Author(s): BUTLER, G., MCQUILLIAM, S.1, HANNON, M.1, CLOSE, G.1, MURPHY, R.1, CRONIN, C.1, GREEN, M.2, BROWNLOW, M.2, MYBURGH, G.2, MORTON, J.1 , Institution: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 2523

INTRODUCTION:
Total daily energy expenditure and weekly training volumes in male academy soccer players are comparable to those of adult professional players (1), though such data are derived from a single club. Despite increased awareness of the role of nutrition in supporting player development, a 2020-21 audit revealed that nutrition support is less resourced within academy sport science and medicine (SSM) programmes (2). Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to provide a contemporary, multi-club evaluation of 1) the typical in-season physical loads and 2) the nutrition service provision within English academy soccer.
METHODS:
External training and match load was quantified via GPS in 190 male academy players (U13: n=28; U14: n=42; U15: n=61; U16: n=59) from 12 Category One academies during the 2024-25 season. Structured interviews (125±26 min) were also conducted with practitioners (n=39) across 22 Category One academies to evaluate nutrition service provision, including full-time SSM staffing, employment and professional accreditation status, and the frequency of on-site food provision within 4 hours before and after training. One-way ANOVA assessed the between-age-group differences in physical loading variables.
RESULTS:
Mean weekly exposure, soccer training (ST), and non-soccer training (NST; i.e. gym, preparation, athletic development) sessions were similar in U13 (4±1 days; 4±1 ST; 3±2 NST), U14 (4±1 days; 4±1 ST; 3±2 NST), U15 (5±1 days; 4±1 ST; 4±2 NST), and U16 (5±1 days; 5±1 ST; 4±2 NST; all P>0.05). Mean weekly duration was comparable between U13 (407±54 min) and U14 (396±57 min), though both exceeded U15 (330±60 min) and U16 (366±49 min; P<0.05). U16 duration was greater than U15 (P<0.05). Mean weekly distance covered was similar in U13 (25.2±4.1 km), U14 (25.6±4.9 km), and U16 (26.1±3.9 km; P>0.05), though U16 exceeded U15 (23.7±4.2 km; P<0.05). Mean full-time SSM staffing comprised 6±2 sport science and 6±2 sports medicine staff per academy, compared with 1±1 “nutritionist”. Of “nutritionists”, 68% were employed full-time, 24% held practitioner accreditation with the UK Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register, and the highest academic qualification was an MSc. Regarding on-site food provision, 30% and 18% of clubs "never" provided food before or after training, respectively, while 29% and 37% provided food before or after most (>75%) sessions.
CONCLUSION:
These data demonstrate that 1) weekly physical loading is comparable to adults despite players undergoing growth and maturation, 2) nutrition staffing is less resourced relative to other SSM disciplines, and 3) food provision varies markedly between clubs. Collectively, these findings highlight the need for governing bodies and professional clubs to co-create best practice nutrition service models that support player health and long-term development throughout the academy pathway.

References:
(1) Hannon MP, et al. (2021). J Sports Sci, 39(16):1838-1849
(2) Carney DJ, et al. (2023). Sci Med Football, 7(2):146-156.