Top 10 Player Prep Tips

Ah, the Sunday League football ritual—an exhilarating blend of passion, sweat, and occasionally a bit too much fun the night before.

While we all love a good time, here are some cheeky yet essential tips for your players to stay at the top of their game when match day comes knocking.

1. The 'No All-Nighters' Policy

Yeah, we get it—Saturday nights can be wild. But try and avoid it before a game.

It's not even just about the next day hangovers - more on that in a second - we can't even count the number of injuries our players have picked up from their drunken dancing the night before the game!

And you can't underestimate what a good sleep will do... turning up expecting to put a shift in on 4 hours sleep is basically ludicrous... get them 8 hours, rest up and be ready!

2. Say No to 'Hangover FC'

Sure, a night of revelry is fun, but playing with a hangover? If you have to go out, then don't over do it Save a bit for the victory drinks, or at least think about hydrating 1 to 1 with your drinks.

3. Hydration: It's Not Just a Word

Here's a groundbreaking concept: drink water. Seriously, start hydrating the day before; it's your best friend.

If you're out the night before have a drink of water with each pint, alcohol is a diuretic - ew! I get it... I know you didn't ask, so you need to keep topped up with water, not vodka.

4. Masterclass in Breakfast Basics

Eat some breakfast. If you can, swap that greasy fry-up for something that fuels your inner football superstar.

Think oats, fruits, and maybe a poached egg or two. They're also good for soaking up the crap from the night before. The mix of sugars and carbs at this point, you'll get quick release energy from the sugars and slow release from good carbs like the oats. Glorious!

Caffeine can also be your friend!

5. The Carb-Load Chronicles

Pasta, rice, quinoa—carbs are your friends. They fuel those goal-scoring sprints. Embrace them!

Plan that pre match night before meal well... And don't go to the chippy, those carbs can be too simple. Use sweet potatoes instead of regular, and think brown rice and pasta over white!

6. Secrets of the Pre-Match Snack

A banana or an energy bar might just be the game-changer your team needs. Plus, they're easy to carry.

Gummies have also become popular recently, but admit it, you feel a fool chomping down on harribo before a game or at half time! You're an adult, grow up!

7. Warm Up: Not Just for Yawns

Limber up, folks! It's not the London Marathon, but a bit if you're not participating in the warm up, you're going to be worse off... Stretching does wonders, trust us.

If you're under 20, you'll probably laugh at the 30-40 year olds warming up too much, but trust us, we wish we did it at your age.

8. 'Let's Not Play Doctor'

Injuries are never cool. So, if you're hurt, leave the heroics for the pitch; no need to be Superman.

If you're league has roll on roll off, just bloody use it, recover on the sidelines and get back on if you're fit, rather then letting that adrenaline take over.

9. The Pep Talk: Mind Over Matter

It's not just about the body; it's about the mind. Give yourself a mental prep talk—it works wonders.

10. Dress Code: To croc or not to croc

In our team there's a croc war... players either love them or you loath them. It's created a little divide... Our tips is to set your teams dress code, so players turn up looking the part.

Lets leave the beach vibes for another day. Proper footwear is a must!

Wrap-Up: Game On!

Sunday League football is more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle. So, while you gear up for glory, remember these tips—because a little prep goes a long way in ensuring those victory dances aren't just in your dreams.