Knappenschmiede International gets creative with pandemic training programs

FC Schalke 04 decided to provide U.S.-based partner, Kick It 3v3 Soccer, with four sets of home training instruction videos. With kids across the country missing out on Kick It tournaments and other forms of participating in local soccer, Schalke wanted to help young players stay in shape and practice their ball skills on a consistent basis.

To accomplish this, youth players were provided with a variety of exercises that spanned a range of skillsets. The training programs lasts a total of eight weeks, releasing new videos every two weeks to ensure each wave of exercises can be practiced to full retention. Skillsets included ball skills, foundational athletics, and more.

Much like their young athletes, it is also for coaches to deepen their knowledge and gain additional practice in the theory behind the beautiful game. To help this process, the club has piloted an educational program with the Leesburg based club and S04 supporter group, Virginia Knappen. In several online workshops, Knappenschmiede coach Kai Brock presented the philosophy and methodology to the Virginia Knappen’s coaching staff. Additionally, Kai covered a range of topics, such as build up play, seasonal training planning, and individual player development assessment.

While Schalke 04 is proud to have participated and piloted fun and enjoyable programs with our stateside partners and fans, the club hopes for the return of safe face-to-face educational seminars and youth soccer tournaments in the near future.