A fantastic end to 2024 as our Reading club hits a huge weight-loss milestone.
Reading XL FC, our founding club in Berkshire, finish 2024 strong as they have collectively lost an astounding 125kg [just shy of 20 stone] in just six months! The clubs' journey is a great example of what XLFC is about, with football as the medium used to bring people together toward a collective weight loss goal, but also aim to foster health and fitness habits while building strong friendships among its members. Through their love for football, XLFC players are aiming to transform their lives and stay active as possible, for as long as possible. This story highlights the powerful impact that physical activity can have on personal well-being.
The XLFC ethos - #PlayYourWay.
XLFC was founded to create a supportive and inclusive environment where guys of all weights and sizes can focus on their health goals while enjoying "the beautiful game". With a focus on the 11 a-side game and the endurance needed to perform over 90 minutes, XLFC offers weekly training sessions and friendly matches once everyone is ready to get back on the pitch and compete with other like-minded teams. XLFC not only encourages regular physical activity but also accountability for staying on track with weekly weigh-ins to keep everyone focused on their goals, and reward those who succeed at shedding the pounds along the way. Members of all abilities come together in a welcoming and encouraging environment, with current Reading XL FC players such as Mark George commenting on the "team" element that XLFC fosters. Mark recently said:
"The coaches are great in the exercise group, they encourage you to do your best as nobody is the same, they treat you as an individual person but a person who is part of a team"
The Power of Support.
A key factor in XLFC's success is the deep sense of community among its members. Participants openly share their personal stories, challenges, and victories, creating an environment filled with encouragement.
At each training session, members celebrate milestones together. Whether it’s losing a few pounds or improving on the pitch by bagging a 20 yard screamer, every achievement is recognised. This sense of accountability motivates everyone to stay focused on their fitness journeys. Research shows that individuals who engage in group activities are 50% more likely to reach their fitness goals compared to those who exercise alone - something that current players have found out for themselves. Current Reading XL FC defender Glen Saunderson spoke about this recently, saying:
"The ability to hopefully lose a bit of weight and clear my head along the way and ultimately make some friends. I tried the gym, doing it solo wasn't for me. I enjoy football far too much, so the opportunity to mold it all into one just seemed too good to be true and here I am loving it."
Building friendships off the pitch enhances the overall experience for XLFC players too, as members often find themselves pushing harder during games, motivated by the bonds they've formed. When surrounded by supportive peers, the journey toward better health feels much more manageable and achievable.
Inspiring Stories from the Pitch.
Individual stories from the pitch truly illustrate the transformations that members have undergone. Take Simon, for example, who struggled with back pain for years before joining XLFC and has now not only seen great improvements in his overall health, but has had great personal success with our Reading club, losing over 5% of his body fat in our 2024 Season 2.
Simon recently said:
"If you're serious about changing your lifestyle, changing yourself and then getting fitter then it's definitely worthwhile to do."
The Role of Nutrition.
Complementing physical activity, proper nutrition is crucial for weight loss. Members of XLFC have been focusing on healthier food options, understanding their total daily energy expenditure [or "TDEE"] along with tracking macros and learning how to create balanced meals filled with whole foods while reducing processed snacks.
XLFC provides valuable insights on meal preparation and healthy eating which has been pivotal in transforming the members’ lifestyles. When combined with their passion for football, many have noticed improvements not only in weight loss but also in energy levels and overall well-being.
Celebrating Achievements.
XLFC will host its first ever Awards Night at the end of January for our Reading based club, where we will recognise the remarkable achievements of our players both on and off the pitch. This event promises to be a celebration of dedication, teamwork, and the spirit of the XLFC community as we reflect on the past season and look forward together at the exciting challenges ahead in 2025.
These celebrations remind members that their hard work matters. It’s not just about reaching a target weight; it’s about the community they’ve built and the shared commitment to achieving their health goals.
Looking Ahead.
As we celebrate our achievements, we will also take this opportunity to look forward to the upcoming season and the start of our expansion with our brand new club opening at The National Sports Centre - Bisham Abbey. XLFC aims to inspire our players to continue striving for excellence and to foster a sense of unity and motivation as we prepare to launch this new club and bring the XLFC experience to more guys looking to get back in shape through 11 a-side football.
Losing 20 stone in just six months demonstrates the incredible resilience of XLFC’s members and the power of community and support. XLFC weight-loss football represents a fantastic mix of fitness and fun, proving that football can significantly impact lives.
We believe that with determination and collective motivation, anyone can achieve their weight-loss goals and thrive on their fitness journeys. If you seek inspiration for change, consider becoming part of a supportive community like XLFC.
For more information on our brand new club at Bisham Abbey, register today via the button below and you'll receive all the news and updates on this exciting new club as we build up to it's launch in February.
Comments