From football and rugby to rowing, athletics and netball, millions of people take part in grassroots sport in London every week. Yet while elite athletes often benefit from dedicated nutrition support, new research highlights the need to extend this provision to grassroots and community clubs.

A nationwide survey led by GetPRO Professional has revealed that 72 per cent of people involved in grassroots sport in London do not currently receive advice from a qualified sports nutritionist, while 84 per cent believe the availability of dedicated nutrition support is limited.

The findings also reveal widespread concern over the growing gap between elite and amateur sport, with 87 per cent believing there is a significant difference in the nutrition knowledge and support available, and 38 per cent describing that gap as ‘very significant.’

While nutritional support is widely recognised as an important part of training, performance and recovery, the findings suggest many grassroots athletes are missing out on access to qualified advice that could help them put this into practice.

The research suggests cost remains one of the biggest barriers to dedicated nutrition support, with 60 per cent saying budget constraints prevent athletes from accessing a sports nutritionist, while 40 per cent cite a lack of qualified practitioners in their local area.

Many grassroots athletes are therefore turning elsewhere for nutrition advice. 25 per cent say they currently rely on social media for sports nutrition information, despite 28 per cent believing that conflicting online advice makes it harder to know what to trust.

The study also highlighted gaps in sports nutrition knowledge. For example, just under half (49 per cent) are unsure of the recommended daily protein intake, despite 88 per cent recognising protein is important for building muscle effectively.

Robert Browne, Senior Science Communications Manager at Danone North Europe (UK), makers of GetPRO, said: ‘Our research shows there’s still a significant gap between elite and grassroots sport in London when it comes to accessing expert nutrition advice’.

‘We believe every athlete, whatever their level, should have the opportunity to benefit from trusted, evidence-based nutrition support. That’s why we’re helping early-career sports nutritionists work directly with grassroots clubs – giving practitioners valuable experience applying their knowledge, while helping local athletes access advice that could make a real difference.’

Encouragingly, more than two-thirds (67 per cent) of people without access to a sports nutritionist believe having dedicated support would significantly improve their own, or their child’s, sporting experience.

To help address the issue, applications have now opened for GetPRO Professional’s Grassroots Sports Nutrition Grants, hosted in proud partnership with The Nutrition Society. Offering grants of up to £2,000, the programme supports early-career sports nutritionists to deliver evidence-based nutrition projects within grassroots clubs across the UK, helping more athletes access expert advice. For more information visit www.getpro.co.uk/getproprofessional/grassroots-grants.html.