As a young footballer you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of your nutrition, what you eat will have a direct effect on your performance at training and matches as well as your ability to recover properly.

Being involved within the Dundee United Academy you should be looking to get every aspect of your nutrition to a standard that helps you perform at your best.

Eating good quality ingredients versus packaged convenience foods is of utmost importance; equally important is making sure you are getting the required intake in calories and macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate and fat) in order to properly fuel and recover from your workouts, sessions and games.

This booklet contains information that will help academy players and their families make informed choices to meet their nutritional needs in different situations.

This information will be of use to the players who are serious in their aspirations to develop a career in professional football.

The information within this resource will be supported by professional guidance and advice throughout your time in the academy.

Ultimately it is the responsibility of the player and his family to develop a healthy lifestyle and make good nutrition choices at home, at school, socially & also before, during and after football activities.

A well-chosen diet can offer many benefits:

- Optimum gains from the training program.

- Enhanced recovery within and between workouts, training and games.

- Achievement and maintenance of an ideal body weight and physique.

- A reduced risk of injury and illness.

- Confidence in being well-prepared for match play.

- Consistency in achieving high level performances in training and matches.

- Enjoyment of food and social eating occasions.

Click here to download