Consultation: Bayer 04 promote Campus project in Monheim

In planning the Campus, the approach from other clubs across Europe was looked at and matched to the ideas and requirements at Bayer 04. Bayer 04 are following an independent, brave and modern path. Simon Rolfes: “We develop young and talented athletes to a top level.” If talents are recognised and comprehensively promoted early on then there will be enough professional players in Germany in the middle and long term too – and you don't have to look for them anywhere else in Europe. "The best players in an age group ask: Where is my best chance of developing? Where will I find the best facilities? We are providing answers to those questions with the Campus. Therefore, it is a crucial step on the path to the future for the club," said Simon Rolfes. Kai Havertz is the best example of how crucial professional youth work is for the development of Bayer 04.

There are set to be 12.5 pitches at the Campus. Simon Rolfes explained that other Bundesliga clubs in part have considerably more space available for pitches in relation to teams. The structure and quality of pitches has increased considerably in recent years. The pitches planned for the Campus in Monheim will be used during the week up to 18:30. The aim is to end training earlier so that the youth players have enough time for their social lives after school and training. At the weekend there will be matches for the U11 to U16 teams – mostly between 11:00 and 17:00. The pitches for those games will be as far away from the neighbours as possible. The U17, U19 teams and the Women's and Men's first teams will continue to play in Leverkusen.

Monheim's Mayor Daniel Zimmerman explained the procedure ahead at the start of the public meeting. Anne Dannenberg, head of construction management & projects at TecArena-Plus, presented the first details of the plans from Bayer 04 and explained amongst other things the idea of the ‘green eight’ and the ‘parking loop’ on the site. Monheim will benefit from the Campus in many ways: through additional jobs, more business for local companies, but also through social provision for Monheim residents, football camps as well as holiday care and coach training for local clubs. "We are convinced: As Monheim residents yourselves you will know what helps you best of all. We look forward to developing other provisions with you over the coming months," said Anne Dannenberg.

After the presentation there was an opportunity for questions and discussion. It was not possible to provide final answers to all questions as this is an early stage of the project as Anne Dannenberg explained. It was clear from the discussions that the consultation is required and welcomed and they will be continued. Anne Dannenberg invited the Monheim residents to an ideas workshop on shaping the project. At the end of the event, Fernando Carro thanked everybody for an open and fair exchange of opinions: "We want to be transparent and take you along with us in the planning process for this project. Your questions and comments are valuable to us to be able to take into account as many interests as possible."