There will be various ways to access information:

1. Managers can request sessions involving myself and the team in which we’ll have the opportunity to discuss nutrition in general.
2. A regular update will appear on the website giving guidance on various subjects for example: pre-match preparation, understanding additives, hydrating, post-match eating etc. There will also be a “nutrition string” on the website where questions or comments can be posted and then responded to.
3. I will be available for any specific questions you may have which will be responded to on a one to one basis.

To be clear this is not a directive telling you what you can and cannot eat.  That choice will be left entirely with yourself.  What this guide is aiming to do is provide you with a greater understanding of nutrition to enable you to perform at the highest levels possible.

My philosophy is optimistic but realistic.  I am very aware that it is impossible to not want to delve into the odd crisp packet or bar of chocolate.  I am also aware it can be a nightmare understanding the complexities of fat content, additives, GI index etc.  With that in mind what I will try to do is keep the content as straightforward as possible.

In saying that I firmly believe a healthy, balanced lifestyle, which includes healthy nutrition, is extremely important.  I think we all agree that the amount of foreign players now playing in England has certainly helped to influence our approach to sports diet - no more steak and chips as a pre-match meal!

Over the coming weeks I’ll be looking to post some ideas and advice on the website which I hope you will find helpful.  If there are any questions that you would like me to discuss in more detail please do not hesitate to contact me.

Hi Dave
Looking forward to some informative contributions - Can I kick this off by asking what you would recommend regarding intake prio to a match, bearing in mind that our games usually start at 11am?

Dave,
In terms of launching this topic,which is now of course an integral part of sport and football,may I congratulate you on this goundbreaking step in grassroots football.I'm sure the academies and elite player coaching schools monitor nutrition but this must be a first for so called "Non-Professional" clubs.
My initial interest and first question is about fluid intake.How much or what is considered to be the correct amount of fluid to be consumed before,during and after a match/training session,and what is considered to be the most appropriate drink.You see many of the pros with Lucozade,and powerades prior to games.Any ideas?

Hi Dave, its great to see this sort of advice on our website, well done and thanks for making the effort to get this up and running. My question relates to bananas as they are often identified as a "super" food especially before doing exercise etc. Do they really offer any benefit and if so how far in advance do they need to be eaten ? (noticed that two hours is the general rule ?)

What are your thoughts on taking in food / drink at half time? All of the players take fluids which can be in the form of lucozade or squash etc, in terms of food I have provided Jaffa cakes which seem to replenish energy levels and kick start them for the second half. What are you thoughts on this? I believe Manchester United have a stock of Jaffa cakes for half time intake, and I think we all remember the famous TV pictures of Rio Ferdinand munching on a small pack of Jaffa cakes during the second half! I look forward to your feedback.:P

Hi Dave,just a quicky,I know you've already covered that it is advisable to eat 1 to 2 hours before exercise,but I have players who because the scheduling of my training slots, are maybe unable to eat or have not eaten.Any ideas on suitable snacks other than bananas or Jaffa Cakes that may give them enough energy to allow them to perform well in training,if they have been unable to eat a substantial meal prior to training.

Hi Martin, sorry for the late reply. I didn't spot your question until now!!! There's loads of snacks that your kids could munch on before training... including: a piece of fresh fruit and milk, wholmeal toast with marmite, bowl of cereal (museli, porridge), dried fruits (raisins, apricots, peaches) yoghurt drinks etc... These should be sufficient to keep them going ready for training. Of course the important thing is to encourage your players (and parents) to introduce these types of snacks (replacing the more fatty variety (crisps, chocolate and biscuits)on a regular basis - not just for training nights. Cheers Dave

Hi Dave Its Saturday night pouring with rain all the weekends games have been called off due to the floods and i'm now searching the Brinklow site in an attempt to satisfy my football fix. Just by chance I opened your page which i have read with very much interest, I think its fantastic that we as a club are fortunate to have someone who can give us information and guidance regarding nutrition. I believe its very important that we all have some understanding of what we should and shouldn't eat/drink before, during and after a game, and perhaps in daily life in general. I have no idea as to how much work load this could create for you, answering questions but my only comment would be is to have your nutritions guide on the front page of the website for all to see, not hidden away in the blogs section. Keep up the good work, thanks richard.