A new football side has been launched in Lanarkshire - with the aim of the game to win games and lose weight.
Craigneuk Amateurs Fat2Fit is all about getting players up off the couch and playing the beautiful game.
The side are now training and have applied to join the Appin Warriors Premier League.
The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.
Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.
The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.
Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android
It was started by Jamie Loughran and he has been delighted with the response since the team’s formation.
He said: “Already we have 30 guys training so the demand is certainly there.
“A lot of the guys are pleased to be getting out of the house. Some have been keeping busy playing five-a-sides while others have played for 10 or 15 years.
“When I approached the Craigneuk committee with the idea, they were delighted to have us onboard.
“Currently we have a football card at £20 a shot with the winner becoming our home shirt sponsor.
“This is a great opportunity for local businesses to show support for the initiative.
“We are also looking for sponsors for our away kit, back of shirt and match day sponsors.”
Jamie himself is looking to get back to full fitness after admitting struggling with his own weight over the past few years.
“I’ll admit my weight has ballooned over the past seven years,” said Jamie.
“At my heaviest I went up to 25 stone. I’m down a bit now and doing this will certainly help.
“Obviously the team and the whole point of the league is for guys to lose weight but I can’t describe how important I believe the mental aspect will be.
“I have suffered on and off with depression and the weight doesn’t help but I do know that with exercise it really does help and having a bunch of guys on the same team rooting for each other can help massively.”
The team are training at Clyde Valley High School in Wishaw and can’t wait to start playing matches once they are entered into the league.
Jamie added: “The criteria to play is that you have to have a BMI of 30+, have a waist of 38 inches or more, be over 18 and have never played professional or semi-pro.
“We also have rolling subs so it means everyone can get a game.”
For more information on the side and to sponsor the club visit Craigneuk Amateurs FC on Facebook.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
