As footballers, we often ignore our nutrition; which is nothing short of crazy when you think about it. I mean, it’s like buying a Lamborghini, buying the helmet, the suit and all the equipment, getting lessons from Lewis Hamilton, hiring Silverstone and then filling the petrol tank with dishwater! That might sound a bit extreme, but so often players prioritise everything except their nutrition and then wonder why their performances are below standard. We have put together this infograph to show how nutrition is one of the everyday “small things” that, done consistently, contributes to the bigger picture.

Football is a competitive game and, as a general rule, people that take part are eager to improve and be winners. Often, we get so caught up in the big picture – playing in big games, winning the league/cup, getting a new contract or moving to a bigger club – that we forget about the small things. In fact some players probably spend more time thinking about their goal celebrations than on practical ways to improve their performance!

It’s by concentrating on the small things, on a daily or weekly basis, that make the big things happen. This is without a doubt true of nutrition. Consistency is a word often used in football. If you consistently get your nutrition right, your game will improve.

At whatever level you play, nutrition is one of the easiest and cost effective ways to get the most out of your game! Getting your nutrition right can improve your general health, fuel performance and aid recovery. When you think about it in these terms, it makes you wonder why you haven’t taken your nutrition more seriously before.