
The FCSA, in cooperation with the DFB Sepp Herberger Foundation and the DFL Foundation, run the Tandem Young Coach training every year. The tandems are formed from one person with and one person without a disability with the target of them getting to know each other and provide mutual support.
Twelve pairs were selected again this year – in addition to Bayer 04, there were also five members of the FCSA represented from FC Basel, Werder Bremen and Mainz 05. In addition, seven of the pairs from inclusive teams from different state associations were nominated by the DFB Sepp Herberger Foundation and the DFL Foundation.
In addition to theoretical and practical sessions, the tandems also had the opportunity to put the knowledge gained into practice in two training sessions with children from the Liesen-Metten special needs school from the Mainz area.
The participants then received individual feedback from mentors. Joint targets were formulated for future use. The new Young Coaches return to their clubs and inclusive teams with great motivation to apply what the knowledge they have acquired with gusto.
The Bayer 04 instructors also looked back at the training with great enthusiasm. Elizabeth Brauer: "We've been able to get to know lots of really great people who are passionate about disabled football. It was a relatively heterogenic group with lots of different experiences and perspectives, which is very exciting."
Tim Müller, also a Leverkusen instructor, recalled the different elements of the training: "One highlight came when all the tension of our participants was turned into joy on the pitch. It was incredible to see those joyous faces who were having great fun and just doing it. Everything done here is worthwhile when you see that passion is inspired and that people are keen to bring that onto the pitch."

Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.
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Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.
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Opening opponents, derby weekends, the opponents in the season finale: This information and more will be available to Bayer 04 fans on Thursday, 2 July, when the 2026/27 Bundesliga fixture list is published.
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The next footballing highlight is just around the corner: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament, will be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico and feature 48 teams for the first time. Bayer04.de has all the latest on the Werkself players called up to represent their countries.
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While the majority of the Bayer 04 Women are enjoying their summer break, nine Werkself players will be on duty for their national teams in the coming days. Three of them are competing for a place at the World Cup, while six are involved in two friendlies with the Germany U23 team.
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