Best Practice Ambassador
Hannover 96
Building players through football, education and life skills
Featuring: Philipp Himstedt, sports psychologist
At Hannover 96, dual career is approached as something much broader than simply combining football and school. The club’s philosophy focuses on “dual development” — supporting young players not only as athletes, but also as students, young adults and future professionals outside football.
As part of the EDU-DC project, Hannover 96 is presented as a Best Practice Ambassador, sharing how the club creates an environment where football, education and personal growth are fully connected.
The visit to Hannover highlighted how closely the club works together with schools, parents, psychologists, study coordinators and boarding school staff to support players in all aspects of their development.
“My vision is to develop players for the first team. My mission is to develop good people.”
One of the most interesting elements of the Hannover 96 model is the concept of Frühtraining — early morning training.
This structure allows academy players to train before school, making it easier to balance football with their educational responsibilities during the day. The training group includes players from U16 to U23 and is led by the assistant coach of the first team. The group changes throughout the season depending on player development and potential.
The goal is not only to improve performance, but also to create a structure where ambitious players can continue progressing in football without sacrificing school.
At Hannover 96, flexibility is considered essential. During difficult school periods, players may reduce or skip training in order to focus on education. This sends a clear message that academic responsibilities are respected within the club culture.
“The club supports us. If school becomes too busy, we don’t have to train.”
A central part of Hannover’s philosophy is the Plan A program.
Unlike the traditional idea of a “Plan B,” Hannover wants players to prepare for the best possible future in every area of life from the beginning. The program combines football, education, career orientation and life competencies into one holistic pathway.
The academy leadership explained that this vision only works when the entire club believes in it. Coaches, teachers, psychologists, study coordinators and parents all work together around the same philosophy.
Communication is therefore a key pillar of the system. Continuous dialogue between players, families, schools and club staff helps create stability and trust throughout the academy journey.
“Everything from the player is important to me.”
Another important part of the Hannover 96 approach is the boarding school environment.
For players living away from home, the boarding school offers structure, daily guidance and educational support. Study supervisors help players with schoolwork, while psychologists and coordinators support their personal development and wellbeing.
The aim is not only to help players succeed in football, but also to help them become independent and responsible young adults.
This broader focus is especially visible in the 96Skills program.
Once a week, players attend sessions at the KGS Hemmingen school focused on life skills and personal development. Guest speakers lead workshops on topics such as communication, mental skills, social competencies, leadership and self-management.
The players themselves described the program as an important part of their development. Many explained that it helped them become more confident, independent and aware of life beyond football.
“The 96Skills program helps us think beyond football.”
What makes Hannover 96 particularly valuable as a best practice example is that dual development is not treated as an extra activity alongside football. Instead, it is fully integrated into the academy culture and daily routines.
From early morning training and flexible school support to boarding school guidance and life-skills education, the club creates an environment where young players are encouraged to grow as complete people.
For the EDU-DC project, Hannover 96 demonstrates that supporting education, wellbeing and personal identity does not weaken football development. On the contrary, it helps create more balanced, resilient and prepared athletes — both for professional football and for life after sport.