The Medical Team of the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence organised an insightful seminar on the theme “Hydration in Sports” for elite U-19 male football players, referees, and technical staff on Monday, October 27, 2025.

The session, held at the Centre’s Conference Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the critical role hydration plays in athletic performance, endurance, and recovery.

The seminar was led by Dr. Derrick Ofosu Bioh and Dr. Christiana Baah, with support from medical team members Augustine Obeng, Abubakari Rabiatu, and Emmanuel Nartey. The interactive session emphasised that proper hydration is not merely about drinking water,  but about optimizing performance and preventing sports-related illnesses and injuries.

Dr. Bioh highlighted the physiological importance of maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, noting that “hydration is not just about drinking water ,  it’s about fueling performance safely.” The presentation outlined how hydration supports muscle function, regulates body temperature, and enhances stamina and recovery. Participants learned that even mild dehydration can negatively affect concentration, reaction time, and endurance, with studies showing that losing as little as two percent of body weight through sweat can significantly impair performance.

Dr. Baah advised players to begin matches well-hydrated, consume fluids regularly during play, and replace lost fluids immediately after games. She also underscored the usefulness of monitoring urine color as a simple self-assessment tool for hydration status, while cautioning against excessive intake of caffeinated or energy drinks before competition.