Havant amateur footballers kick 69 stone of unwanted weight in 2025

MAN v FAT Football Havant is a healthy lifestyle led football club, which takes place every Monday from 7:30pm at Draper Tools Community Stadium. It is a unique weight loss programme, aiming to help men with a BMI over 27.5 to lose weight through football and wellbeing coaching.

Now, thanks to support from Hampshire County Council, new members from certain postcodes may be eligible for 14 weeks of the programme, free of charge, thanks to council funding.

This is subject to a £10 deposit, refundable at the end of the 14-week period.

At sessions, members weigh in, then play 28-minute small-sided games of football. Extra goals are awarded for the teams that have lost the most weight, as an incentive to hit fitness targets. Both a team’s performance scoring goals on the pitch and losing weight on the scales contribute to a team’s standing on the club’s league table.

The club’s coach, Craig Capper is able to talk about the evolution he has seen, both at the club as a whole, and in the individual members: “MAN v FAT has been such a great community since starting. It's a great bit of fun where lads can enjoy playing, and it’s been fantastic to see so many guys lose weight and really buy into the programme along the way.

“The manner in which the lads come together to support each other is incredible and inspiring. Because of the strong bonds created amongst our players it’s a place where lads can enjoy playing football whilst benefiting from the camaraderie and wicked humour both on and off the pitch. I’m sure it’s a massive help for each of them as they face the challenges that come with losing weight.

“Personally, it has been an honour to witness the progress of our players as they make significant progress towards their goals. You can really see the transformation from week to week as people lose pounds and gain confidence.

“I’d love to see the club continue to grow, as I truly believe that football, the weight loss programme, and the sense of brotherhood can really benefit anyone wishing to lose weight and restore balance to their body. If you think it’d help, I highly encourage anyone reading to come along and give it a go.”

Karl White, Public Health Contracts Manager at MAN v FAT adds: "We would like to thank Hampshire County Council for their support, which enables us to change lives in the town, and have a real positive impact on the players who take part in the club.

“The club’s funded spaces mean that anyone with any interest can try the programme, and we strongly encourage you to do so if you are looking to improve your lifestyle. We have seen the positive impact it can have, and with a funded space you have nothing to lose by giving MAN v FAT a try.”

8,500 men currently take part at more than 150 MAN v FAT Football clubs across the UK. The programme was created to differ from traditional weight loss classes and combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.

Aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5, the total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at 900,000 pounds.

In addition to football sessions, MAN v FAT players receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. Players also get free access to a bespoke mental health platform through MAN v FAT partners JAAQ.