
Who are 'goolkids'?
The goolkids Society from Bamberg - Stefan Kießling's hometown - functions as a network between children, clubs, schools, associations and sponsors to provide a bridge between people in need and people offering support. The aim is to integrate socially disadvantaged teenagers regardless of background by providing integration through sport.
Stefan Kießling, a goolkids ambassador, said of his commitment: "When it's about kids you can always help – 365 days a year."
Collection point project
Amongst a range of different projects there are collection points: Parents and children can help by taking sports kit (shirts, shorts, boots, training kits), that they have grown out of, to local collection points. Thanks to these donations socially disadvantaged teenagers can join in with a goolkids sports event or at a club and make contacts. If any sports kit is left over it will be collected centrally and given away to youngsters in need and excess funds will be donated to poor countries.
Do you want to donate sports kit? You can hand in your kit at the following locations: The collection points are available from Monday 11 September to 29 September 2017 at the Kurtekotten Academy, the Service Centre East at the BayArena on Bismarckstraße as well as at the Fan House on Breidenbachstraße and the Fan Container (on matchdays).


Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
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A first for the Werkself: Today, Thursday 15 October (kick-off: 18:45 CEST), Bayer 04 face Lech Poznan for the first time on matchday 2 in the UEFA Europa League group. Although the Black and Reds have a flawless record against the only Polish opposition faced before, they must not underestimate the attacking ability and goal-scoring threat of the reigning champions from Poznan. Lech’s squad also includes two former Bundesliga players. Today's matchday news.
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Some 30 years on since their last European fixture in Poland, Bayer 04 cross the border for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash against Lech Poznan on Matchday 2 of the league phase on Thursday (kick-off: 18:45 CEST). Ahead of a first-ever meeting with Lech, head coach Carles Martínez and winger Nathan Tella spoke in Poznan about special memories and objectives.
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The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
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