
The main focus of the project is on social commitment, which Bayer 04 have actively supported and greatly valued for many years.
Bayer 04 were a pioneer in the Bundesliga in 1999 with the introduction of a service for visually impaired fans who now have the chance to follow Werkself matches from the South Stand at the BayArena. Wheelchair users have their own covered area in the South Stand with a good view and a seat for their carer. During the #MorethanFootball Campaign Week, the Bayer 04 Teens Club have organised special day for members and friends with and without visual impairment: At the home game against Wolfsburg on Sunday sensitisation on this issue is centre stage with a special – that is blind – stadium tour and a blind football game. During the Werkself match the Teens can learn about the service of the reporters for the visually impaired and watch a Werkself match from a new perspective.
In addition, 25 teenagers from Austria Vienna will visit their Leverkusen partners in the Scort Foundation from 2 to 9 April. The foundation is responsible for the development and organisation of the Football Club Social Alliance. Since 2009, Bayer 04 have not only been involved in Europe (Ukraine, Kosovo) but also worldwide in Colombia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Palestine, Sudan and Jordan. A total of 1,400 Young Coaches have already been trained worldwide and they have looked after 30,000 children.
In addition, Bayer 04 have long supported community projects. Since 2005, the Bayer 04 Sportförderung gGmbH has presented the Volunteer Award, with the winners receiving a total of €16,000, to socially committed clubs in the area covered by the Middle Rhine and Lower Rhine Associations.
Bayer 04 members of staff, players and coaches continue to be involved in the 'Wir(04)helfen' day of action in a range of projects to renovate or improve kindergarten or children's homes covering gardening work, building huts and much more. In recent years Bayer 04 have made €30,000 available annually. The 'Einfach Fußball Cup' charity tournament has been held twice a year since 2010 to support children and young people with physical and mental disabilities.

Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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