The technical, mental and tactical side of the game are often discussed in the media and amongst coaches, but rightly or wrongly the physical side of the game is becoming more and more important, says Youth Development Officer Dan Ashworth (pictured).

Only a few years ago many footballers had a lifestyle really not conducive to top class performance. The diet was hit and miss, the choice of pre-match meals was the players with steak, chips, fried eggs were on the menu and there was no carbohydrate-loading or re-hydration except in the bar afterwards.

Players would often only train for an hour or so and then disappear off for a round of golf or a day in a smoky bookies. I have even witnessed (not at this Club I might add) two players arriving at 1:45 for a 3:00 kick off with a box of fried chicken in their hands!

Fortunately most of that has changed now and the diet and nutrition, along with the physical development, is taken really seriously to come in line with other sports such as athletics, swimming and rugby.

It is no different within the youth development department at Cambridge United, and this week I have finalised and distributed every player's physical development programme.

This was all devised by the influential Greg Reid (pictured), who is fresh off his FA Diploma course from the summer.

Greg has put together the programme and the boys, even as young as eight are given lifestyle guidance with diet, fluid intake and sleep along with the physical exercises.

'Ridiculous and too young' some say. Well most recent research shows and proves that the time in your life when we can have the most effect on your final physical attributes starts as young as seven. We cannot afford to miss this window of opportunity, so we don't.

The game is getting ever quicker, more physical with stronger and quicker players coupled with excellent technical and tactical skills. If you ever get the opportunity to see the world stars like Vieira and Henry up close they are strong, athletic men.

Our aim is to produce the best, and if this helps us accomplish our goals then it is something that we must take seriously.