Men from Croydon are celebrating weight loss after signing on for the MAN v FAT football league, created for overweight and obese men, running at Selhurst Sports Arena.

The weight of players at MAN v FAT is taken before their six-a-side game and the team’s weight loss creates bonus goals that are added to the pitch goals.

So far the players have lost over 1,086 lbs – six times the weight of Crystal Palace player Andros Townsend, who weighs 169lbs.

Christopher Goodsell, one of the players in the league said: “I thought I was lighter than I was, but my colleagues convinced me to find out how much I weighed. I couldn’t believe it, and that’s when I realised I had to do something.

“I enjoyed eating all the bad stuff and had issues with my knees and shoulders. I just wanted to find a way to play football again, and with MAN v FAT Football I’ve done that. It’s great fun and it’s been so nice to be able to take part in more sport and fitness activities without any issues.”

Andrew Shanahan, Managing Director, of www.manvfatfootball.org said: "We’re so proud of what has been achieved at the Selhurst Sports Arena. To have lost that much weight requires real dedication and we’re proud to have been part of the journey”.

The next season of MAN v FAT Football kicks off on November 20 and there are a limited number of places open on the league.

MAN v FAT Football now runs over 70 leagues across the UK and Australia, with leagues launching in USA in 2019.