SEVEN in 10 Sunday League footballers admit to playing while hungover – after having one too many the night before.
The poll of 1,000 amateur players also found that more than six in ten (65 per cent) regularly hit the pub before matchday, sinking an average of four and a half drinks per visit.
Of those who have stumbled onto the pitch worse for wear, 15 per cent claim a boozy night improves their game and 26 per cent still manage to bag a goal.
While 21 per cent rubbed their eyes in disbelief after missing an open goal, and 29 per cent make wayward passes.
Nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) confess to overestimating their ability to play, the day after the night before.
But the problems go beyond the pint glass – as many as 85 per cent of players admit their football career has been hampered by poor prep.
From skipping warm-ups (43 per cent) and training (31 per cent) to forgetting boots (11 per cent) or turning up at the wrong ground (8 per cent).
The research, commissioned by Specsavers as part of its Best Worst Team campaign, shines a light on the struggles of teams like Tunley Athletic, a Sunday league side whose local pub – The King William Inn – has now banned players 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.
“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.
And when it comes to fuelling up, one in four players opt for junk food on matchday morning, while 12 per cent go for a full English.
Almost three in 10 (28 per cent) have skipped having a pre-game breakfast altogether, according to OnePoll.com data.
Despite this, 89 per cent agree that good preparation – including proper nutrition, hydration and sleep – is essential, even at grassroots level.
To help Tunley Athletic turn things around, Specsavers has brought in 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.
“I promote an 80/20 rule – get 80 per cent of your nutrition right and enjoy the other 20% with treats. So yes, enjoy a beer or takeaway, but save it for after the game, not before!”
The final episode of Specsavers’ Best Worst Team Season 3 is now available to watch on YouTube
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