Nutrition and diet are the topics for the next Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy workshop, which is being held on 28th April.

Professor Emma Stevenson from Newcastle University, an expert in sports nutrition for young athletes, will be the special guest presenter for the evening. She will be assisted by local nutritionists Angela Clucas and Hannah Crawford.

In addition to the presentation, the young athletes will get hands-on experience making healthy snacks to benefit them during training sessions.

The workshop will also be attended by parents and coaches who are instrumental in helping the Island sportspeople of the future have the right diet to fuel their sporting careers.

The Sport Aid Academy, a partnership between Isle of Man Sport and sponsors SMP Partners and Newfield, aims to equip the Island’s young sportspeople with the support, skills and knowledge to work towards becoming elite athletes.

The workshop on 28th April is the third workshop of year two of the Academy, which brings together 70 young athletes, accompanied by parents, guardians and coaches, from many sporting disciplines.

Isle of Man Sport Aid Sports Performance Co-ordinator Chris Quine said: ‘Nutrition is a really important part of young athletes’ training and is so often overlooked. Getting the right fuel to sustain all the hours of hard work, choosing the right nutrients to build muscle and selecting the right food to help repair injuries is vital, and it’s important for the athlete to understand what their body needs and when. 

‘The Academy gives us the opportunity to help our budding sportspeople with these important topics, which wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous sponsors.’  

Mark Denton, Managing Director at leading independent trust and corporate services provider SMP Partners, added: ‘We’re really proud to be able to support the Academy, which is having a significant impact on the Island’s young athletes and their futures.
‘It makes such a difference to the athletes to learn from experts, such as Professor Stevenson. It’s an opportunity that they wouldn’t have were it not for the Academy, and these are lessons they will remember for the rest of their lives.’

Mark Reynolds, a Director at eGaming firm Newfield, concluded: ‘Diet is important for everyone but when you consider how many hours these young athletes are training for each week and what their bodies are put through it highlights the importance of nutrition.
‘It’s a privilege to support the Academy as they help future Manx sports stars gain this knowledge and experience.’ 

Photo - Young athletes at the first workshop of the Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy's second year.