Outside the Box - Why do Soccer players need protein?

After an impressive win in the quarter final of the women's County Cup at Lewes, it was time for the women of Worthing FC to get back Outside the Box and kick off with a different type of ball; The Protein Ball Company’s protein balls. Based mere minutes down the road from Worthing’s stadium, it was a pleasure to get a locally sourced company like The Protein Ball Co. on board the OTB bandwagon - a huge shout out to Somma at The Protein Ball Co. for helping to make this happen.

Why are proteins important for soccer players?

Protein plays an important role in muscle development and maintenance, and this is important to both the hardworking male & female football players. Because when a Worthing women’s soccer player works out hard, they may be susceptible to micro tears within their muscles. Ample protein increases muscle hypertrophy, and should an injury occur, it may help to speed up the time it takes for a player to return to full activity. 

Do female athletes need more protein?

Yes absolutely! And while there are varying degrees of just how much extra protein a female athlete should consume, a recent study in Canada by the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) suggested that women belonging to team sports would require 50% more protein than a non-active male.

Are Protein Balls healthy?

Yes! The Protein Ball Co. protein balls are one of the tastiest protein snacks around, which are proven to boost physical performance. They are high in fibre, jam packed with Vitamins and GMO free too!

Can you eat raw oats in energy balls?

Yes! Gluten Free rolled Oats are perfectly safe for a footballer to consume raw. This is why The Protein Ball Co. have added them to The Protein Ball Company Coffee Oat Muffin Balls 45g - Pack of 10 and The Protein Ball Company Blueberry Oat Muffin Balls 45g - Pack of 10. Each product offers between 6-6.5g of protein respectively, along with a rich source of fibre and the vitamins; B12, C and D3.

When should you eat protein balls?

The Protein Ball Co. balls are perfect as an on-the-go snack before or after physical activity when a footballer will need an extra protein boost. They recommend that their protein powered products should be consumed within one hour before or after a match or training. This will provide the Energy a player will need during competition, and allow for a player's muscles to replenish properly & become stronger.

What is the best protein for soccer players?

Whey protein, alongside high glycaemic (GI) carbohydrates, may prove a valuable source of protein for a footballer to consume post-workout. Whey protein is absorbed by the Body and includes a rich source of branched-chain amino acids (or BCAA), which promote muscle growth and immune supporting glutamine. Three Protein Ball Company flavours contain whey protein;

The Protein Ball Company Cacao & Orange Balls 45g - Pack of 10.

The Protein Ball Company Peanut Butter Protein Balls 45g - Pack of 10.

The Protein Ball Company Coconut & Macadamia Protein Balls 45g - Pack of 10.

What should kid soccer players eat?

Goal Power is a new and exciting range of delicious and nutritious fruity oat bars for kids, brought to you by those clever people at The Protein Ball Company. Designed as part of a larger initiative to get kids up, out and on the pitch, each Goal Power bar is low in Sugar and made with only the finest British oats. 

*I was fortunate to play a role in seeing these bars handed out to the younger fans who attended the last Worthing Women’s home game, and their initial reactions were more than positive. My own little boy loves them too!

Is protein good before a soccer game?

I once alluded to the importance of protein in a football player's overall diet in a previous OTB blog, however when it comes to consumption right before kick off there are a few things a player should be aware of. For example, consuming large quantities of protein before a match in the form of say a protein shake is a big no, no. The Protein Ball Company protein balls are different. These small, bite-sized doses of energy dense goodness are perfect for the players of Worthing Women, who will no doubt have high energy demands but may well be short on time. 

Conclusion:

Football is a high-intensity, intermittent Sport which requires aspects of both strength & stamina over a period of 90 minutes. If the players of Worthing Women’s Football Club wish to maximize the results they’re getting from their training drills as well as recover quickly, it’s clear they should look to achieve a daily protein intake suitable to their own individual requirements that offers sufficient Amino Acids for any increased amino acid oxidation that may take place during drills & matches. 

Make sure you’re following Worthing Women’s Football Club on social media, @WorthingFCWomen on Twitter and @worthingfcwomen on Instagram, to see how they get on with The Protein Ball Co. energy balls off the pitch as much as they do with the footballs on it.