XLFC raise money for YoungMinds at Bisham Abbey
A team representing XLFC, the UK’s leading 11-a-side weight-loss and mental health support football club, recently took to the pitch at our centre for a charity match again Childbase, a leading childcare provider.
The match was to raise funds for YoungMinds, one of the UK’s top charities supporting children’s and young people’s mental health. The event brought together players, supporters and staff in a day full of friendly competition and community spirit for an important cause.
XLFC was founded by Chris Broadhurst and Tom Giles, and officially launched at Bisham Abbey in January 2025.
Chris said:
“XLFC weight-loss Football is about so much more than purely the game itself – it’s about community, support and making a positive difference in people’s lives, by offering them an inclusive environment to reach their personal health and fitness goals.
“Supporting mental health and wellbeing specifically, is something very much aligned with the XLFC ethos, and in this case, it was never in question that we’d be involved with this fundraiser.
“This fundraiser is a great example of what happens when people come together for a cause that matters, and I’d like to thank the team at Bisham Abbey for letting us use their venue to host such a positive fundraiser for free. We’re extremely proud to play out part in raising awareness and funds to support young people’s mental health.”
Howard Hastings, our Active Communities Manager, said:
“Seeing two communities come together for such an important cause shows how sport can drive positive change and build support networks – everything we believe sport should be about. We’re proud to be part of that journey and look forward to welcoming XLFC each week as they continue to make a difference, both on and off the pitch.”
XLFC uses football as a tool to improve fitness, build confidence and support healthier lifestyles in an inclusive environment. The weekly sessions combine injury prevention, core strength and mobility, and structured football training delivered by FA-qualified coaches.