Sunday League players banned from local pub the night before game

A study has revealed a staggering seven in 10 Sunday League footballers have played their matches hungover. The survey of 1,000 amateur players found the majority of players make a visit to their local pub the night before a match, with each pub session involving around four and a half drinks.

While six in 10 confessed they overestimated their ability to play the following morning, there were others who said that a few drinks helped enhance their performance. According to the poll, 15 per cent said they played better after a few drinks and 26 per cent managed to score a goal even feeling a little delicate.

But hangovers aren't the only hindrance. A whopping eight in 10 players admit their performance was often compromised by poor preparation including skimping on warm-ups, missing practices or even forgetful moments like leaving boots at home.

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There were also occasions when players showed up on the incorrect field.

The research was commissioned by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team campaign. The campaign shines a light on the struggles of teams like Tunley Athletic.

In a bid to turn the team's fortunes around, The King William Inn, a local pub for Tunley players, has forbidden Tunley's squad from drinking there the night before games.

Landlord Tom Watson said: "We've pulled more pints for this team than they've scored goals – so we figured it was our turn to switch tactics."

"Banning the lads the night before a match is our way of showing tough love. We're not saying no to beers, just not before the final whistle," he added. "Hopefully next season, the only thing they'll be losing is their losing streak!"

Cognitive slip-ups are also common, with 19 per cent misjudging distances, 28 per cent passing to the wrong team, and 22 per cent struggling with headers often due to fatigue, dehydration or lack of focus.

When it comes to pre-match nutrition, one in four players opt for junk food on matchday morning, while 12 per cent go for a full English. Three in 10 have skipped a pre-game breakfast altogether, according to the research.

Despite this, an overwhelming 89 per cent agree that good preparation – including proper nutrition, hydration and sleep – is essential, even at grassroots level.

In a bid to help Tunley Athletic turn things around, Specsavers has enlisted top sports nutritionist Ted Munson to create a bespoke nutrition plan for the team.

Ted added: "Nutrition plays a key role at any level - from grassroots to the Premier League – allowing novice athletes to prepare, execute and recover more effectively.

"What we put into our body within 48 hours of a match directly impacts our physical output on the pitch."

"I'll be working with Tunley Athletic on the fundamentals - ensuring their pre-match meals are carbohydrate-rich and eaten at least 2 hours before kick-off, focusing on hydration habits which can make or break performance, and helping them fuel properly during games."

Ted promotes the 80/20 rule: get 80 per cent of your nutrition right and enjoy the other 20 per cent with treats. He says this means players can enjoy a beer or takeaway, but should save it for after the game, not before.

The final episode of Specsavers' Best Worst Team Season 3 is as the 2024/25 season draws to a close.