A new football club for men trying to lose weight will kick off in Sudbury next month. 

Man v Fat Football is a six-a-side programme for men with a BMI of 27.5 or over.  

The idea behind it is simple – players are weighed each week to keep track of their progress, before hitting the pitch to play a match.  

Points are scored for weight loss, as well as goals scored, all of which contribute to teams’ league position. 

So far, the club has helped more than 15,000 men around the country to lose 550,000lbs. 

Sudbury Mercury: Jack Huckle from Braintree lost an incredible five and a half stone. Image: Jack Huckle  Jack Huckle from Braintree lost an incredible five and a half stone. Image: Jack Huckle  (Image: Jack Huckle)

Sudbury Mercury: More than 15,000 men around the country have lost weight through Man v Fat. Image: Man v FatMore than 15,000 men around the country have lost weight through Man v Fat. Image: Man v Fat (Image: Man v Fat)

Among them is Jack Huckle from Braintree, who lost an incredible five and a half stone. 

“Before I started Man v Fat, I was depressed and unhappy with myself, especially with how I looked,” said Mr Huckle.  

“Clothes wouldn’t fit me, and I found myself eating more because I was unhappy. 

“Man v Fat has helped me achieve so much over the past months and meeting new people has been a key part of that. The lads at Man v Fat are a great bunch - it’s not just a football club, it’s more like a support group. 

“I feel better in my clothes, I’m more confident in myself and just generally happier.” 

Sudbury Mercury: Jack Huckle said that since his weight loss, his confidence has increased. Image: Jack HuckleJack Huckle said that since his weight loss, his confidence has increased. Image: Jack Huckle (Image: Jack Huckle)

Sudbury Mercury: The club starting in Sudbury joins those already running in Ipswich, Colchester and Thetford. Image: Man v FatThe club starting in Sudbury joins those already running in Ipswich, Colchester and Thetford. Image: Man v Fat (Image: Man v Fat)

The Sudbury branch of Man v Fat will begin on Wednesday, August 2 at the Mel Group Stadium. 

Patrick Ball is the chief officer of AFC Sudbury. He said: “We are delighted to be hosting Man v Fat at AFC Sudbury on Wednesday evenings.  

“Their concept is entirely synced with our vision to leverage football to empower everyone in the community to develop their physical fitness and mental wellbeing, and make this a great place to live, work and thrive.’’ 

For more information, visit: https://manvfatfootball.org/sudbury