GAWLER men are being encouraged to mix weight loss with indoor soccer as part of a South Australian-first health initiative that will kick off at STARplex in Evanston Park next month.
Dubbed ‘Man v Fat’, the program – which was created in the United Kingdom, and saw 95 per cent of participants shed some pounds and get fitter – promotes exercise, better eating and lifestyle changes with an element of competition.
Each Thursday night, starting on September 12, players will weigh in and play a 28-minute game of six-a-side indoor soccer, with the season spanning 14 rounds.
The overall result of each weekly fixture, and resultant ladder position, is determined by the score on the pitch, but players can also earn goals for their team by losing weight off the field.
Participants are supported to lose weight by their ‘league coach’, their teammates, through a 24/7 WhatsApp forum, and a player’s handbook.
STARplex program manager John Mundy first learned of ‘Man v Fat’ while working at English Premier League club Arsenal in the UK, and said the University of Western Australia has also had great success with it.
“People do laugh a little at the title, but all the feedback from the UK and WA, from the people taking part in it, tells us it’s that kind of humour that’s really bonded them together,” he said.
“It’s been the banter, the camaraderie – because they’re in contact on WhatsApp all the time – they’re laughing at themselves a little bit, but at the same time setting those goals of losing weight.”
The program is targeted at men only, to provide them with an outlet to improve their mental health alongside one another – similar to a Men’s Shed.
STARplex league coach Daniel Warland said the program offers an alternative way of exercising for men who may not be comfortable signing up to other fitness initiatives.
“A lot of guys find it hard to engage in a gym, or something similar – they’d rather just get home and watch footy, drink beer, that sort of stuff,” he said.
“Whereas, a lot of them have had previous interest in sport, so really at the heart of it, it’s a weight loss program with a game on Thursday nights.
“It keeps them tracking through the week, and it gives them something to be accountable towards.
“Not only that, but they’re surrounded by like-minded individuals as well – everyone is on the same wave length, and are on the journey together.”
An information night will be held at STARplex on September 5 at 6.30 pm.
Match nights will commence on Thursday, September 12 in the 6.30pm-8.30pm timeslot.
Interested participants can register online at the Man v Fat website (www.manvfatsoccer.com.au/Home/Registration) or by contacting STARplex on 8522 0622.