Nutrition education in soccer players

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a dietary education program incorporating group and individual education sessions on dietary intake and nutrition knowledge of male and female state-level soccer players. Participants will be randomised into one of two groups ("Combined" or "Single" group) and undertake a 7-week education intervention. The "Combined" group will participate in the same four fortnightly group education sessions, occurring in weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7 of the intervention as well as receive two individual dietary consultations during weeks 1-2 and 5-6. Sessions will be given by dietitian interns and the chief investigator. The individual dietary consultations aim to provide personalised dietary guidance based on individual food and eating preferences (including allergies, intolerances, religious beliefs), individual energy and nutrient requirements, training load, and individual performance and health goals. Dietitians will perform a dietary assessment (diet history) to guide personalised dietary advice. The conslutation will also support dietitians to understood the current level of nutrition understanding of the participant while allowing participants to ask questions related specifically to their needs. The initial individual consultations will go for approximately 45 minutes and the second consultation will go for approximately 30 minutes. No specific strategies will be used to monitor adherence to the conslutations. However, as part of the follow up/second consult, the dietitians will assess how participants have implemented strategies/recommendations and then provide further guidance around how strategies can be adapted to better suit the individual.