There is no foundation to support such contrived diets that include protein powders or megadoses of vitamins. Studies on the nutritional needs of the child athlete are almost non-existent. Common sense, basic nutrition knowledge, and few insights are all you need. Just as for anyone else, a varied diet that follows the food pyramid recommendations is best. For the hard playing, growing young athlete good nutrition is a key component of athletic performance.
Carbohydrates are the cornerstone of the athletes diet.
Active kids need more calories than their sedentary, TV gazing counterparts. Carbohydrate is important in exercise because it provides fuel for the body, and is the fuel the body prefers. Complex carbohydrates also provide many important B vitamins that are needed to help put that energy to use. Carbs a few hours before practice will help supply energy needed during the event, and some carbohydrates eaten soon after will help replenish the muscles with fuel. The role of protein in sports diets has been blown way out of proportion.