NextGen Nutrition Program
Student-athletes experience many health and success myths. Soccer is a sport that is physically demanding and requires strength, speed, agility and stamina. Unlike many team sports, soccer players often play without a substitution the entire 45 minutes of each game. The athlete is in constant movement, running and sprinting during this period. The soccer players will not be able to maintain a high level of success without sufficient energy.
Players at all age groups should have a program geared towards optimizing their performance and recovery times while avoiding injuries and illness. At Next Generation Soccer Academy, we have a Nutritionist on staff to help with just that. Her job is to tailor nutrition to each athletes age and gender. In addition to sharing best practices and common sense decisions within the home, she will also be available during several trainings sessions each month. Being on-site she can answer direct questions from parents related to their specific child’s needs. Also, she will be hosting bi-annual seminars, free to our NextGen families. Since she is a part of the staff, she will also be accessible by email should any questions or issues pop up.
Nutrition Program Benefits
- Provide coaches and players with proper nutrition guidelines
- Attend practices bi-weekly, giving in person access to parents and players
- Host bi-annual seminars for parents and players
- Provide content to the Academy, distributed via email and our website
- On-going support via email
- Local office for additional needs
Would you like to speak to our Nutritionist?
Top 10 Nutrition Rules for Fueling Soccer Athletes
- Eat minimally processed foods. Limit foods with added sugar, trans fats and saturated fat.
- Eat a rainbow. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose lean proteins. Have lean protein with each meal.
- Choose healthy fats. Include healthy fats such as olive oil, flaxseed, fish, avocados, nuts and seeds.
- Choose Whole-Grain Carbohydrates. Whole grains are rich in fiber and nutrients that fuel your body.
- Eat breakfast every day. “Break the fast” and kick-start your metabolism with protein, carbohydrates and fluids.
- Fuel for your training. Don’t skip meals.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration equals decreased performance! Women should drink approximately 2.7 liters of fluid a day, and men should drink approximately 3.7 liters of fluid and/or sports drink a day.
- Recover. Have a recovery drink with a 4-1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein within 30 minutes of exercise.
Eat a balanced meal within two hours. - Sleep. Get seven to eight hours every night to ensure proper recovery.
