With the high calibre of soccer displayed at the World Cup, you just know these athletes
consume healthy foods and beverages to  fuel their bodies.

In Stoney Creek, some soccer coaches are helping children develop this healthy
behaviour early.

Saltfleet Soccer Association in Stoney Creek is taking action to create a sporting
community  that supports and encourages healthy eating.

This summer, 12 coaches  from Saltfleet have volunteered to promote a healthy snack
culture with their  teams and pilot test an electronic resource developed by City of
Hamilton  Public Health Services.

This resource, titled All Star Snacks Playbook, provides coaches with information and
tools to help ensure that healthy snack choices are offered during children's sporting
events.

By serving healthy food and drinks at practices, games and other team events, coaches
and parents create an opportunity for players to practice healthy eating in their day-to-
day life.

If you are responsible for bringing snacks to a game or practice, try one of the snacks
listed below packed in a cooler with ice.  Pair this snack with water, of course, as active
children need to stay hydrated.

• Fresh fruit of any kind (frozen grapes are a refreshing  summer treat)
• Vegetable sticks, rings or pieces
• Fruit kebabs  (skewered on straws)
• Yogurt in a tube (refrigerated or  frozen)
• White or chocolate milk (skim, 1% or 2%)
• Whole-grain  crackers with hard cheese or cheese strings
• Hummus with mini  whole-wheat pita bread or bread sticks
• Unsweetened applesauce or  apple blend
• Pudding made with milk (Tip: Choose a pudding with at  least 5% Daily Value for calcium on the Nutrition Facts table)
• Homemade trail mix (Tip: Try a peanut-safe version by mixing whole-grain  cereal, whole-grain pretzels, dried apricots and raisins)

For more  information and resources, visit City of Hamilton Public Health
Services'  nutrition website at hamilton.ca/nutrition .