The future begins here – new logo for the Knappenschmiede

Schalke’s academy, the Knappenschmiede, is regarded as one of the best in Europe. A number of top stars began their careers here at the Knappenschmiede, which lives and breathes football and Schalke. Over the past few months, the Royal Blues’ academy has continued to grow so that young talents will continue to join the club in the future. As well as that, the internal workflow has been greatly improved too. Some examples of the development of the Knappenschmiede include the rebuild of the Berger Feld, the modernisation of areas on the training ground and increased digitalisation, such as a new database and camera systems to help analyse player data. This new development and progress is now underlined by a new modern logo, developed by FC Schalke 04’s brand and design department.

Peter Knäbel, board member for sport and communication, said: “There has been a lot of development in recent times. Our new logo perfectly reflects the direction we are heading in. We are looking to the future with talented youngsters, who possess a lot of potential and their path to the first team is open, as long as they work hard on themselves and take their opportunities.”

Full steam ahead

The two arrows stand for development and a clear route – full steam ahead! The aligned lines represent the momentum which will bring the next generation of Bundesliga players onto the pitch. The modern and progressive look of the logo backs up the focus of S04’s academy with all its technical opportunities. The skills of the youngsters will be fine tuned thanks to the most modern ways of analysis. Everything is done based on proven methods, while enjoyment always comes first. The next step in the careers of these young players is made a lot easier by the Knappenschmiede, all while wearing Royal Blue.

“It’s important to move with the times. However, we cannot lose our basic ideas of playing football and developing the players,” stressed Mathias Schober, director of the Knappenschmiede and development. Teaching the youngsters the technical and tactical side of the game remains one of the main focuses in Schalke’s philosophy: “This is why there is a circle around the logo. The Schalker Kreisel and Kreis 12, who we both work with together closely, help us to find talent from the region,” explained Schober. “Our lads should know the history of the club and the values that are followed at FC Schalke 04.”