Elite football builds Mate into training routines
Antoine Griezmann pre-gaming with Mate
The influx of superstar football players and coaches from South America, has brought with them new approaches to training, team building, and nutrition to European clubs as well as National teams.
In South America, Mate is ubiquitous in locker rooms across all sports, and has the support of teams’ medical staff as a healthier alternative to commercially available energy/sports drinks.
Before training, Mate works as a stimulant beverage, more natural than energy drinks and other sports supplements. During training, Mate helps to metabolize carbohydrates more effectively and prevents the build-up of lactic acid in the body, which translates to more energy, increased physical endurance, less burnout and the ability to train for longer. Mate improves motor skills and has anti-inflammatory effects after training, especially in high-impact activity. Additionally, the rate of recovery after exercise increases considerably with Mate, according to a study by the British Journal of Nutrition.
Here is a link to a great video of Harry Kane and Eric Dier talking through their “kit bag essentials” including Mate, during their preparations for Qatar 2022:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOqG4FHAKiY
Former Man City player Pablo Zabaleta talks through the locker room etiquette and team-building aspects of sharing the Mate with team members in this lovely BBC Sport clip: