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."
Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
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