The value of good nutrition for athletes is appreciated increasingly by footballers at all levels of the game. Coaches must make individuals aware of the impact that certain types of food have on a player's preparation for a season or a game so that they can tailor their diet accordingly.

There are certain basic rules for players to follow before and after a game to improve performance and enable a quick recovery from competition.

A balanced diet improves performance in both the short and long term.

This section outlines the basic five food groups - dairy products, meat, cereals, fruits and vegetables - and the value to be obtained from specific types of food in preparing for a game, or a season.

It all adds up to a winning diet for football.