Inside a Newbury Town XLFC Session – What It’s Really Like: With Callum Maggs from Newbury Today.
- XLFC
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
We recently welcomed Newbury Today Reporter Callum Maggs down to experience a Newbury Town XLFC session first-hand, and like many who come down for the first time, he wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Arriving at Park House School for the 8pm start, Callum admitted to feeling confident he’d breeze through the session while observing from the sidelines.
That didn’t last long.
“By the time the clock hit 9pm, I was wiping sweat from my brow, nursing an abdominal cramp, and questioning my previous confidence.” - Callum said.
That’s often the reality for first-timers. Not because the sessions are overwhelming, but because they’re designed to challenge you in the right way, regardless of where you’re starting from.
A Different Kind of Fitness Environment.
XLFC is a football-based weight loss and fitness programme designed for men with a BMI of 27 or higher, many of whom haven’t played football in years.
Sessions combine structured S&C with football training and games, but the key difference is the environment.
As Callum experienced, the session began indoors with a mix of high-energy, football-based exercises, from toe taps and movement drills to strength work involving partner-based exercises.
“By this point, I realised these sessions were no joke …. I finally understood why this appeals to so many people who want a place to exercise that isn’t the typical commercial gym.” - he said.
For many, that’s the turning point.
More Than Just Training.
What stood out most to Callum during the session wasn’t just the exercises, it was the people. Encouragement between players, conversations throughout, and a clear sense of shared purpose. Callum went on to say:
“My partner encouraged me throughout… I struggled, but the support was there.”
That team environment is exactly what makes XLFC different.
As CEO Chris Broadhurst explains:
“The response in Newbury has been really encouraging. We’ve had a great mix of people come down, many who hadn’t played in years and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The biggest thing we hear is how much people enjoy being part of a team again, rather than trying to do it on their own. A lot of the guys had drifted away from football through injuries, work or confidence, so seeing them back on the pitch, improving their fitness and enjoying it again has been brilliant. That team environment and consistency is what’s really making the difference.”
Back on the Pitch.
After the indoor session, the group moved onto the pitch, where everything comes together. Drills focused on movement, passing and confidence on the ball, before finishing with a 5-a-side game. And like many first sessions, it quickly turned from effort into enjoyment.
“The drills culminated in the real fun: a 5-a-side match… the real victory was the collective atmosphere.” - Callum said.
That’s the moment it clicks.
Not just the fitness, but being back playing again.
Building Something in Newbury.
The Newbury sessions form part of XLFC’s partnership with Newbury Town FC. A community-focused pathway helping local people improve their fitness and reconnect with football.
It’s not about being the best player on the pitch.
It’s about:
Getting active again
Building confidence
And being part of something
“It is a judgement-free zone where the social bond is just as strong as the competitive drive.” - Callum Maggs, Newbury Today
Final Thoughts.
Callum summed up the experience best:
“I went in to report on a workout; I left with a newfound respect for these sessions and those who attend them.”
What more can we add to that.
Ready to Get Involved?
Newbury Town XLFC runs weekly sessions and is open to new players looking to get started.
If you’ve been thinking about getting back into football, now’s your chance.
Book your free taster session by clicking on the button below, or message us to find out more: info@xlfc.uk
📸 Images: Callum Maggs / Newbury Today : Read the Full Newbury Today Article Here
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