The team behind the team
July 14, 2015
Silver Ferns nutritionist Tracy Kirkcaldy in action during one of the squad sessions earlier this year
Whenever the Silver Ferns step on court, there is a group of highly experienced professionals who support them every step of the way.
These people are the team behind the team.
Every Tuesday in the lead-up to Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015, silverferns.co.nz will provide fans with an insight into this hardworking team of professionals – roles that range from nutritionists, to strength and conditioning coaches, right through to high performance management.
This week, we caught up with Silver Ferns nutritionist, Tracy Kirkcaldy.
SF: How did you come to be the Silver Ferns nutritionist? Tracy: I had worked as a nutritionist in professional sport for some years when I was approached about providing some nutrition support for an ANZ Championship team and thereafter by the Silver Ferns. As a former netball player, coach and with children who play netball I have always been passionate about the game.
SF: Do you prescribe a ‘one-plan-fits-all-approach’? Tracy: A one plan fits all approach never works as each individual, family and culture has different eating experiences, habits and preferences and this is to be encouraged and enjoyed!
SF: Some of the players have really transformed their bodies over the years – how much is that down to nutrition? Tracy: Diet plays an important part in performance. Delivering the right nutrients allows athletes to enter into training sessions well energised and recovering nutritionally means our athletes are able to maximise each exercise session whilst remaining healthy. The combination of the right nutrition and exercise has transformed the performance potential and bodies of many of our athletes.
SF: Top recommendation for a quick snack? Tracy: Sushi – perfect portion sizes, combination of protein and carbohydrates - eat on the run and available everywhere.
SF: What are some of the quirky things some players like to eat? Tracy: Marmite toast dipped into porridge, smoothies blended with avocados.
SF: The NWC is a tournament-style event with a lot of matches – how much input do you have as to what they are eating to stay in optimum condition? Tracy: Each athlete knows her personal nutritional objective before she departs so although there is a lot of buffet eating they are aware of the best choices. I help set or review the menus before departure to ensure there is adequate choice and suitable options and we have a team room stacked with the players’ favourite snack and light meal choices for anyone preferring alternatives.
SF: How important is post-match nutrition? Tracy: Post-match nutrition helps to provide the nutrients for the body to recover, so this is a very important meal, particularly in a tournament situation when the turnaround and recovery time between games is short. Often the best recovered team wins.
SF: What do you love about working with the team? Tracy: The opportunity to work with a group of professionals who truly value playing for the silver fern.
Fans have the opportunity to support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 with the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy later this month, when they face Fiji and South Africa.
A special presentation to the team will take place at the conclusion of the final Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Make sure you secure your seat to farewell the Silver Ferns!
Want exclusive content, great deals and special offers, plus a members-only e-newsletter? Join the team and become a SilverFan today!
These people are the team behind the team.
Every Tuesday in the lead-up to Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015, silverferns.co.nz will provide fans with an insight into this hardworking team of professionals – roles that range from nutritionists, to strength and conditioning coaches, right through to high performance management.
This week, we caught up with Silver Ferns nutritionist, Tracy Kirkcaldy.
SF: How did you come to be the Silver Ferns nutritionist? Tracy: I had worked as a nutritionist in professional sport for some years when I was approached about providing some nutrition support for an ANZ Championship team and thereafter by the Silver Ferns. As a former netball player, coach and with children who play netball I have always been passionate about the game.
SF: Do you prescribe a ‘one-plan-fits-all-approach’? Tracy: A one plan fits all approach never works as each individual, family and culture has different eating experiences, habits and preferences and this is to be encouraged and enjoyed!
SF: Some of the players have really transformed their bodies over the years – how much is that down to nutrition? Tracy: Diet plays an important part in performance. Delivering the right nutrients allows athletes to enter into training sessions well energised and recovering nutritionally means our athletes are able to maximise each exercise session whilst remaining healthy. The combination of the right nutrition and exercise has transformed the performance potential and bodies of many of our athletes.
SF: Top recommendation for a quick snack? Tracy: Sushi – perfect portion sizes, combination of protein and carbohydrates - eat on the run and available everywhere.
SF: What are some of the quirky things some players like to eat? Tracy: Marmite toast dipped into porridge, smoothies blended with avocados.
SF: The NWC is a tournament-style event with a lot of matches – how much input do you have as to what they are eating to stay in optimum condition? Tracy: Each athlete knows her personal nutritional objective before she departs so although there is a lot of buffet eating they are aware of the best choices. I help set or review the menus before departure to ensure there is adequate choice and suitable options and we have a team room stacked with the players’ favourite snack and light meal choices for anyone preferring alternatives.
SF: How important is post-match nutrition? Tracy: Post-match nutrition helps to provide the nutrients for the body to recover, so this is a very important meal, particularly in a tournament situation when the turnaround and recovery time between games is short. Often the best recovered team wins.
SF: What do you love about working with the team? Tracy: The opportunity to work with a group of professionals who truly value playing for the silver fern.
Fans have the opportunity to support the Silver Ferns on the road to NWC2015 with the New World Netball Series for the Taini Jamison Trophy later this month, when they face Fiji and South Africa.
A special presentation to the team will take place at the conclusion of the final Test Match against the SPAR Proteas on Tuesday 28 July at The Trusts Arena, Auckland. Make sure you secure your seat to farewell the Silver Ferns!
Want exclusive content, great deals and special offers, plus a members-only e-newsletter? Join the team and become a SilverFan today!