In the run-up to Leverkusen's Bundesliga Matchday 6 encounter at home to newly promoted Holstein Kiel on 5 October (15:30 CEST), the Schlebusch district is coming into focus with various activities organised by the works club. After holding their own training session, Haim and Merino Gonzalez spent plenty of time with the 30 children at the primary school.
For former Nuremberg player Haim, the project was something close to her heart. Until her move from the relegated Bundesliga side to Bayer 04, the 27-year-old had also worked full-time as a teacher at a secondary school. "Normally I always had to deal with older pupils, who aren't as easily enthused as the primary school children," said Haim. "The atmosphere was great right from the start, the children were very excited. The children had lots of friends throughout the lesson and were very enthusiastic. I definitely want to work at a school again when my footballing career is over."
After a short football warm-up exercise, the Bayer 04 players let the children compete in a penalty shootout, with Merino Gonzalez and Haim trying their hand at goalkeeping. Afterwards, the pupils, divided into three alternating teams, played a game across the entire field. Afterwards, the Leverkusen duo patiently took time to answer the children's many questions and autograph requests. As a gift, they each received two tickets for the women's home game against German champions FC Bayern Munich on Sunday 20 October (18:30 CEST).
"It was a lot of fun for me to experience a class like this from the perspective of a teacher because I still go to school myself," said 17-year-old Merino Gonzalez. "The children had so much fun, you could see the smiles on their faces. That makes me very happy." So happy that the campaign doesn't have to be a one-off experience for her. "I could even imagine wanting to work as a teacher myself after my career," added the striker.
Bayer 04 is holding the so-called District Matchdays for the second year running in the 2024/25 season. In each district of Leverkusen, a range of activities and workshops with the pros will take place ahead of selected Bundesliga home games. There's also a district shirt for each action day. The Schlebusch shirt is now available HERE.
You can find more information about the district matchdays HERE.
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
Show more
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
Show more
As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
Show more
Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
Show more
