The Link Between Sports Nutrition and Sports Coaching

Working as a teacher in sports coaching for students aged 14+ is one of the most important jobs you can have. Our PGCE in Sports Coaching Education course will help you plan lessons, deliver classes and assess student performance effectively. There's no better time to start your journey, as the University of Bolton is offering a 2020 master's bursary of up to £3,000 to support your studies.

Through our course programme, you will discover critical pedagogy theories and how to put them into practice, as well as the importance of looking at sports and fitness as a whole. This includes areas like sports nutrition, something that plays a vital role in setting standards for sports performance.

Here we discuss how sports nutrition and sports coaching are intrinsically linked.

Performance is affected by diet

The physical demands of sports necessitate the consumption of healthy food, and in the correct proportions. The right amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins are essential for maximising physical activity across all disciplines.

It's therefore important for sports coaches and teachers to understand the relationship between performance and diet.

Hydration is key for sports and exercise

Proteins such as meat, fish, beans and legumes are crucial as they keep our bodies hydrated. But too much protein can have the opposite effect, making balance the most fundamental aspect to teach when discussing sports nutrition with students.

The effects of dehydration on athletic performance include decreased blood flow, lowered heat dissipation, increased core temperature and an increased rate of glycogen use.

Healthy eating creates a positive mind set

Not only is a well-balanced diet good for the body, it's also beneficial for brain health and mental wellbeing. Both of which are necessary for becoming a great athlete. Healthy eating also sets a high standard of living, promoting the importance of exercise and good diet for generations to come.

To find out more about studying to become a teacher in sports coaching, go to our PGCE M in Education 14+ (Sports Coaching) course page and download a brochure. As well as financial bursaries, we guarantee a supportive and friendly learning environment, with one-to-one mentorship and a tailored approach to help you succeed in your dream career.

Voted No.1 in the North West for Student Satisfaction for the past three years (Complete University Guide in 2021, 2020 and 2019) and ranked Top 5 in the UK for Teaching Quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2021 and 2020), there's nowhere better to begin your journey into teaching.

Enrol with us this September and experience #UniAsItShouldBe.