Training load, energy intake/expenditure & nutrient status in football
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quantification of training load, energy intake and expenditure and micronutrient status in elite first team and youth soccer players: implications for sport nutrition guidelines.
IRAS ID
225541
Contact name
Marcus Hannon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Despite the wealth of research conducted in elite adult soccer players, there is a distinct lack of data informing the delivery of research informed practice in elite youth soccer, despite youth players spending more time training than the elite adult players. This is especially the case for tailored sport nutrition guidelines where the advice is often similar to that provided in adult players. The implementation of population specific recommendations is of paramount importance considering that the goal of soccer academies is to promote technical and physical development throughout key phases of growth and maturation. To understand energy requirements for football players it is important to quantify training and match load alongside their energy expenditure. Currently no season long training and match load data or accurate energy expenditure data in elite youth football players exists. In addition, bone health in youth footballers has not been assessed in youth footballers throughout key stages of growth and maturation. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) would not only provide estimations of bone health in footballers but also allow for measurement of body composition.
It is now recognised that for optimal health a variety of vitamins and minerals must be present in adequate amounts in the body. Despite the important role of micronutrients, reports suggest that a number of individuals, including athletes, may be deficient in them as a consequence of inadequacies in modern diets. Athletes and coaches are now seeking reliable and practical recommendations regarding micronutrients, so it is imperative that an evidence base is available for this.
We therefore aim to: 1) measure energy and macronutrient intake and measure energy expenditure, 2) measure micronutrient status, and 3) measure season long training and match load in elite youth and adult footballers.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
17/WA/0228
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion