In his interview with the Athletic UK, James Collins, our Managing Director at INTRA Performance Group talks about how he changed the way footballers think about nutrition.
From working with Arsene Wenger at Arsenal to playing a strategic role in France's World Cup victory, James introduced new ideas that have had a big impact on how players eat and recover. He focuses on teaching players to take charge of their nutrition, rather than relying on chefs and supplements. James also stresses the importance of sustainable practices in sports nutrition. His work continues to influence football clubs and national teams around the world.
Innovative Impact on Football
James became Arsenal's first nutritionist in 2010 after impressing Arsene Wenger, despite his young age. He introduced key innovations, including a DEXA scanner for measuring body fat and muscle mass, and a "build your own plate" system in the canteen to help players make informed nutritional choices.
James emphasised the importance of demonstrating the immediate impact of proper nutrition, particularly on matchdays, where even small dietary changes could enhance performance.
His influence extended beyond Arsenal, contributing to England's 2014 World Cup campaign and playing a strategic role in France's 2018 World Cup victory.
UEFA Research Project
James led a major UEFA research project to create a comprehensive guide on football nutrition, the first in ten years. With the sport's demands changing, James knew players needed better fueling and recovery strategies. To address the misinformation in the field, he gathered experts from around the world to create a playbook that covers everything from energy needs to immune support. After three years, this guide was published, setting a new standard in football nutrition.
Empowering Players
James believes in empowering players to take control of their nutrition rather than relying solely on chefs or strict guidelines. By helping players understand how to make smart nutritional choices, they can maintain peak performance even when traveling or facing new challenges.
He also highlights the importance of consistent nutrition for early and late kick-offs, stressing that players must fuel and recover properly to avoid fatigue. He advocates a "food first" approach and is cautious about the use of supplements due to the risk of doping violations.
Focus on Sustainability
James believes football should do more to address food sustainability. He feels the sport has focused too much on performance and not enough on environmental health. James encourages players to adopt a plant-forward diet as a step towards addressing these issues.
Future of Sports Nutrition
James sees nutrition, along with psychology, as an underutilised resource in sports science. He believes that the key is to apply existing knowledge effectively rather than constantly seeking innovations.
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