Once leading a sedentary lifestyle, Darren Coleman from Romford, Essex, only took up football because his friend, Josh, recommended it to him.

"I could instantly start seeing changes," Darren beamed, explaining to Express.co.uk that's why he "wanted to keep going".

Different from a usual football club, the one Darren joined is aimed specifically at overweight men who have a body mass index (BMI) above 27.5.

Joining MAN V FAT Football means each player is weighed before the match and the results of the match are combined with how much weight the team have lost.

This combined result then contributes to the team's position in the club's overall league table.

"At MAN V FAT Football, the weight you and your teammates lose throughout the week combines with your on-pitch results," Darren explained. "And the more weight you lose, the higher you can get in the club’s table."

Darren added: "I don’t want to let my team down, so I try to keep earning bonus goals, which are achieved through continuous weight loss."

Since joining, Darren has lost 9.7 stone, made more friends and has changed the way he eats.

"I used to eat loads of bread along with cheese, crisps, lots of takeaways - a big Chinese or Indian – and I also used to drinks loads of cider, which I no longer do," Darren revealed.

MAN v FAT Football players receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness

"At the moment I feel really good, I’m playing more football than ever and take part in park runs, which is a major achievement for me," Darren beamed.

Players also get full access to the MAN v FAT Football online gym, so they can train in their own time at home, as well as a mental health and well-being platform.

Darren added: "My aim is to hopefully become the bigger overall loser at MAN v FAT nationally, and then hopefully maintain that target weight."

Darren's eating plan

Breakfast

• Weetabix, blueberries and honey

Meals

• Chicken and rice with salad
• Fish fingers and couscous
• Steak and vegetables
• Chicken salad wraps

Snacks

• Crackers
• Seafood sticks
• Fruit