Although soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with over 120 million amateur players worldwide, scientific research concerning the nutritional needs of soccer players has been scant. Fortunately, new investigations are being conducted, and the up-to-date research suggests that soccer players should eat and drink like marathon runners!

Water is one of the most neglected parts of your soccer nutrition. Most soccer players prefer to drink water (instead of energy drinks). It is also common to consume energy drinks in order to get quick energy boost. However, these drinks can never replace water and the vital role it plays in your body.

How much water do you need to drink?
You will need to drink a lot of water before the game, during it and after as well. It is recommended to drink 1-2 liters about two hours before your game. During the game you should try to consume about 7oz - 10oz every fifteen to twenty minutes.

Will I become a better soccer player by drinking enough water before the games?
Well, I can tell you directly that you will never improve your ball skills by drinking more water. However, your overall performance on the field will increase. You will for example be able to run and work harder which will help your team to the victory. Your concentration will also be on the top which will minimize the amount of mistakes.

What will happen if you do not drink enough water?
If you are short on water you will pretty soon start to dehydrate which means that you will feel weak and dizzy. If you don’t take immediate action you could actually collapse. The amount of water that you intake before, during and after a match depends also on the weather. During the summer days you might need slightly more water than you would need when playing in cold weather.
 

 OUT- OF- TOWN TOURNAMENTS

• All players will be instructed by their coaches and athletic trainers concerning the importance of nutrition before each tournament.
• Players will be required to attend all scheduled meals.
• Teams will be responsible for following and supervising the nutritional guidelines of the club.
• Parents/players are responsible for the availability of food/fluids for each team.
• All teams are required to have sufficient Gatorade, water, ice, and snacks in each of the player’s rooms during the tournament.
• All teams are required to provide sufficient Gatorade, water, ice, and snacks at each game for pre-game, in- game, and post- game nourishment.

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  The game of soccer is a typical acyclic sport. The intensity during the match changes all the time. The loading has an interval character, with frequent breaks and short rests. During a game phosphate and glycogen supply most of the energy, thru anaerobic (without oxygen) production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).