As teams enter the fall season, many are faced with the difficult task of playing multiple matches with little time for recovery. Youth tournaments often require teams to play three matches on consecutive days. Colleges often play two matches over three days. These schedules require player to expend a tremendous amount of energy. They also leave very little time for them to replenish depleted energy stores and to prepare for the next event. Thus, it is important for teams to have nutritional plan for dealing with the challenges presented by a congested calendar. 

Once a match is over, what to eat, when to eat and how much to drink are critically important questions. These are questions that should be addressed in advance, rather than waiting until the tournament has started.  Earlier this summer, we presented a webinar titled, “Soccer Diet: Multiple Games with Little Time for Recovery."

During the session, I discussed the difficulties faced when dealing with multiple matches played over the course of many days.  I also highlighted a few nutritional strategies designed to help players cope with the energy requirements of such a schedule. By following a few simple guidelines and planning ahead, coaches can ensure that their players fed, hydrated and ready for the next day’s match.

For more information, please visit the online course, “Soccer Diet: The Simplest Way to Improve Your Team’s Performance.” NSCAA members receive a 20 percent discount on the course.

Dr. Jay Williams, Ph. D., is a professor of Exercise Science in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on the responses and adaptations of muscle to activity, inactivity and disease. He also has a long history of working with athletes, ranging from kindergarten soccer players to Olympic tracks and field athletes.

For more information on how diet can affect soccer performance, please visit www.soccerteamdiet.com

Related Articles

Another Piece to the Soccer Nutrition Puzzle and its Effects Beyond the Field

Performance Soccer Conditioning, Monitoring Recovery, A Simple Tool for Coaches/Parents

Avoid The Four Tournament Nutritional Mistakes

Invest in Yourself: What an NSCAA Membership Gets You

NSCAA members log in to comment. Not a member? Learn more today.