Honoured to be shortlisted: XLFC Weight-Loss Football's Journey to UK Startup Awards 2025 Health & Well-being Category Finalist!

What an amazing moment for XLFC Weight-Loss Football!! We're still recovering from this news, but the "team behind the teams" at XLFC are incredibly excited to announce that we have been selected as a finalist in the UK Startup Awards 2025 Health & Well-being Category for the South East of England. This recognition, in our very first year of trading, is not just remarkable; it confirms our team's vision and dedication. Our mission has been clear from the start: To blend the joy and universal appeal of 11 a-side football with effective weight-loss strategies, creating a unique experience that promotes health and well-being, while having fun in a non-judgmental and encouraging environment. We're honoured, excited, proud and extremely humbled all at once by being shortlisted and we can't wait to celebrate with all the other incredible growing UK businesses at the regional finals in June!

Celebrating Our Achievement...

Being nominated as a finalist in such a prestigious award is a testament to everyone in the XLFC Weight-loss Football family. From club sponsors to kit suppliers, community partner clubs and, most importantly, the players: without whom, this wouldn't be possible as their effort and belief in what we do makes XLFC what it is. This recognition highlights the passion and commitment the XLFC team brings to supporting this incredible growing community of guys on a weekly basis and with 750 businesses shortlisted for this year's awards across the UK, words cannot explain how much this means to us.

The UK Startup Awards spotlight innovative businesses that are making a difference. Launched to recognise the booming start-up scene across the UK which has accelerated over the last few years with 846,000 new businesses founded across the country in 2024 alone.

To be chosen among so many incredible start-ups shows that our concept has resonated with the communities we operate in so far and we're just getting started! We believe what we have is special and that we're are on the right path to making a real impact within many more communities to come around the UK. As we look to expand in the coming months and years - starting with new clubs in Windsor, Beaconsfield and Newbury, with Guildford, Oxford, Bath, Swindon and many more locations to come, we take this belief forward with an overwhelming sense of excitement!

XLFC players enjoying a training session with Reading FC Legends, Dave Kitson and James Harper.

We owe a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey so far! From our dedicated XLFC team members to the participants who have energised our sessions. Your enthusiasm has built a supportive community that embodies well-being through physical activity, and this finalist position is as much yours as it is ours.

What This Recognition Means...

For a startup in its early stages, receiving such recognition can lead to immense opportunities for growth. It reassures us that we are on the right track and emphasizes our mission: delivering health and well-being in an enjoyable way.

Supported nationally by Airwallex, Ideas Fest, Join Talent and V Rum, the programme will

celebrate the achievements of the amazing individuals who have turned an idea into an

opportunity and taken the risk to launch a new product or service.

The cohort of finalists will be considered for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges with experience founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. The winners from each region will then be invited to the first UK final taking place at Ideas Fest, the "Glastonbury for Business" festival in Hertfordshire on 12th September 2025.

XLFC Directors Chris Broadhurst & Tom Giles had this to say about being a finalist: Chris said:

"We're blown away by being shortlisted and honoured to be considered among the UK's best Start-ups! We're at the very start of our journey, so to receive this incredible recognition at such an early stage is genuinely humbling but fuels the desire to keep growing even more! A huge thanks to the players and all our partners for believing in us, we're excited to carry on this journey together!"

Chris Broadhurst - Founder & CEO XLFC Weight-loss Football.

Tom went on to say:

Our mission was always simple, to help men to lose weight and improve their health through football and encourage positive lifestyle changes, in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Now with over 80kg lost already this year to date through our programme, XLFC players are seeing incredible success! Being shortlisted for the UK StartUp Awards 2025 is an incredible honour and a testament to the impact we're making. We couldn't have done it without our amazing players, coaches and supporters! Here’s to even bigger things ahead!" 

Tom Giles - Co-Founder & COO XLFC Weight-loss Football.

Looking Ahead Together...

We are more motivated than ever as a team.

This recognition is more than just an award; it reminds us of the impact our innovative approach can have on people's lives. As we expand our outreach in the South East and beyond, we are committed to enhancing the XLFC experience.

Our ultimate goal is to benefit as many individuals as we can by promoting fitness and camaraderie in a way that feels authentic. We will continue to refine our programme based on community feedback, keeping our participants at the core of our development.

Every day brings new opportunities to learn, whether this is refining our mission, our community, and even ourselves. We want to celebrate every achievement, big or small, as we grow XLFC Weight-Loss Football and connect with passionate individuals who share our vision for health and well-being.

One last "Thank You"...

We are truly honoured to be named a finalist for the UK Startup Awards 2025 Health & Well-being Category for the South East of England. It validates our hard work in this first year and propels us into an exciting future of possibilities.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us. Here’s to many more moments of celebration and community building. Together, let’s continue to create an environment where fitness meets fun and health becomes a lifestyle. Stay tuned for updates from XLFC Weight-Loss Football as we continue this incredible journey!

Your participation matters, so let’s gear up for a fun-filled future together! The XLFC "Team Behind the Teams".

XLFC Weight-loss Football - UK StartUp Awards Finalist 2025