Energy Drinks are not Sports Drinks or Water



New York Giants Youth Football Camp Hero and Coaches
gather to discuss life skills such as proper hydration.

With all it's terminology, youth football can be confusing. 

Terms like "the flat," "cover-2" and "deep post" can leave some parents stumped.

And so can sports fitness terminology. 

Give me an "energy drink" or "sports drink."

They are the same thing, right? 

No, wrong.

Specifically, the term "energy drink" is often lumped in with any source of re-hydration, including water or a sports drink like Gatorade.   But they should never be considered in the same category and usually have significantly different health effects.

As a sport parent, you should know the difference.

Do some homework.

1. See the National Federation of State High School Associations "Position Statement" for Energy Drinks by Youth Athletes.   Among highlights, they state energy drinks should never be used for hydration.

2. Check out the MomsTeam blog by Lindsay Barton.  She provides significant details for those concerned about the health benefits within energy drinks.

3. The American Academy of Pediatrics Report States Kids "Should Not Consume Energy Drinks."

At our youth football camps, we teach kids about the importance of maintaining hydration.  It's more than a football skill, it's a life skill you will keep for your entire life!

And know, above all, you can almost never go wrong with water.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.