Maintaining adequate nutrition in athletic children is of great importance to their overall health, growth, development, and consequently to their sporting performance. The well nourished junior athlete will be able to play better and for longer, stay mentally alert, and recover quicker from training and competition. The active child who is not getting enough total energy may become tired and lethargic, and even struggle to maintain their enjoyment in sport. Young athletes who eat too little risk mild under-nutrition and may suffer from poor growth and delayed maturation.

Some practical tips

• To ensure an adequate intake of all the essential nutrients, encourage active children to eat a wide variety of nutritious foods.
• Fat reduced, high carbohydrate snacks are the best choice for active children.
• Ensure active children maintain a healthy body weight by balancing their energy intake with expenditure
• Encourage them to eat to their appetite which will vary from day to day.
• Take nutritious snacks to sporting events. Self-catering is wiser than relying on local canteens.
• Children can overheat and dehydrate quickly. Offer plenty of fluids before, during and after sport.
• If parents or coaches are concerned about their child's nutrition, seek professional advice from a sports dietitian and / or sports doctor

For more information click here Fuelling and cooling the junior athlete (334KB)