A footballer could have the best skills in the world, however without the
correct nutritional support the player will not be able to sustain a hard training programme over a long period of time and
improvement would therefore be limited. Good nutritional practices are also necessary to ensure optimal performance in competition,
and changes in the diet can lead to substantial improvements in performance. The difference between winning and losing is
small and, where things are equal, attention to diet can be the difference between the team at the top of the league and the
others. A good diet will make sure that you compete to the best of your ability throughout the whole match because:
- Energy stores will be high enough to last the whole match
- Concentration will be better
- There will be less chance of getting injured
How tired you are depends not only on your fitness level but also what
foods and fluid you have consumed. Scientific studies have shown that players who eat a good diet, in relation to quantity
(number of calories) and quality (composition of the key nutrients, carbohydrate, fat and protein), run longer, sprint more,
keep their concentration longer, are more successful with passing/crossing accuracy, and are less likely to get injured.
How you perform during a match and training will depend on what you eat/drink
BEFORE, DURING and AFTER each game/session. By eating and drinking the right foods and fluids your performance and collectively
the teams peformance will IMPROVE.
Look out for more information coming soon.
Reproduced from the booklet
'Nutrition Guide For the Female Footballer'
Produced by the Football Assocition
Medical and Exercise Science Dept.
Copies available on request.
