AMES, Iowa—Helping young athletes use smart nutrition practices is the focus of a new program series from Iowa State University (ISU) Extension for coaches, teachers and athletic directors. Five two-hour sessions will be offered in January and February.

“Parents depend on coaches to give their players accurate information about training diets, supplements and fluids,” said Ruth Litchfield, ISU Extension nutrition specialist. “These sessions are designed to help coaches and others know what kind of advice they can offer.”

Each session will include a presentation by Litchfield over the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) followed by an on-site discussion. Thirteen ICN sites across the state will host the presentations.

Ames - Iowa State University
Burlington - Notre Dame High School
Cedar Rapids - Prairie High School
Clear Lake - Area Education Agency
Davenport - Kimberly Center
Des Moines - Central Campus
Fort Dodge - St. Edmond High School
Iowa City - Public Library
Johnston - Area Education Agency
Ottumwa - Area Education Agency
Sioux City - Central Campus
Spencer - Public Library
Waterloo - CC2 (CART)

Participants can use the classes for coaching reauthorization or teaching license recertification. Costs range from $30 for a single session to $105 for all five sessions. Graduate credit is available from Drake University. All classes begin at 7 p.m.

Dates and topics are as follows:
Jan. 10 – Training Diet
Jan. 17 – Fluids
Jan. 24 - Supplements
Jan. 31 – Injury prevention and rehabilitation
Feb. 7 – Current research in sports

Registration is online on the Area Education Agency (AEA)11 web site link through www.extension.iastate.edu/healthnutrition/nutrition/sports

Information also is available from local ISU Extension offices or by calling ISU Extension at 515-261-4230.

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