Sports nutrition is very important for all ages, but it is crucial for youth athletes to ensure that their bodies and muscles grow the way they should.  An athlete's diet needs to provide enough energy for their sport.  For the youth athlete, the most important things should be to stay hydrated (through a sports drink), eat a well-balanced diet and get plenty of sleep.  

For the parents that are looking to help aid their kids' diet with supplements, they should only be looking at a few things.  Get a good sports drink.  Get a good multi-vitamin.  Get a good protein bar for after the game.  Get a bar with 10-15 grams of protein. The bars that are loaded with protein tend to taste a little dry and the kids might not even eat them.

Vitamins and Minerals
Your child needs a variety of vitamins and minerals.  Brightly colored foods such as spinach, carrots, squash and peppers tend to be packed with them.  It is especially important that your child gets plenty of calcium and iron.  Calcium helps your child build healthy bones, which are important especially if your child breaks a bone or gets a stress fracture.

Calcium-rich foods include dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, as well as leafy green vegetables such as broccoli.  Iron helps carry oxygen to all different body parts that need it.  Iron-rich foods include red meat, tuna, chicken, salmon, eggs, dried fruits, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.

Protein
Protein can help build your child's muscles, along with regular training and exercise.  Protein-rich foods include fish, lean red meat, poultry, dairy products, nuts, soy products and peanut butter.

Carbohydrates
Provide energy for the body.  Carbohydrates are an important source of fuel.  When you're choosing carbohydrates, look for whole-grain foods that are less processed and high in fiber, like pasta, brown rice, whole grain bread and cereal.