Progressive science in the sporting world has seen nutrition become the critical link between ability and performance in recent years. Even at the lower league clubs, players are increasingly making a diet an important part of players training to maximise performance and potential.

Scholars at several Premiership Clubs begin with nutritional education and screening which iskey to discovering who suffers from obesity and malnutrition. A study done at Nottingham University found that importance was on emphasis on disease prevention through increased education, focussing on basics of healthy lifestyle and prevention of diseases.

For any footballer, consultations have to be led by the player’s thoughts and concerns. Compliance is everything and you need to get the players to “buy in” in order to work with them and building a relationship of trust is crucial to success. This is the reason I was successful with the first team last year.

Wendy's aim is to ensure that basic team principles apply in terms of eating structured three meals a day, increasing calorie intake, never skipping breakfast, and three snacks a day, of a highly nutritious nature such as smoothies, shakes, energy bars, dried fruits and nuts. Also ensuring that good quality food choices like fruit , vegetables ,fruit juice to ensure optimal micronutrient intake.

One of the main considerations of a sports nutritionist is to ensure that enough complex carbohydrates are consumed before a game to ensure that players are able to reach peak performance and reach peak energy demands. The same could be said for hydration which is often taken for granted but could easily be the explanation for poor performance, fatigue during the game and lack of concentration. Taking things a step further and explaining more complex reasoning behind hydration will enable them to understand the effects of dehydration to their game, including lack of concentration and energy caused by only a 2% reduction in hydration.

The Sports Nutritionist role also is to optimise post recovery refuelling and with extra training sessions, the post exercise snack/meal becomes more important. This can also be continued once the players return to digs/home by speaking to the parents/landladies regarding their nutrition requirements and about compliance and difficulties associated with accommodating different palates.

The psychology around nutrition feeds into performance from a direct angle too. If footballers eat a healthy diet, their mind will be more focussed and will be able to make better decisions. Decision making is one of the more underrated skills on the pitch.

Please can all players deal with Wendy Griffin direct vial email. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kind regards,

Jamie Shore
Director
For and on behalf of Soccer International & West Bromwich Albion South West