Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours on doping and supplements in young football players in Italy

Highlights • This study investigates knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of young amateur players about doping (growth hormone, anabolic steroids) and the use of nutritional supplements (amino acids, creatine) in sport. • Amateur football players, residing in three Italian regions (Campania, Lazio, Sardegna), were randomly selected from the list of qualified schools of the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) and interviewed. • We found that up to 6.5% of males consider personal use of substances to enhance sport performance and, a gap in knowledge about their side-effects, especially for anabolic steroids. • The present study provides additional information regarding the importance of the intention to use doping agents among young amateur players. • The coach, the team manager and the general practitioner should be a referential figure for young athletes.