The overall purpose of this program was to promote healthy eating in the context of improving sporting performance.This program targeted a group of 40 footballers at the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club in the under-17 years and under-14 years competitions, who took part in a nutrition program. This involved a series of nutrition workshops, a mentoring program for younger players and a breakfast program where players and opposition teams were provided with a healthy breakfast prior to matches.
Four nutrition workshops were also conducted where participants received information about nutrition and were encouraged to tailor their eating habits towards maximising performance on the football field. Older players were encouraged to bring players along to have a healthy breakfast in order to pass on knowledge and encourage positive behaviour. The program ran for the duration of the 2006 football season. Various resources were provided such as T-shirts and drink bottles bearing the hungry for victory logo.
Dr Kevin Rowley, Senior Research Fellow, Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit, Centre for Health and Society, School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne.
Ph: (03) 8344 0814
Email: rowleyk@unimelb.edu.au