FAT football fans are being offered a gut-busting goal with a difference.

Colchester United is to host a 15-week football league exclusively for porky players who receive points not just for pitch performance - but also pounds lost.

Known as Man v Fat Football, the league is for men with a Body Mass Index of (BMI) of 27.5 or over and is for all fitness levels.

Every player receives support and resources to help them beat the bulge.

The league starts next month on Wednesdays between 8pm and 10pm at the small-sided pitches at The Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Andrew Shanahan, Managing Director of Man v Fat, said: “I set up Man v Fat when I lost over 70lbs and discovered just how little help there is out there for men who want to lose weight, so we are thrilled to bring Man v Fat Football to Colchester.

“We’ve already had a brilliant reaction to the idea and if you’re interested in playing then get in fast as places always go fast in every league we’ve run. I’d urge any guys who fancy winning their battle against fat to give it a try – the only thing they have to lose is weight!”

Chris Fenton, joined Man v Fat Football in Solihull in January and has dropped more than 3 stone.

He said: “Man V Fat Football first gave me a kick up the behind and made me realise how bad my health is. I was then put into a group of lads who all had the same goals to play football and to lose weight.

“It gives me a focus and a desire to lose weight and as the weeks go on I feel better about myself. I have more energy and for the first time I'm able to play with my kids without getting tired. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and would recommend it to any man.”

Register at www.manvfat.com/football

BMI is a way of seeing whether a person’s weight is appropriate for their height.

It can be calculated on the website as part of the registration process.