Dad Anthony Hadley knew he had to make a change when he struggled to keep up with his four-year-old twins.

And the 36-year-old is celebrating reaching an incredible goal - shedding a fifth of his body weight by joining the FA-accredited, football-based healthy lifestyle programme, MAN v FAT Bolton.

Anthony started the programme in January 2024 he weighed 16.95 stones (107.7kg). He has since lost 3.4 stones (21.4kg) and now weighs 13.5 stones (86.3kg) .

The club, which meets every Wednesday evening at St Catherine's Academy Sports Centre, Newby Road, Breightmet has seen 69 players lose a combined 55 stone this year.

Mr Handley said: "My main motivation was always to be able to enjoy time with my kids and to be able to do what they want with them.

"I've always enjoyed playing football but always thought my weight meant I couldn't play in a team again.

"My brother-in-law was already playing and recommended MAN v FAT to me.

"I started in February 2024 and have really enjoyed playing football again."

The programme has not only allowed Mr Handley to return to football but has also positively impacted his overall healthy lifestyle.

He now regularly goes to the gym three or four times a week, and plays football on Wednesdays with the club.

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Mr Handley said: "Everyone in the club welcomes new people with open arms, as we are all in the same position, whether you are just starting out, halfway through or near the end of the weight loss journey, as they all know how hard it can be to start the journey."

The MAN v FAT Football sessions involve players being weighed before playing matches, the results of which, combined with a player's individual weekly weight loss, contribute to an overall league table.

The programme also highlights the mental health benefits and friendships created by participating.

Public Health England (PHE) data published in April 2023 suggests that around 65.2 per cent of adults in Bolton are overweight or obese, slightly above the 64 per cent average for England.

Mr Handley encourages other men wanting to make a change to consider joining the programme.

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He said: "I would 100 per cent recommend MAN v FAT.

"All the lads at Bolton are welcoming and encourage each other week in week out.

"If you want to lose weight and play football again, there is no better place to go."

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In addition to football sessions, MAN v FAT players receive off-the-pitch support, including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.

They also get full access to the MAN v FAT online gym to train at home and an 'extensive wellbeing platform' where they can find content about mental health.

More information about the Bolton club can be found at manvfatfootball.org/bolton.