FROM shedding the pounds to raising cash, one dedicated group of footballers will take to the pitch for another gruelling charity event.

Members of the Man v Fat football league in Bridgwater are organising a charity 24-hour football game to raise funds for the YMCA centre in Bridgwater.

The marathon match will take place on February 4, from noon until noon the following day at the indoor pitches at the George Williams centre.

Man v Fat is a weightloss scheme for men in Somerset which is now into its second season.

Players meet every Monday night for six-a-side games at Bridgwater College, with the amount of weight lost off the pitch added to the scores on the pitch, meaning it is vital players lose weight.

For the charity match, players from the league will take on other sides from local businesses for one hour at a time, in a 5-a-side match. The scores will be added up at the end of the 24 hours, but the scores of the matches will also stand.

Teams who want to take part in the match have to donate £100, plus any other donations they want to make on the day or in a fundraising group.

All funds raised will be donated to the YMCA following the match.

Katie Newell, from the YMCA in Bridgwater, said: "The YMCA, which is hosting this event, offer housing and support to young people suffering from housing crises.

"The value of the work the YMCA carries out is so important locally and nationally in ensuring that all young persons who find themselves in difficult situations are supported. Our housing facilities offer a range of support and encouragement to help our clients move on to the world of work and self-support.

"However, there is always a cost. Just £15 will give a young person a room for one night, £30 will buy a starter pack of bedding, toiletries and food for a new resident, and £200 will pay for one week’s training for one of our young apprentices.

"YMCA Somerset Coast is proud to be involved with this Marathon Man v Fat event, and we thank all those sponsoring the players and the event. Your efforts really do make a difference.”

There are currently 73 players in the Man v Fat league, who have lost a combined 28 stone since the league started at the end of October.

Roger Smith, who is the league's co-ordinator and the organiser of the charity event, said the idea behind the 24-hour match came from a Whatsapp conversation between the players, and urged businesses to sign up to the charity event.

He said: "Man v Fat Football is a great scheme for any men looking to lose weight in a friendly, social environment.

"This charity match started from a Whatsapp conversation between the players, and we are all really looking forward to it, and hoping to raise as much cash as possible.

"If businesses want to take part, they need to book a time for their match, and then get ready for the match, but they should act fast as slots are filling up quickly."

For more information on the charity match, if you would like to donate to the cause or book a slot to play in it, visit localgiving.org/charity/ymcasomerset/project/manvfat/ or call 07720 679533