Hydration in the Heat: Keeping Our Young Footballers at CHARS Youth FC Safe and Strong

Steve Halls
Jun 19
2 min read

With the UK—and especially the South East—basking in a spell of extremely hot weather, with temperatures soaring around 30°C, it’s more important than ever that we turn our attention to one critical aspect of player wellbeing: hydration.

At CHARS Youth FC, our priority is not just developing talent on the pitch, but also ensuring the health and safety of every young footballer who wears our badge. As the sun blazes down, staying properly hydrated becomes not just beneficial—but essential.

Why Hot Weather Increases the Risk

When the temperature rises, so does the body’s need for water. Children and teens are more vulnerable to the effects of heat and dehydration because:

They sweat less efficiently than adults.
They’re often less aware of thirst signals.
They’re fully focused on playing and may forget to drink.

In 30-degree heat, young athletes can lose fluids rapidly, and if they don’t replace them quickly, it can impact both their performance and safety.

How Dehydration Affects Performance

Even mild dehydration can result in:

Decreased energy and stamina
Reduced concentration and slower reactions
Increased risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke
Cramping and muscle fatigue
Delayed recovery after matches

These risks become much more serious during extreme temperatures like we're currently experiencing.

Smart Hydration Strategies in Hot Weather

To keep our young players healthy and performing at their best during this hot spell, here’s what we recommend:

Before Training or Matches:

Drink regularly throughout the day, not just before kick-off.
Have a glass of water (200–300 ml) about 30–60 minutes before starting.
Avoid fizzy drinks or high-sugar beverages beforehand.

During Activity:

Take frequent water breaks every 10–15 minutes.
Coaches will adjust sessions to include extra hydration stops and rest periods in shaded areas.
On very hot days, a sports drink with electrolytes may be useful to replace lost salts—especially in longer sessions.

After Play:

Continue to drink water steadily post-match or training.
Include hydrating snacks like watermelon, oranges, cucumber, or yoghurt.

CHARS Youth FC’s Hot Weather Policy

We’ve put extra measures in place during this period of intense heat to protect our players, including:

Reduced session intensity and increased rest periods.
Shade and cooling zones where possible.
Encouraging players to wear light, breathable kit.
Mandatory water bottles for all sessions—no player should be without one.

A Team Effort

Parents, please help us by:

Making sure your child brings a full, labelled water bottle to every session.
Encouraging hydration before leaving home.
Packing a small snack that helps replenish energy and fluids.

Coaches will continue to monitor players closely for signs of heat exhaustion and make adjustments to ensure everyone remains safe.

This summer heat is a fantastic opportunity for kids to enjoy football under blue skies—but only if we manage it safely. Hydration isn’t just a health tip—it’s a performance tool and a safeguard.

Let’s work together to keep our CHARS Youth FC players cool, confident, and ready to shine—no matter how high the temperature climbs.