What FIFA Thinks About Soccer Nutrition

What would Pele, Eusabio or the late George Best consume throughout the competitive training week? Chances would be that the nutrition of great players back then, would be widely different from that of today’s competitive soccer player. With advances in technology, and the development of sophisticated sports science protocols in all sports, FIFA have outlined what they feel the competitive soccer player requires to stay ahead of the competition. Here is a list of some of the findings in a recent study:

• Can’t Get Enough Carbohydrate: Elite players can burn between 1500 kj (men) and 1000 kj (women) during training or match play. If you do not prepare the body with complex carbohydrates and a modified carbohydrate loading cycle during the competitive week to fuel glycogen stores for maximum performance, then you are breaking a very important link in the chain. 5-7 grams of carbohydrate per kg body mass for moderately intense training activities and 10 g/kg during intense training or match play.

• Protein; Not Just For Arnold: Don’t be a girly man when it comes to protein intake. Although carbohydrate is needed to fuel post exercise performance, a mixture of protein and carbohydrate in a liquid form right after an intense session will help build lean muscle and increase glycogen stores to fuel further performance.

• Water & Electrolytes: Before, during and after training or match play are important periods for players to increase fluid intake. Fluids mixed with carbohydrates will help hydrate the body, while at the same time increase muscle glycogen stores.

• NO, NO to Dietary Supplements: Oh FIFA, Why? The report states there is no need for supplements. I also believe that simple nutrition programs that adhere to enhancement of soccer specific performance is needed. Sometimes there is no other way to refuel the body’s nutrient stores other than a quick protein shake. There are other times where the demands on a competitive soccer player will tax his/her body of vital nutrients that no ordinary diet can suffice to refuel. During these times of extreme activity, dietary supplementation such as vitamins or extra protein can really keep the soccer players body in homeostasis.

• Periodise For Powerful Year Round Performance: Training in high altitude, crossing international time zones and playing in extreme heat or humidity can profoundly affect the competitive soccer player. Therefore, coaches need to plan a periodised program that revolves around specific environments, and that can maximise a players performance in those environments.

What stands out specifically in the article is something that rings true for today’s athletes and soccer players world-wide “Talent and dedication to training are no longer enough to achieve success in football. Good nutrition has much to offer players…” Kudo’s FIFA, for your fantastic and relevant information for all us soccer players.