BIO-AGE tournament during European Week of Sport at H96 Akademie

On September 29, 2024, the BIO-AGE U13 Tournament was held at H96 Academy as part of the BIO-AGE project during the European Week of Sport (EWS). This event aimed to advance youth sports development by grouping young players based on biological maturity rather than solely by age.

Under 13 teams from six partner academies - JFC Hameln, VfL Westercelle, I. SC Göttingen 05, FC Eintracht Northeim, TSV Krähenwinkel-Kaltenweide, and HSC Hannover - joined our own U13 Academy team for this unique tournament. Each player’s height and weight were measured using the Khamis-Roche method to estimate their biological age, and the Hannover 96 medical department used this data to divide each team into early-maturing and late-maturing groups. The teams then competed in simultaneous small-sided games (6v6 and 5v5), creating a competitive environment that matched players according to their developmental stage.

Coaches and players shared positive feedback, noting that this format allowed for more playing time per player and encouraged a less competitive, development-focused approach that was both beneficial and enjoyable. Coaches appreciated the shift in focus, which allowed them to work on skill development and individual progress rather than team tactics and winning strategies.

The event also served as an educational experience for local coaches, who were introduced to the Bio-Age Project and the Khamis-Roche method. Participating clubs received individual evaluations with projected adult heights for their players and tailored training recommendations based on each player’s maturation phase. To close the day, all the players and coaches were invited to watch a home match of our professional team, bringing the community together in celebration of both growth and sport.

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