GAME DAY FUELLING: Nutrition strategies for young athletes

Session Description

What young athletes eat and drink before, during and after competition can have a significant impact on their energy levels, concentration, recovery and overall performance. Yet many adolescent athletes arrive at games under-fuelled, dehydrated or unsure about what foods will best support their sporting goals. This practical and evidence-based session will provide teaching staff with a clear understanding of game day nutrition for developing athletes. Participants will learn how to guide students on fuelling in the days leading up to competition, including the role of carbohydrates in maximising energy stores and the importance of maintaining hydration. The session will cover key nutrition strategies for the hours before competition, helping athletes identify suitable pre-game meals and snacks that provide sustained energy while minimising gastrointestinal discomfort. Attendees will also explore when and how athletes should fuel and hydrate during games, with recommendations tailored to different sports, durations and environmental conditions. Recovery nutrition will be another major focus, highlighting the importance of carbohydrates, protein and fluid intake after competition to support muscle repair, replenish energy stores and prepare athletes for their next training session or game. Attendees will get to sample real-life food examples and leave with actionable tips, common mistakes to watch for and simple recommendations that can help young athletes perform, recover and thrive throughout their sporting season.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand key game day nutrition principles for young athletes.
- Identify effective pre-game, during-game and recovery fuelling strategies.
- Apply hydration recommendations to support performance and safety.
- Recognise common nutrition pitfalls and practical solutions for adolescent athletes.

Curriculum Level

7 - 12

Keywords

Food and Nutrition

Presentation Type

Classroom Workshop
E
14