To further strengthen their innovative dual career strategy, Hannover 96 recently hosted TWIN for two days of intensive, on-site collaboration and consulting. This productive visit focused on refining “96 Skills,” a pioneering school subject designed to revolutionize how young athletes balance elite football training with personal and academic growth.
Achieving elite status from the youth ranks is a grueling, long-term process. At the Hannover 96 Academy, this progression is guided by a specific blueprint known as “Der 96-Weg,” which aims to bridge the gap to the professional squad without compromising a player’s schooling. A cornerstone of this strategy is “Plan A,” a programme shaped in partnership with TWIN.
Introduced progressively since 2021, Plan A targets the individual character development of both the athletes and their support personnel. Additionally, it strengthens the broader dual-career network, ensuring that the academy, the school, and the residential facilities operate in harmony to provide comprehensive backing for the players.
A novel blend
TWIN recently spent two days at Hannover 96, furthering their ongoing collaboration with the club’s academy and KGS Hemmingen, a German Elite School of Football. The main goal of this visit was to further develop 96 Skills, a novel school subject designed to promote the holistic development of young players.
TWIN Founder & CEO Wolfgang Stockinger worked closely with the academy’s directors, coaching staff, teachers, and other key stakeholders to fine-tune the 96 Skills curriculum, which is currently in its first-year test phase at KGS Hemmingen. This pioneering course, unique in German football, combines personal development, athlete-specific off-pitch training, and schooling education to ensure players aged 15-18 receive a well-rounded experience. Delivered as part of the school’s regular curriculum, 96 Skills equips young players with the tools they need for growth — both on the field and in their personal lives.
As part of the two-day visit, Wolfgang Stockinger facilitated a Master Class for Hannover 96’s football coaches. He also delivered a special guest lesson for the young players at KGS Hemmingen, offering them a hands-on look at what 96 Skills entails.
“At TWIN, our goal is to help build sustainable athlete development models that go beyond sport. 96 Skills is a perfect example of how high-level football and education can innovate and align based on a shared vision. It is fantastic to work with Hannover 96 and KGS Hemmingen to bring this concept to life.”
Wolfgang Stockinger
Founder & CEO, TWIN
