A SIX-A-SIDE football-based programme in Glasgow helped 50 men lose 800 pounds of weight in 2021 - and it's currently looking for new players. 

MAN v FAT is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5 with players weighed before matches.

The club meets on Sunday afternoons at Glasgow Green Football Centre for 30-minute games of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to the teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. 

Players also receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. 

The FA-affiliated scheme has 6500 players at more than 100 clubs across the UK.

It was created by Andrew Shanahan who was fed up with the traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women and wanted to create a programme that combined the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men. 

Phil Divers plays in the Glasgow club and lost more than six stone with the help of the programme. 

He said: "The most enjoyable thing about MAN v FAT is playing football again.

"It sounds obvious, but when you are overweight the thought of joining in with other people’s games is pretty daunting as you know you will struggle.

"With MAN v FAT, everyone’s in a similar position, so it takes the pressure away and allows you to start enjoying just playing football again.

"I’m still waiting to get good at it though, sadly.

"If you’ve missed playing, and have tried all the diets out there and they haven’t worked out - this is for you. 

"Sharing meal ideas and weight loss wins or fails with my team has really got me through."

Glasgow Times: Phil Divers before and after.Phil Divers before and after.

Richard Crick, MAN v FAT's Head of Football, added: "We are extremely proud of the progress made by our players, coaches and the wider team involved at our Scottish clubs.

"Our Glasgow and Edinburgh clubs are both looking for new players, so if you’re ready to shed some of the Christmas excess, while having fun and making new friends in the process, get in touch.

"2022 will see us expand the programme across Scotland, with plans to launch clubs in Fife, Dundee, Paisley, East Kilbride and Ayrshire - it’s going to be an exciting year."

There are more than 20 million overweight and obese men in the UK, accounting for almost seven out of every 10 men. 

According to Obesity Action Scotland, obesity is a "serious public health threat" to Scotland, with 65% of the adult population being overweight or obese. 

The group also suggests that obesity costs NHS Scotland an estimated £600million each year. 

Players can join the programme HERE or get more information by calling 0345 162 0042 or emailing football@manvfat.com.