Recently, I had the privilege of delivering a talk to the inspiring athletes of Warrington Town Women’s Football Team, focusing on the critical aspects of fuelling for football. This session was designed to provide understandable scientific insights and actionable tips to help these talented women optimise their performance through appropriate nutrition.
Why Nutrition Matters in Football
Football is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, speed, endurance, and quick recovery. Suitable nutrition ensures that players have the energy to sustain high levels of performance throughout the game and recover efficiently afterwards.
Here are some key reasons why nutrition is crucial:
1. Health; Sports Nutrition is about optimising health as well as enhancing performance. Through taking this approach and prioritising health, solid foundations are laid to enable performance to be advanced.
2. Timing of snacks and meals; Ensuring adequate energy, complex and simple carbs and protein are all consumed at the appropriate time will ensure performance and recovery are optimised.
3. Energy Supply: Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for high-intensity activities. Adequate supply pre, and during the match, combined with fully loaded stores ensures that players have the energy to maintain high levels of performance throughout the whole match.
4. Muscle Repair and Growth: Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth, crucial for recovery after training sessions and matches.
5. Hydration: Adequate fluid intake prevents dehydration, which can impair cognitive and physical performance.
6. Injury Prevention: Proper nutrition helps in maintaining muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of injuries.
7. Supplements; Representing Warrington Town is a privilege and players were reminded of UKAD rules, strict liability and personal responsibility. Although I recommend a ‘food first’ approach, there are times when supplements can be used effectively for efficient nutrition purposes. We discussed creatine, iron, vitamin D and calcium.
8. Menstrual cycle; Tracking symptoms, performance and feelings of wellness are all useful tools to ensure individuals can use appropriate nutrition to enhance health and optimise training, rest and recovery around their menstrual cycle.
If you would like to book a presentation / workshop for your team or some individual support, book a discovery call.
