Nutrition & Hydration
Nutrition
Diet affects health, well-being, and performance The foods that we choose before and after training and competition will affect how well we feel, play, and recover. Every player is different, and there is no single diet that meets the needs of all players at all times. Individual needs also change across the athletic season and vary according to life stage. Players and parents must be flexible to accommodate these changes.
There are thousands of diets, health claims and opinions about nutrition which can be easily accessed through media such as the internet or fitness publications. It is of the upmost importance that coaches, parents and players access credible, and evidence-based nutrition information. Governing bodies such as Dietitians of Canada provide high quality sports nutrition advice to those seeking to improve their athletic performance through food.
Nutrition Resources
Sports Nutrition Facts about Macronutrients
Sports Nutrition Facts about Micronutrients
Sports Nutrition Facts about Supplementation
FIFA’s free Nutrition for Soccer Resource.
Hydration
Proper hydration is important for athletic performance and for preventing heat- and hydration-related illnesses. If players don’t drink enough fluids before, during, or after sport, they may become dehydrated. Subsequently, they will not able to keep their body as cool while playing a sport, which may also affect their performance. See the links below for more information: