The MLS and Travel-Related Nutritional Challenges: A Growing Concern for Teams

The MLS and Travel-Related Nutritional Challenges: A Growing Concern for Teams

The Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown into a highly competitive league, attracting top talent from across the globe while expanding its fan base both in the United States and abroad. As the league continues to grow, so do the demands placed on players, coaches, and support staff.

One of the more significant yet often overlooked challenges faced by MLS teams is the impact of travel on player nutrition.

Travelling long distances, particularly across multiple time zones, can be exhausting for players, and this fatigue can exacerbate the difficulties of maintaining optimal nutrition. Given that MLS teams frequently traverse vast distances – sometimes with little rest between matches – the nutritional demands of travel are more important than ever.

These challenges include everything from maintaining hydration and meal timing to ensuring that players are receiving the right nutrients to perform at their best.

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The Unique Travel Demands of MLS Teams

MLS teams face a grueling travel schedule due to the size of the United States and Canada. Teams are required to play across both countries, often in cities that span multiple time zones. A cross-country flight from New York to Los Angeles, for instance, can span over 2,400 miles and take more than five hours. This long-distance travel comes with its own set of complications, as players must adjust not only to different climates but also to varying food availability and time zone shifts.

The impact of these travel schedules can be even more significant when teams play multiple away games in a short period. A common scenario is a team playing midweek and weekend games on the road, often back-to-back, without the luxury of ample recovery time.

Such schedules increase the need for proper nutrition to combat fatigue, prevent injuries, and maintain performance levels.

Nutritional Problems Faced During Travel

One of the primary nutritional issues faced by players during travel is dehydration. Airplane cabins, hotel rooms, and airports are notorious for their dry environments, which can lead to a loss of fluids and electrolytes, essential for muscle function and energy. MLS teams often fly on commercial airlines, where hydration can be neglected due to the lack of access to water and healthy fluids during the flight.

To mitigate this issue, MLS teams have implemented hydration strategies, such as ensuring that players drink plenty of water before, during, and after flights, and supplementing with electrolyte drinks. However, maintaining hydration while travelling can still be a constant challenge, especially for teams on the go, where convenient, healthy options are limited.

The timing of meals plays a crucial role in how players fuel their bodies before and after games. But when travelling, particularly in cases where a team is flying on the day of the match or across multiple time zones, eating schedules can become erratic. Often, teams face the problem of having to eat meals at times that do not align with their body’s natural rhythm, which can impair digestion and metabolism.

Airports and hotels may not always provide high-quality food options, especially ones that align with the dietary needs of athletes. Poor meal choices in airports can lead to an imbalance in macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – which are vital for maintaining energy and muscle recovery.

While many major cities have world-class dining options, players are frequently faced with limited options during travel, especially in smaller cities or when tight schedules don’t allow for extended meals. The lack of a consistent food plan means that players often have to resort to fast food or convenience options, which might not meet the specific nutritional requirements of a professional athlete.

Fast food, for example, can be high in saturated fats and sugars, which, while providing quick energy, do little to support sustained performance or recovery. Many teams have developed relationships with nutritionists and chefs who travel with the team, but the challenge of finding fresh, healthy meals on the go remains significant.

Crossing multiple time zones presents a major challenge for teams as players often struggle to adjust to new eating times, sleep schedules, and overall rhythm. This disruption can affect a player’s circadian rhythm and digestion, leading to decreased performance. Improper eating habits during these transitions—such as eating late at night or at irregular intervals—can further hinder recovery and energy levels, increasing the risk of poor performance and injuries.

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Strategies for Managing Travel-Related Nutritional Issues

MLS teams can help mitigate travel-related nutritional issues by planning meals and hydration before departure. Many teams will work with nutritionists to pre-package healthy snacks, hydration supplements, and meals that can be consumed while on the road. They may also look to source high-quality meals ahead of time, particularly when travelling to cities where food options are more limited.

Technology can assist in tracking nutrition and hydration, allowing teams to monitor the specific needs of players in real-time. Apps that track food intake, hydration levels, and other variables can be useful tools for coaches and trainers to ensure that players are maintaining adequate nutrition while travelling.

Additionally, GPS and biometric tracking systems can provide real-time feedback on player recovery, enabling the coaching staff to adjust training and dietary strategies accordingly.

Post-game nutrition is just as crucial as pre-game fueling. Many teams now provide recovery-focused meals or drinks, including protein shakes, carbohydrates, and electrolytes, immediately following games. When travelling, these options can be a game-changer, especially for teams that play multiple matches in a short span.

Several MLS teams now have dedicated nutritionists or chefs who travel with the team. These experts are responsible for making sure that each meal is balanced and aligned with the nutritional needs of each player. With personalized plans, players can rest assured that their meals support optimal energy, muscle recovery, and performance, no matter where they are.

Conclusion

Travel-related nutritional challenges are an ongoing concern for MLS teams, but with proper planning, awareness, and the use of modern technology, these obstacles can be addressed. The demands of long-distance travel on a tight schedule require careful attention to detail, as small missteps in nutrition can have a large impact on player health and performance.

As the league continues to grow and travel demands increase, addressing these challenges will be key to sustaining player performance and enhancing the overall level of competition in Major League Soccer.

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The International Soccer Science and Performance Federation (ISSPF) offers a comprehensive suite of online nutrition courses tailored for soccer professionals aiming to enhance player performance through optimal dietary practices.

These courses, developed by esteemed nutritionists and performance experts, are structured to cater to various levels of expertise:

1. Foundation Certificate in Soccer Nutrition (discover more)

• This introductory course delves into the essentials of soccer-specific nutrition, focusing on:
• Understanding energy requirements for high-intensity activities.
• Effective fueling strategies for training and match recovery.
• Reducing the risk of non-contact injuries through proper nutrient intake.
• Comprising 16 study hours, the course includes tutor-assessed assignments and awards a Certificate of Achievement upon completion.

2. Intermediate Certificate in Soccer Nutrition (discover more)

Building upon foundational knowledge, this intermediate course introduces advanced concepts such as:

• Nutritional support tailored for youth soccer players.
• In-depth exploration of macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
• Nutritional periodization to align diet with training cycles.
• Dietary considerations for vegetarian and vegan soccer players.
• This course offers a deeper understanding of nutrition’s role in maximizing performance and recovery.

3. Masters Certificate in Soccer Nutrition (discover more)

Designed for those seeking an in-depth mastery of soccer nutrition, this advanced course covers:

• The interplay between physical performance and dietary strategies.
• Comprehensive nutritional analysis and intervention techniques.
• Individualized nutrition plans catering to both youth and adult players.
• Spanning 25 study hours, participants engage in tutor-assessed assignments and receive a Certificate of Achievement upon completion.

Each ISSPF nutrition course is meticulously crafted to provide soccer coaches, trainers, and enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement effective nutritional strategies, thereby enhancing player health, performance, and recovery.