
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."

Panagiotis, known as Panos, Retsos wore the Bayer 04 jersey for three years. Including his loan spells, he was under contract with the Werkself for a total of four and a half years. "It's a very special club for me," said the 27-year-old, who returned to his boyhood club Olympiacos in 2022, in an interview with bayer04.de. The former Leverkusen man is now captain and a first choice for the Werkself's next opponents in the UEFA Champions League. Ahead of the clash on Tuesday night, 20 January (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Retsos talks about his fond memories of his time in Leverkusen and the imminent reunion with some of his former team-mates. He also talks about who brought him to Leverkusen and why he likes getting older.
Show more
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without goalkeeper Mark Flekken and forward Nathan Tella for the time being.
Show more
After a week in the Algarve, the Bayer 04 Women returned home on Saturday afternoon. The Werkself had six training sessions, two friendlies and a lot of time together as a team. Roberto Pätzold's team will be back in action in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga next Friday for the start of matchday 15.
Show more
"We didn’t make the right decision at the right moments," said captain Robert Andrich after the 1-0 defeat away to TSG Hoffenheim, where Bayer 04 endeavoured to control the game but failed to score. The Werkself also had two enforced substitutions due to injuries. Nevertheless, the coach, captain and debutant Janis Blaswich are positive about the coming weeks. The Werkself review.
Show more