weight loss leagues to men in Oldham.

"We've seen that MAN v FAT Football can have an incredible impact on the health of our players with most losing weight and 93% reporting health improvements including curing sleep apnoea to huge improvements in regulating blood pressure as well as relieving joint pain.

"Our players have lost more than 40 tons in weight in 2017 and we know that we’re going to smash that in 2018 with the addition of leagues like the one here in Oldham.”

The MAN v FAT Football Oldham league launches on April 24 at The Honeywell Centre at 6pm, running every week for the following 14 weeks.

It is FREE to play, with a £10 deposit, so the only thing you have to lose is weight.

Players can join up at: www.manvfatfootball.org/oldham