
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."

Bayer 04 will round off their 2026/27 pre-season preparations with a friendly against Premier League side Newcastle United. The match against the side featuring German internationals Malik Thiaw and Nick Woltemade will take place on Saturday 15 August (kick-off: 4 pm German time/3 pm local time) at St James’ Park. Werkself-TV will stream the match live in full and free of charge after logging in from 3.50 pm...

After the 2-1 defeat at Premier League club Nottingham Forest the night before, it was straight back to work for the Werkself at midday on Thursday with an intensive training session in hot temperatures at the hosts' training ground.
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The Werkself suffered a first defeat in the current pre-season fixtures. The sixth friendly of the summer ended in 2-1 reverse at Premier League Nottingham Forest. The English side took an early lead (4’) but Patrik Schick levelled just after the half-hour mark (32’). Nothing much happened after that, and the match looked set to end in a draw. However, the hosts managed to score the winning goal late on (90').
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has taken note of the final, non-binding statement issued by the Bundeskartellamt regarding the 50+1 rule and its application, and will now examine it carefully.
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