Budding Scottish footballers are the latest sports enthusiasts to benefit from Performance +, a unique sports nutrition guide developed by the red meat industry body Quality Meat Scotland.

The Scottish Football Association has placed an order for two and a half thousand copies – the biggest request to date – to help youngsters prepare and cook food that can help improve their competitive performance.

Performance + is written for 13 to 18 year olds who are interested in sport and features sections written by some of Scotland's best known sportsmen and women including Hearts and Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Scotland rugby captain Jason White, Olympic Gold medal winning cyclist Chris Hoy and top athlete Lee McConnell.

QMS Director of Communications Louise Welsh said: “Many young people aspire to emulate the achievements of their sporting heroes and maintaining a balanced diet including red meat is increasingly recognised at the top level as being a key part of sporting success.

“This guide is being endorsed by some of Scotland’s most successful sportsmen and women who show what can be achieved by dedication and effort. We hope it encourages many more young Scots to follow in their footsteps.”

Over forty thousand copies of Performance + will be distributed to Scottish teenagers in the next few months. The Scottish Rugby Union, Scottish Swimming, Scottish Hockey, the Scottish Golf Union and Snowsport Scotland are among the organisations that have asked for copies to help provide dietary advice to their younger competitors.