BLUE Brazil fans on a quest to get fit have brought a whole new meaning to playing with a man down.

The 12 attendees of the first Cowdenbeath Football Fans in Training (FFiT) programme managed to pull together to lose the equivalent weight of another team member - an impressive 72kg between them.

Over the 12 week programme, supported by the SPFL Football Trust, the participants received information about their health, took part in a variety of exercise and weight-loss activities and played in a football tournament at Falkirk Stadium.

By the end of the course, every one of the 12 fit fans managed to reduce their BMI score and lost a combined 85.7cm off their waist size.

Lochgelly and Cardenden councillor, Mark Hood (pictured), was one of the fans who took part in the programme, and had high praise for the initiative.

“It was really good, I really enjoyed it,” he said. “If you’ve got an interest in football it’s an ideal way to lose a bit of weight and benefit from it.

“People are coming from a common background and have a common interest, and learn to look after their health and well-being. It’s good fun, you share the same issues and work to achieve the same goals.” The FFiT programme has been running since 2010, helping over 2000 men to lose weight and lead a healthier lifestyle.

After the success of the first Cowdenbeath programme, another programme is intended to run beginning in early September utilising Lochgelly High School. Cllr. Hood thinks the local community benefits from such initiatives. “Cowdenbeath FC is a great partner of the community,” he said.

“It helps to deliver good programmes and local people get the benefit. It also helps address the concerns of local councillors on issues such as health and well-being.” Names are now being taken for the next programme, which is completely free. Participants must be male, aged 35-65 with a waist size of at least 38 inches, and Cllr. Hood has advice for anybody thinking about joining up. “Put yourself forward and don’t hesitate,” he said. “Speak to one of the excellent coaches, and once you’ve had a chat you’ll realise its a relaxed environment, with everybody working together.

“People should go and find out if it’s right for them.” To find out more, email office@cowdenbeathfc.com or phone 01383 610166