This study aims to determine the nutrition knowledge and pre-competition dietary practices of under-14 football players across India. Football players (n=110) were selected using random sampling, at a 5-day under-14 football championship, nutrition knowledge assessed using the validated nutrition questionnaire. Dietary practices pre-competition studied through participatory observation cum informal interview method. The results revealed that the mean nutrition knowledge was 26%. Selection of food items pre-competition, fluid and electrolytes had varied misconception. Consumption of junk foods, skipping of pre-game meal was frequently observed. Significantly higher nutrition knowledge of players belonging to the teams of Delhi and Kolkata was observed as compared to the total scores on the nutritional knowledge between several teams based on the demographic profile. Significance was calculated using ANOVA. Football players lack adequate sports nutrition knowledge and pre-competition meal selection, nutrition education is needed for optimum performance.

Keywords : Sports nutrition; Football; Nutrition knowledge; Dietary practices.