Eat Like England’s All-Vegan Soccer Team

Have you heard of the Forest Green Rovers? They’re a soccer team that is part of League Two, the fourth tier of English soccer, but that’s not all: they’re also the world’s first and only vegan soccer team! Pretty cool, right?

So how did an entire soccer team happen to go vegan? It’s thanks to their current chairman, Dale Vince, a multi-millionaire who also owns British green energy company Ecotricity. In 2011, shortly after Vince was appointed the team’s chairman, he banned players from eating red meat for health reasons, a restriction that also applied to the food sold at the concession stand.

“The world of football doesn’t really get spoken to on environmental issues. I thought we could use it as a new channel, and quite an unexpected one, to talk about sustainability,” he told The Guardian. While the members of the team don’t necessarily adhere to a vegan diet when not on the clock, the change has inspired some of the players to change their lifestyle. According to midfielder Sam Wedgbury, “I feel better myself eating a vegan diet,” he says. “I’ve taken some things into my home life, and I know some of the other lads have as well. I think it could be taken up by more football clubs.”

The Forest Green Rovers became 100 percent vegan in 2015, a policy that extended to the concession stands at the stadium as well. In fact, the Quorn and leek pie made with soy milk bechamel served at the stadium made the top three at this year’s British Pie Awards.

Eat Like the Forest Green Rovers!

Being athletes, the Forest Green Rovers likely don’t get to dine on their stadium’s Quorn and leek pie. Vince told The Independent that the team likes to focus on carb-heavy meals like jacket potatoes or pasta a few hours prior to the big game. Want to eat like the team? We searched through the Food Monster App and here’s what we found:

These Charred Corn and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Teffy Perk are packed with healthy carbs.

Black beans give this dish a certain rich and earthy meatiness which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potato and the corn. Together with the velvety tahini sauce, you’ve got something that is completely addictive and absolutely good for you!

These Roasted Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes by Christina Bedetta are another great option for lasting energy.

This meal encompasses both simplicity and big flavors. Naturally loaded with vitamin A, fiber, potassium, B-vitamins, and powerful antioxidants, simple sweet potatoes make the perfect base for an easy, nourishing meal. Load them up with a nice source of protein (in this case, chickpeas) and your favorite flavorings, and you are good to go!

You can also try these protein-packed Greek Taverna Baked Beans by Mila Furman as an option to stuff your potato.

These aren’t your typical baked beans. This easy and protein-rich Greek casserole is made from fava beans with savory tomatoes, caramelized onions, and garlic. It’s a filling dish that’s great for making for a potluck without breaking the bank or to have for dinner throughout the week.

If you’re looking for pasta, try this Spicy Vegetable and Chickpea Pasta by Maria Koutsogiannis.

This meal is filled with just the right amount of spice and vegetables to satisfy your palate while keeping your body warm and cozy. It’s simple and truly starts with the beauty of vegetables and their ability to completely transform a dish by simply adding beautiful spices and creamy coconut milk. For even more protein, try swapping out traditional pasta for grain-free lentil or chickpea pasta!

Or, give this Lentil Enchilada Pasta by Jasmine Briones a try! 

This dish has all the comfort of a pasta dish with a light and fresh touch from the greens and avocados. Tomatoes, hot spices, and lentils are combined in a sauce that’s “meaty” and savory. This inventive take on pasta is perfect to take with you to potlucks, where it’ll be the first dish to disappear.

For even more tips on how to eat as a vegan athlete, read 7 Benefits of Complex Carbs and the Best Ones to Eat and An Endurance Athletes Guide to Preparing and Eating Vegan Food.

For even more plant-based recipes and cooking how-to’s, we highly recommend checking out Food Monster app, a Food app available for both Android and iPhone. The app has over 8,000+ vegan recipes with 10+ recipes added daily Give it a try — and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Lead image source: Forest Green Rovers/Facebook