Table 4 Practical issues that interfere with post-match recovery nutrition and solutions to counteract these concerns

Players within a team who are uneducated and have a detrimental habit of poor quality nutrients during recovery

Educate the team on the importance of recovery nutrition; stressing the beneficial role is had on performance and adaptation. Integrating backroom staff (physiotherapists, coaches, doctor) into this education so that they can re-enforce nutrition policies day to day. Use visuals around the training ground to educate players key messages

Night games limit the time consume recovery nutrients before sleep

Ensure that recovery strategies are implemented every hour until sleep, encouraging more liquid based nutrient sources (e.g. milkshakes, sport supplement drink) to offset any potential gastrointestinal issues associated with the ingestion of solid foods before bed. No caffeinated drinks (e.g. coffee, cola) should be consumed pre-sleep, but a snack containing casein (slow release protein) is important have before bedtime.

Travel to and from away games, sometimes internationally

Recovery snacks need to be carefully chosen so that they are portable and able to travel internationally, without compromising on their quality (e.g. sports bars). Planning is key, ensuring that foods are readily available during transit (e.g. on the team bus or plane). A traveling chef can help enhance quality and taste of meals provided during travel.

Players quickly exiting the stadium to travel home soon after the end of a match (normally in their own car after home games)

Providing a buffet style food selection which provides high-quality sources of mixed carbohydrate and protein snacks. Also, providing a recovery ‘pack’ which contains recovery snacks and/or supplements along with a timing plan for players who have long to travel home.

Players who have been unused sub or not played any minutes

Monitor the minutes played/exercised at higher intensities for all players in the squad. The energy demands and recovery requirements will vary between each individual and should be adjusted accordingly so body composition issues or an energy deficit do not arise. This can be communicated to players using match data

Loss of appetite following high intensity activity

Liquid based nutrient sources such as milkshake and meal replacement shakes should be encouraged to players who don’t have the appetite for food post-match. Again, stress the importance of having recovery nutrition after a game, highlighting the benefits for them as a soccer player (e.g. reduce the risk of injury, improve subsequent performance).

Players choose nutrient-poor foods (i.e. chocolate bar or crisps) because they are more accessible after exercise

Create a culture that promotes good nutrition by using visual displays at the training ground or stadium changing room as well as face to face education. Ensure that a recovery station is set up with high quality food choices (see examples in Table 1) with buffet food selection post game.