XLFC Weight-Loss Football: A Finalist in the UK Startup Awards 2025!
- XLFC
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Updated: May 26
What an amazing moment for XLFC Weight-Loss Football!
The excitement in our team is palpable. We've been selected as a finalist in the UK Startup Awards 2025 Health & Well-being Category for the South East of England. This recognition in our very first year of trading is truly remarkable. It confirms our team's vision and dedication.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission has always been clear: blending the joy of 11-a-side football with effective weight-loss strategies. We aim to create a unique experience that promotes health and well-being while fostering fun in a non-judgmental, encouraging environment.
Being nominated as a finalist in such a prestigious award is a testament to everyone in the XLFC family. From our sponsors and kit suppliers to our community partner clubs and, most importantly, the players—their dedication and belief in us has made XLFC what it is.
Celebrating Our Achievement
This finalist position in the UK Startup Awards means everything to us. We can't express the significance of this recognition for our passionate and committed team. With 750 businesses shortlisted across the UK this year, words cannot adequately explain how much this means to us.
The UK Startup Awards spotlight innovative businesses that are making a difference. They were launched to recognize the booming start-up scene across the UK, which has exploded over the last few years. In 2024 alone, 846,000 new businesses were founded nationwide! To be chosen among so many incredible start-ups shows that our concept has resonated strongly with the communities we operate in. We truly believe what we have is special.
Community Impact and Expansion Plans
As we move forward, we are eager to expand our reach. Our immediate plans include launching new clubs in Windsor, Beaconsfield, and Newbury. Future locations like Guildford, Oxford, Bath, Swindon, and many more are on our expansion list. This exciting growth gives us a chance to positively impact even more communities across the UK.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We owe a massive thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey! From our dedicated XLFC team members to the participants, your enthusiasm energizes our sessions. You've built a supportive community that embodies well-being through physical activity. This finalist position is as much yours as it is ours.
Receiving such recognition can lead to immense opportunities for growth. It reassures us that we are on the right track and emphasizes our mission: delivering health and well-being in an enjoyable way. Supported nationally by Airwallex, Ideas Fest, Join Talent, and V Rum, the programme will celebrate the achievements of individuals who turn ideas into opportunities.
The Judging Process
The cohort of finalists will be assessed for the regional prizes by a panel of seasoned judges, who have experience either founding or supporting entrepreneurial ventures. The winners from each region will then be invited to the first UK final at Ideas Fest. This festival, often described as the "Glastonbury for Business," will take place in Hertfordshire on September 12, 2025.
XLFC Directors Chris Broadhurst & Tom Giles shared their thoughts on being finalists:
Chris said:
"We're blown away by being shortlisted and honoured to be considered among the UK's best Start-ups! We're at the very start of our journey. So, to receive this incredible recognition is genuinely humbling but inspires us to keep growing! A huge thanks to our players and partners for believing in us. We're excited to carry on this journey together!"
— Chris Broadhurst, Founder & CEO, XLFC Weight-loss Football.
Tom added:
"Our mission has always been simple: to help men lose weight and improve their health through football. We encourage positive lifestyle changes in a collaborative and inclusive environment. So far this year, over 80kg has been lost through our programme. Our players are realizing incredible success! Being shortlisted for the UK StartUp Awards 2025 is a testament to the impact we're making—we couldn't have done it without our amazing players, coaches, and supporters!"
— Tom Giles, Co-Founder & COO, XLFC Weight-loss Football.
Looking Ahead Together
As a motivated team, we are more focused than ever. This recognition is more than just an award; it reminds us how our innovative approach can impact lives. We are committed to enhancing the XLFC experience while expanding our outreach in the South East and beyond.
Our ultimate goal is to benefit as many individuals as possible by promoting fitness and camaraderie authentically. We will continue refining our programme based on community feedback, always keeping our participants at the core of our development.
Celebrating Each Step
Every day brings new opportunities to learn—whether refining our mission, our community engagements, or even ourselves. We want to celebrate every achievement, big or small, as we grow XLFC Weight-Loss Football and connect with passionate individuals who share our vision.
One Last "Thank You"
We are incredibly honoured to be named a finalist for the UK Startup Awards 2025 in the Health & Well-being Category for the South East of England. This recognition validates our hard work in this first year and propels us toward an exciting future filled with possibilities.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us.
Here’s to many more moments of celebration and community building. Together, let’s create an environment where fitness meets fun, and health becomes a lifestyle.
Stay tuned for updates from XLFC Weight-Loss Football as we continue this incredible journey!
Your participation matters, so let’s gear up for a fun-filled future together!
The XLFC "Team Behind the Teams".
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