Members of a Peterborough-based MAN v FAT club have returned from the organisation’s World Tournament with silverware, after their side — Peter Burger United — finished top among teams representing clubs from across the UK and US. The competition took place at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire, a venue long associated with elite sport in England.
Local team success at national stage
The Peterborough squad were one of 96 teams who competed in the event. Around 1,000 men took part overall, with sides travelling from locations including Long Island City in New York as well as Bristol, Bridgend, Leeds and Lincoln. Peter Burger United played ten matches in a highly competitive day of football, conceding only two goals across the tournament.
“We are delighted to have won the MAN v FAT World Tournament. It was a great day, really competitive and we felt like we were constantly in action, which was fantastic. Every match was closely fought,”
said Nathan Southerland, who played for the Peterborough team alongside Adam Haywood, Chris Webb, David Gough, Gary Scott, Gav Hart, Jonathan Clenshaw, Maxim Anderson, Paul Dennes and Sam Dalton.
Sport as a route to health
MAN v FAT is a football-based weight-loss programme aimed at men, which combines regular matches with a supportive local community. The initiative was developed to get men active on the pitch and sustain weight-loss through camaraderie and accountability. According to the organisation, participants have collectively lost more than 1 million pounds nationwide since the scheme began.
- Event scale: 96 teams, roughly 1,000 participants
- Peterborough result: Peter Burger United — tournament winners
- Competitive record: Ten matches played, two goals conceded
Richard Crick, Director of MAN v FAT, reflected on the competition’s growth and international reach, noting the programme’s expansion beyond its grassroots origins in the UK.
What this means for Peterborough
For the city, the victory is both a sporting achievement and a reminder of the potential for community-based initiatives to deliver health benefits. Participants frequently report improvements not only in fitness and weight, but in confidence and mental wellbeing — outcomes that local health providers and community groups aim to support.
| Metric | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| Teams in tournament | 96 |
| Approximate participants | 1,000 |
| Total weight lost by participants (programme) | 1,000,000+ pounds |
Players earn tournament places by remaining active in their local clubs throughout the season, ensuring the event rewards sustained commitment rather than one-off performances. For the Peterborough men, their path to Lilleshall was paved by regular training and league action at their local MAN v FAT club.
Those interested in joining or learning more about the local MAN v FAT club should contact the club directly or visit the national website for details about sessions and membership criteria. The tournament underlines how a simple idea — combining team sport with a weight-loss goal — can produce measurable benefits for individuals and communities.
