Chloe Kelly, the England and Arsenal forward, has recently spoken out about something she calls “fat clubs” in women’s football — a culture that she says has caused harm to former teammates and the broader women’s game. 

Chloe Kelly, the England and Arsenal forward, has recently spoken out about something she calls “fat clubs” in women’s football — a culture that she says has caused harm to former teammates and the broader women’s game.

 

 

 

 

England star Chloe Kelly has spoken out against the controversial use of “fat clubs” in women’s football, describing the damaging impact such practices have had on her former teammates. The Arsenal forward, known for scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final, revealed that body shaming and excessive focus on weight have been persistent issues at some clubs.

Speaking in a recent interview, Kelly expressed concern over how some players have been pushed to extremes by pressure to lose weight, often under the guise of performance improvement. She recalled former teammates being placed in what were informally known as “fat clubs” — extra sessions for those deemed to be carrying excess body fat — and said the psychological toll was serious.

> “I’ve seen players lose weight dramatically, but at the cost of their happiness,” Kelly said. “It’s disappointing that in some environments, it becomes more about how someone looks than how they perform.”

While Kelly emphasized that she had not personally struggled with body image to the same extent, she admitted feeling uncomfortable watching friends become obsessed with weight loss. Some, she said, went “from one extreme to another,” driven by fear rather than health or performance goals.

“Fat clubs,” though not an official term, refer to practices where athletes are publicly weighed, body fat percentages are displayed on notice boards, or individuals are singled out for not meeting arbitrary physical standards. Critics argue such approaches can foster eating disorders, low self-esteem, and unhealthy competition — particularly in female athletes.

Kelly’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of outdated methods used in some football clubs. Former England international Fara Williams has previously criticised the use of body fat charts and “naming and shaming” tactics, calling for a more compassionate and modern approach to athlete wellbeing.

Kelly believes the culture is slowly changing, especially at the top level, but warned that many young players still face damaging expectations around appearance. She stressed the need to prioritise mental health and individualised fitness plans, rather than one-size-fits-all standards.

> “We have to support young girls in the game. Fitness should be about being strong, fast, and healthy — not about fitting a certain image,” she said.

Her message has been welcomed by fans and professionals alike, many praising her for bringing visibility to a sensitive but crucial topic. As women’s football continues to grow in visibility and professionalism, calls are increasing for better safeguarding, mental health support, and reform of training practices that may do more harm than good.

The Football Association (FA) has not commented directly on Kelly’s remarks, but has previously said it is committed to player wellbeing and creating a “positive environment” at all levels of the game.

Kelly hopes her comments will encourage more players to speak out and help bring about lasting cultural change.

> “We can do better for the next generation,” she said.