Redditch footballers have shed 150 pounds of unhealthy weight in 12 months with help from a life-changing fitness programme. 

MAN v FAT Redditch, which helps encourage overweight and obese men to get fit and adopt healthy lifestyle choices, has helped 20 local men lose weight in the past year. 

The programme takes place every Tuesday at Trinity High School and the club's organisers are currently looking for new players to join up and take part. 

MAN v FAT Football Redditch coach, Mark Durose, said: "A standout moment for the club this year has been Jonathan Gibbs reaching his 20 per cent weight loss. He loves the programme and it has had such a massive impact outside of sessions on him. 

"The mental health support that the programme offers the guys is unbelievable. This is far more than a turn-up, weigh-in and play football session. This is a community that works together. 

"We are looking for eight new players to come and join the club to help it grow which should be achievable." 

Redditch Advertiser: The programme has 8,200 players taking part across the UK The programme has 8,200 players taking part across the UK (Image: MAN v FAT)

MAN v FAT Football currently has 8,200 players taking part in more than 150 leagues across the UK. 

The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who 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 currently stands at more than 650,000 pounds. It is aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5. 

At sessions, players are weighed and this is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side football. 

Extra goal bonuses are awarded to teams based on their weight loss with the team's total weight loss and match scores contributing to their league position within a club. 

MAN v FAT's head of football, Richard Crick, said: "We are so proud of the progress made by the players and the wider team at our Redditch club. 

"The men involved are genuinely changing their lives for the better by improving their physical and mental health whilst making new friends and having fun in the process.

"MAN v FAT is not a lose-fat-fast programme, we encourage body positivity and losing weight at a healthy and sustainable pace. 

"While weight loss is the key goal for players, the programme is perfect for men who want to get back into playing football after time away from the game and improve fitness gradually without the stress of getting a group together and booking pitches. 

"We are looking for new players to join our Redditch club, so if you think MAN v FAT might be for you get in touch."

MAN v FAT players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. 

Players also get full access to MAN v FAT online gym so they can train in their own time at home. 

To find your closest MAN v FAT Football club visit www.manvfatfootball.org/Leagues/FindALeague