NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ITS EFFECT ON METAHARA SUGAR FACTORY FOOTBALL CLUB OF EAST SHOA ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Nutritional status has a direct bearing on the level of physical and Athletic performance of every individual. Good nutritional status is the cornerstone which helps sports person to maintain all important body functions so that we can grow and develop properly and lead healthy and active lives. The significance of a healthy, balanced diet and its links to good health and improved sports performance is now a key aspect of the sportsperson’s lifestyle. The present study was designed to assessing the Nutritional status and its effect on Metahara Sugar Factory Football Club players in East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional States, Ethiopia. In order to achieve this objective the researcher have design to use the Descriptive Survey research design. Relevant information were collected through Questionnaire, Interview, FGD and Observation during meal time of the respondents. About 40 study subjects (25 players, 1 head coach, 1 assistance coach, 1 therapist, 1 team leader and 11 committee members including the club manager) were targeted purposively. For data analysis, the researcher was used SPSS Version 22 using descriptive statistics like frequency and percentages. Poor meal pattern in terms of nutritional contents, relation of meal before, during and after training and match, was seen. This poor meal pattern results from lack of attention while preparation of meal menu which is caused due to shortage of allocated budget from the sugar factor for annual club activities. Thus it was recommended that to increase the performance of the club players, all responsible bodies (the players, the club, Metahara sugar factory, Oromia Football Fedration and the Sugar Corporation) should have to pay attention to the issue in order to improve the current poor nutritional status practice in the club.