What started as an idea between two friends wanting to keep fit, quickly became Berkshire’s very own 11 a-side weight loss and mental health support football initiative, XLFC.
The story of XLFC originates with founders Tom Giles and Chris Broadhurst, who found themselves playing 5-a-side football to keep fit. Seeing the same desire among other like-minded men to use football as a route to fitness, they expanded to 11-a-side and, as the concept grew, officially launched XLFC.
Providing a structured pathway to weight loss through a shared passion for playing football, XLFC have supported their members in losing over 60 stone collectively in their first year alone. Equipped with a personalised programme, members benefit from weekly sessions consisting of an hour with a personal trainer, followed by an hour’s football training session on the pitch. Once members reach a suitable fitness level and feel ready to progress, they are eased into playing competitive 11-a-side matches against similar teams across the country.
XLFC now has four teams across Berkshire, with their Beaconsfield location now operational alongside Reading, Maidenhead, and Newbury.
“While there are similar schemes out there, notably 5-a-side, we were the first in the area to do 11-a-side, and do it differently”, co-founder Tom explained. “11-a-side is more about tactics and allows a natural progression into games, as well as allowing us to play against other teams. We then take it a step further by providing a personal trainer, and we train you every week for two hours.”
“The first sign up, the first walk through the door, and meeting guys that you don’t know is certainly daunting, especially if you are overweight. The biggest barrier is joining.”
The benefits of XLFC go far beyond weight-loss, however. The majority of men that come on board are able to relive their youth and reconnect the sport that they love, and it is reassuring to know that they are not on this journey alone.
“It is not just about playing football, it is more so just being around like-minded people that helps. It’s great for the guys, it allows them to meet up during the week, have a laugh, and meet with people they can connect with.”
XLFC are partnered with a number of mental health charities, but support is embedded more organically within the club, with ambassadors floating around to help others. “If you need support, it’s there, but we are not going to pressure anyone.”
“The first sign up, the first walk through the door, and meeting guys that you don’t know is certainly daunting, especially if you are overweight. The biggest barrier is joining.” Tom acknowledged.
XLFC is open to adult men of all ages, with the condition of having a BMI greater than 27 to join. Even after reaching their goal weight, members are never outed, because maintaining the weight is just as hard as losing it. All can continue to benefit from the personal training and football sessions, discontinuing on their own accord.
With expansion plans in place, XLFC are committed to creating more opportunities for men to improve their health and wellbeing through football. By the end of the year, they aim to establish a league where these teams can regularly compete against each other.
“Our biggest challenge is finding pitches and facilities that we can use. However, a great start to our expansion has been through partnerships with clubs, those in non-league or lower leagues. Our current partners include Maidenhead United, Newbury Town, Reading City and Beaconsfield Town, where we take on their badge and kits, and in return can bring new customers into their football grounds. This gives us some leverage too, as the hardest thing moving into an area is being unknown.”
The next step for the business is growth, and they shared their ambitions to expand within Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, reach out to London, and ultimately expand nationally.
Find out more about XLFC, find a team and read testimonials from those who’ve taken part at www.xlfc.uk
