Around 350 young athletes are currently training as part of the SSM programme at three specially selected school locations in Salzburg. The aim of the model is to create a perfect balance between education and top sporting performance. The young people are supported by a network of coaches, teachers, sports scientists and medical experts who provide holistic support for their development.
Holistic support - from nutrition to mental training
What makes the SSM special is its comprehensive support concept. In addition to sport-specific training, students complete targeted athletics sessions, receive sports science coaching and take part in mental and nutritional training. Performance diagnostics, medical care, preventative measures and rehabilitation programmes are also an integral part of the programme.
Close co-operation with state and national professional associations guarantees high-quality sports training. The focus is not only on short-term success, but also on the sustainable, healthy and individual development of the athletes.
Personalised support and flexible school models
Flexible timetables and individualised learning support enable young people to achieve top sporting performance while staying on track at school. Personal mentors ensure that they are neither overburdened nor neglected.
Lara from Leonding - An extraordinary dance journey begins
Lara from Leonding is an impressive example of the impact of this support model. Since September 2024, the 17-year-old has been following a very special path: she commutes daily from Upper Austria to Salzburg to combine her school education with her great passion - dancing - at SSM. Up to 25 training hours per week are on her schedule - proof of her extraordinary commitment.
And this commitment is bearing fruit: In December 2024, Lara took part in the International Dance Open (IDO) in Zagreb and was nominated for the first time with all her dances for the big gala night - a significant milestone in her young career. Together with her dance partner Olivia, she wowed the audience with a duo and a group dance.
But that was just the beginning: at the EFDO's first international tournament, Lara secured 5th place in the guard solo (her debut!) and 3rd place in the show solo. This was followed shortly afterwards by a sensational performance at the ÖSDV tournament in Braunau, where she competed in seven disciplines and impressed with six 1st places and one 2nd place.
#schongenial is when school and sport are not mutually exclusive, but pave the way for young talent together.
