Sunday afternoons are usually reserved for Super Sunday, with Arsenal just about holding on to the Premier League lead from an ever-closing Manchester City.
However, for some in Bedford’s ranks, the evenings are reserved for the Man vs Fat football league; a new initiative amongst overweight men to play competitive football, whilst simultaneously striving for weight loss.
Described as, “for men with a BMI of 27.5 or over”, the Man vs Fat League is not your run-of-the-mill division and while teams play in a regular league format, there is also another separate league for weight loss.
“They say men can’t multi-task!”
Nadim, one of the coaches in the Bedford group, is highly complimentary and boots the idea that men can’t multi-task well out of play.
“They say we men can’t multi-task, but we’ve been doing it for years. Weigh in, play, lose and win!”
Players are asked to weigh in before games to track their progress, with points scored on the pitch for weight loss with all the usual benefits of competitive football thrown in.
Player facilitator, David Lowe said, “I signed up to man vs fat to give it a try and to get back into football.
“I instantly fell in love with playing again and since joining in May last year I’ve managed to lose over 10% of my body weight and started running 5k at least twice a week.
“I feel healthier and have a more balanced diet as a result of joining.”
Bedford’s Man vs Fat competition is a 7-a-side league which runs continuously throughout the year but is broken down into 12 week blocks with additional cup competitions.
Consistency is key
Chris Whittaker is also a regular player and also one of the coaches and has enjoyed his time in the Bedford group in particular.
“I’ve been at Man vs Fat Football for a long time now, from the second year of Bedford’s group and from the very first session at Milton Keynes 4 or 5 years prior to Bedford’s league starting.
“Simply put, it is a platform for all men, from all sorts of backgrounds. Different ages, sizes, abilities, levels and interests in the beautiful game, to come together and improve mental and physical well-being.
What puts Bedford ahead of the rest? Consistency. The coach is incredible. Always there, always communicating, always contactable, always fair, always gives you the right feedback, always consistent.
“So is the referee. In 6 seasons he has missed less than a handful of games.
“Everyone is so nice and all there to improve. Nobody is there for selfish reasons and everyone is helping each other with advice and tips.”
Man vs Fat sessions takes place every Sunday from 7pm-9pm at Cranfield Pavilion on Lower Breaches Gardens in Bedford and you can find out more about the group, and sign up here.
