Reading XL FC
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| Full name | Reading XL Football Club | |
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| Nickname(s) | XL FC | |
| Founded | 2022 | |
| Owner | Chris Broadhurst | |
| Manager | Chris Broadhurst | |
| League | N/A | |
| Website | http://www.readingxlfc.co.uk/ | |
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Reading XL FC, commonly known as Reading XL or simply XLFC, is a non-professional football club based in Reading, England. The club was established in 2022 to help overweight and obese men losing weight through playing football.[1] It is the first of many XLFC clubs in the United Kingdom.
History
[edit]The club was founded in 2022. The club plays matches against other weight-loss football clubs, some of which are posted onto the team's YouTube channel.
In 2024, the club was invited to play a friendly match against the Nauru national team, the team currently managed by former Reading player Dave Kitson, who played as a striker in the Premier League.[1] The club accepted the invited and is fundraising to travel to Nauru for Nauru's first ever international football match.[2][3] Nauru is the most obese country in the world, with most of its population being obese and diabetes being a major problem on the island.[4]
Eligibility
[edit]Like other clubs, Reading XL players are required to have an initial body mass index (BMI) of at least 27 in order to register.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Fat-fighting Reading footballers XL FC aiming for Nauru match". BBC News. 17 June 2024.
- ^ "Reading grassroots football team fundraising for 'bonkers' trip to Micronesian island". Reading Chronicle. 2 July 2024.
- ^ "Reading weight loss football team invited for trip of a lifetime to face Dave Kitson's Nauru – Reading Today Online".
- ^ "Dave Kitson: Former Reading forward set to manage Nauru in first international match". BBC Sport. 25 March 2024.
- ^ "Reading XL FC | Weight Loss & Mental Health Support 11 aside Football Club". Reading XL FC.