Here are 4 reasons I believe it is vitally important, and could be the X Factor in getting that Pro-contract or not. 

1. Muscle Recovery

   Our bodies are always in a constant state of breakdown and repair. This repair process peaks during sleep time. 

   If an athlete has a short or interrupted sleep, they are not fully tapping in to their natural recovery process. 

   The more sleep we get the better condition our muscles will be in for optimal performance.
   
   

2. Injury Risk: Immune System

   A player with good sleep patterns is less susceptible to injury than a “tired” athlete.

   A tired player will be slower to act to actions happening on the field. I.e big tackles, heading duals, increasing the risk of injury.

   Fatigue massively affects the body’s immune system, making players more susceptible to illness. This cycle of fatigue makes training even harder to get back up to match fitness.

   Shorter sleep periods do not provide the body with sufficient time to regenerate cells and repair from the abuse of workouts, games, and daily activities. Over time, game-earned injuries, health issues, and the inability to fully recover can wear on an athlete and contribute to more time spent on the side lines.
   
   

3. Concentration

   Decision making, the most important thing in football. If you have not had the right amount/quality of sleep it is hard to concentrate for too long.

   Never mind for 90 minutes. Speed of thought will also be slower, it is those 1% ers that may get a player that contract or not.
   
   

4. Mood

   A player’s mood can be grossly affected by sleep. We’ve all been guilty of being a little grumpy after a poor night’s sleep.

   If you are not in the right mood, it is hard to be 100% up for the task in hand.
   Football is a team game; your mood may affect others in the team whether you mean it too or not.
   This influences the whole team spirit, and thus results achieved on the field.
   You want to give yourself every chance to play at your best playing in a mood that is good to be around.

So, it is quite simple:

Sleep is critical for optimal athletic performance

Sleep status quality can affect recovery, mood, injury risk, speed and decision making and your risk of illness

Respect your body’s need for sleep and it will thank you.