#47 New Research an evaluation of nutritional practices and energy requirements of elite female soccer players - Dr Sam McHaffie

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sam McHaffie, performance nutritionist at Manchester City Women and recent PhD graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. We unpack the findings from his four-part PhD exploring nutrition and energy availability in elite female footballers—from carbohydrate fear and body image concerns to under-fuelling and RED-S risk in adolescent players. Sam shares practical insights for coaches, players, and parents on fuelling performance, supporting menstrual health, and creating positive nutrition environments in the women's game.

🎙 Topics include:

• Carbohydrate myths and body image issues in women’s football

• Skinfold testing and why context matters

• How open players really are about their menstrual cycle

• The role of parents, coaches, and practitioners in shaping healthy food culture

• Doubly labelled water and redefining energy needs in female athletes

If you support a player, work in the game, or just want to understand women’s football better—this one’s for you.

🔗 More at www.womensfootballhub.com