A hands-on workshop focusing on nutrition and diet was enjoyed by 50 young athletes at the latest Isle of Man Sport Aid Academy event, held on Friday.

At the third workshop of the programme’s second year, young athletes, their parents and coaches learned vital information and top tips from Professor Emma Stevenson of Newcastle University, an expert in sports nutrition for young athletes. Local nutritionists Angela Clucas and Hannah Crawford were also on hand to help the sportspeople.

In addition to the presentation, the young athletes were taught practical skills including making healthy snacks to aid them during training and competitions.

Nutrition plays a key role in sport which can often be overlooked. Athletes need the right fuel to sustain all the hours of hard work and they need to know which foods to choose to help build muscle, increase stamina and recover from training sessions.

Recently crowned British Swimming Champion Charlotte Atkinson also visited the session as a speaker explaining to the young athletes how nutrition impacts on her training and in the build up to events. Charlotte was a participant in the Sporting Excellence Programme, the precursor to the Sport Aid Academy.

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.

Isle of Man Sport Aid Sports Performance Co-ordinator Chris Quine said: ‘The workshop was a real success and has provided our future sports stars with another set of important skills and tools to help them in their careers.

‘It’s a massive benefit for the athletes to learn from leading authorities, such as Professor Stevenson, as well as our local experts Angela and Hannah. The practical work will help them apply the learning in their everyday lives.

‘The Academy wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors so I would like to thank them once again for their ongoing generosity.’

Mark Denton, Managing Director at leading independent trust and corporate services provider SMP Partners, added: ‘The workshops are well-formulated to ensure the young athletes get the most out of the information and skills presented. It’s a privilege to be able to help them and a joy to see how the Academy has benefited these youths.’

Mark Reynolds, a Director at eGaming firm Newfield, concluded: ‘These young athletes work really hard in their respective sports, often training every day, so we are delighted to be able to help provide the support and skills so that they can make the most out of their training. The information they receive at the workshops will benefit them throughout the rest of their lives, whether they go on to becoming topflight Manx sports stars or progress in another direction.’
 
Photo - Professor Emma Stevenson of Newcastle University.