By Isle of Wight Observer
A group of footballers, in Sandown, were named ‘Regional Club of the Year for the South’, at the MAN v FAT Football National Awards in Manchester on Saturday.
The footballers have been taking part in a Football Association-accredited national weight-loss programme, and recently reached a collective weight-loss milestone of one tonne in weight (1,000kg).
The club, which meets on Tuesday evenings at The Bay CE High School on The Fairway, currently has more than 60 members, and smash their weight-loss targets on a weekly basis. In the last year, players at the club have lost a combined 41 stone in weight (259.6kg) and the weight loss keeps growing week on week.
Coach, Colin Jackson, said: “The last year has been one of growth. Following the departure of our original coach, we have had to rally for new members, everyone chipped in and spent time at various local events promoting the club.
“We have added so much to our club in terms of wellness, togetherness and events, whilst continuing to lose weight.
“Our group has become a social hub for a lot of people who have genuinely made some lifelong friends in the process. As well as seeing people shift unwanted kilos, seeing the confidence of so many people grow is so rewarding.”
Before matches, the 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. Players receive additional support, including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
The awards were held, at the National Football Museum, with the IW Council being named as the organisation’s Regional Partner of the Year for the South.
More information about the Sandown club can be found at manvfatfootball.org/isleofwight
With the Cowes details at manvfatfootball.org/Cowes
