A GROUP of Swindon Town fans who shed a combined 40 stone scored another impressive victory by winning an international tournament.

The Reds joined 15 Scottish teams and one from Southampton on Saturday(27th June) to battle for the prestigious Football Fans In Training (FFIT) shield.

And the side from Swindon emerged triumphant after a neck and neck final culminating in a nail-biting penalty shootout.

Goalie Mark Fry even attracted the attention of Swindon Town keeper Ty Belford, who tweeted: “Fair play decent save that!” as he followed the team’s sensational win in Edinburgh on social media.

His great performance is all the more remarkable because the lifelong Town fan hadn’t touched a football in five years before joining FFIT, which helps men transform their lifestyle through football-related exercise and improved diet.

Mark, aged 43, a customer service advisor from Ferndale, said: “The past six months has been an incredible journey and this was just the icing on the cake.

"We still can’t quite believe it – especially because the team we played in the final beat us five nil in the heats. We thought we were in for a battering.”

Since embarking on the scheme, Mark has shed half a stone, cut down on junk food and started exercising regularly.

He said: “I’ve made a lot of positive changes and feel really good about things. I felt even happier when I found out Ty is going to sign my shirt. He’s a young, talented goalie who I admire.”

Rich Parker, who played in midfield, nearly didn’t play because of a crisis off the pitch when his seven-year-old son Ben was rushed to hospital with septicaemia.

He said: “Then we got a bit of good news that he was out of the woods and my wife Sam insisted I went to play because we had all worked so hard for it. I’m glad I did now.”

Rich scored two goals and two penalties in the tournament, which is some going given this year marked his return to the sport after a 20-year break.

The 40-year-old administrator from central Swindon said: “I couldn’t have imagined any of this in my wildest dreams. It’s amazing.

"I joined the football fans scheme because I knew I was overweight and had become inactive. In the space of months I’ve lost two and a half stone and feel totally transformed.”

The Swindon Town season ticket holder fully intends to keep up the good work and further improve his fitness.

He said: “I go out running now and we’ll continue doing the mid-week circuit training and football practice on Sundays. I’m a fitter, better person now and just want to keep going. We’ll also be back to defend the title next year, so there really is everything to play for.”

And Ben was over the moon and has watched footage of the winning goals and penalties from his hospital bed.

Rich said: “This was the perfect end to a really tough week. All the boys have been brilliant and so supportive. We dedicated the win to Ben, which has given him a massive boost. He has seen my medal and trophy and is so proud. We all feel on top of the world and are chuffed to bits.”

Swindon was the first town in England to pilot the scheme, which has been successfully run in Scotland for the past three years. 30 local football fans, aged 35-65, signed up for the 12-week programme which began in January.

The Council-run initiative, delivered in partnership with Swindon Town Football in the Community Trust, features information and advice about a range of topics, such as alcohol and portion size, along with physical activity sessions, including football skills and circuit training.

Cllr Brian Mattock, Swindon Borough Council deputy leader and cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic scheme.

"All the players and staff are a true credit to Swindon and demonstrate how really great things can be achieved with hard work and determination."

"If you’re a football fan out there who wants to ring the changes too, this could be just the ticket to kick-start a whole new you.”

Recruitment has started for the next intake in September, so if you’re a football fan carrying extra pounds and want to find out more or join up, contact Jon Holloway by emailing jon@stfc-fitc.co.uk or call 01793 421303.