A FOOTBALL league focused around weight loss is going from strength to strength in Weymouth.

Man V Fat is a nationwide initative which aims at getting overweight men together for a game of football in a semi-competitive league, with the overall aim of shedding pounds and making new friends.

A player's weight loss progress directly impacts their team’s performance, meaning goals can be scored on and off the pitch.

Several local branches of Man v Fat have been set up, including in Weymouth, where coach Kev Ayling explained more about the initiative and how it impacts lives.

"I used to be a player and I got so involved that they made me a coach," he told the Dorset Echo.

"It is a weight loss league, mainly focused around overweight men. The results are amazing - we have had fellas lose up to nine stone in under a year. That speaks for itself, really.

"And it creates a massive community which is what Weymouth has really picked up on. They are there for themselves and each other and is something you just have to experience."

Mr Ayling said the league has a 'huge' effect on men's mental and physical health, and also their overall confidence at being able to run up and down a pitch.

Weymouth is home to about six teams and players compete in a 14-week season at Redlands sports centre in Dorchester Road every Monday. 

Mr Ayling, who himself shedded 36kg during his time as a player, explained how Man v Fat is open to those aged 18 or over and a body mass index (BMI) of 27.50 or above.

If a player reaches their target BMI, they are encouraged to keep striving to lose weight by the coaches.

"It is all about the social aspect - we all encourage each other," he added. "It's good quirky fun and everyone comes off the pitch smiling."

Visit www.manvfatfootball.org for more information and search for Man V Fat Football Weymouth for more details on the local league.