A NATIONWIDE football programme that has been proven to help men tackle obesity across the UK, is to kick off for the first time in Bradford next week.

The six-a-side football club, organised by MAN v FAT Football, will take place on Tuesday nights at the Dixons City Academy on Ripley Street.

The club is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5.

According to Bradford City Council figures, around two thirds of adults in the city are classed as overweight or obese or potentially as many as 250,000 adults.

MAN v FAT, an FA-affiliated scheme, currently has 5,200 players taking part in nearly 90 leagues across the UK.

The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.

The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK stands at more than 317,000 pounds.

Before matches, the players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.

Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding our programme to Bradford following many successful years of helping men lose weight and improve their lifestyle elsewhere in the country.

“MAN v FAT isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about enjoying sport in a safe, friendly environment, learning about healthy lifestyle and diet - and making new friends.

“We have spaces for new players in Bradford and we’ll be with them every step of the way.”

Players can join up at manvfat.com/football or call 0345 163 1042 or email football@manvfat.com