I think they are disgusting too. But the coaches actually recommend them before an event if the kid is feeling a little under the weather just to get through the next hours, and even experts like Jillian Michaels say that caffeine before a workout, as long as you are hydrated, can enhance the workout somewhat.
I’m allergic to caffeine, fainted once when it was in a dessert in a restaurant, so I am not a fan, but I’d have to hear more about it being deadly before practice. Maybe the kids should drink a cold coffee drink instead? Coffee has been used for a long time.
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/02/14/pediatrics-report-details-risks-energy-drinks/
I may be cynical about the brain power of the majority of high school coaches in the country, but I would NOT follow their advice regarding high doses of caffeine.