During the 2023/24 season, Argyle were battling it out in the Sky Bet Championship but at the same time, on local pitches in Cornwall Argyle FIT was helping participants tackle their weight whilst playing football.
Argyle FIT is a five-a-side weight loss football league where goals are scored for losing weight. With weekly matches across 12 weeks, 288 hours of health and wellbeing workshops and football were delivered by Trust coaches to males with a body mass index (BMI) of 28+.
Across the season, the participants lost 1.6 tonnes, equalling the average weight of 21 professional football players. Of these participants, 55% are from the top 40% of most deprived areas nationally.
Participants on the programme all had positive things to say about Argyle FIT and the lifestyle changes it has helped them develop:
- 88% adopted new meal planning and preparation habits since the start of the 12-week programme.
- 93% noticed positive changes in their lifestyle habits.
- 95% made positive changes to their dietary habits.
- 97% noticed improvements in their physical wellbeing.
- 97% would recommend the programme to a family member or friend.
When questioned about how the programme influenced their approach to cooking and choosing healthier options, one participant said: “It highlights healthier choices and demonstrates how these options contribute to weight loss and progress during Tuesday football sessions. Making this connection encourages me to opt for healthier eating habits.
“It’s inspired me to improve my diet, not just for weight loss but for overall health. I’m now making an effort to include more vegetables and fruits in my meals and to prepare more homemade dishes from scratch.”
Matt Coates, a community coach for Argyle Community Trust, said: “I honestly believe Argyle FIT has been instrumental in leading a truly impactful programme throughout Cornwall. It’s amazing to hear the positive outcomes and collective progress made by participants.
“Providing not just physical support but also fostering a supportive and encouraging environment can indeed make a significant difference in people’s lives, especially when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.
“The combination of regular engagement, weight loss assistance, and improving fitness levels demonstrates a holistic approach to wellness. Our staff do fantastic work. Here’s to continued success and growth for the Argyle FIT programme and its participants.”
The next cohort of Argyle FIT is starting this month at the following locations:
- Bodmin – Callywith College, Weeks 1 – 5 (Thursday, 4 June to Tuesday, 2 July) – 7:00-9:00pm. Bodmin Dragon Centre, Weeks 6 – 17 (Tuesday, 9 July to Tuesday, 8 August) – 7:00-8:00pm.
- Brannel – Brannel School, St Stephens – Thursday, 6 June to Thursday, 22 August – 6:30-8:00pm.
- Camborne – Cornwall College – Tuesday, 4 June to Tuesday, 20 August – 8:00-9:30pm.
- Penzance – Mounts Bay Academy, Penzance – Thursday, 6 June to Thursday, 22 August – 6:30-8:00pm.
For more information on, please contact:
- Liam Chinn, West Cornwall, liam.chinn@pafc.co.uk.
- Matt Coates, East Cornwall and North Devon, matt.coates@pafc.co.uk.