The first district matchday of this season is centred around the Schlebusch district. In the weeks leading up to the clash against Bundesliga newcomers Kiel, local residents can look forward to numerous activities organised by and with Werkself.
The highlight will be the family festival, including the first penalty shootout tournament of the new district matchdays season. The event will take place on 3 October, the Day of German Unity, from 11am to 5pm on Schlebusch's market square. Whether you are a company team, a group of friends, a club team or a neighbourhood team, everyone is welcome to take part.
Conditions for participation:
In addition to the exciting tournament, visitors can look forward to a colourful family festival with lots of attractions. A bouncy castle, a wheel of fortune, a goal wall and much more will keep young and old entertained. Food and drink will also be well catered for.
On the day of the Werkself's match away at Hoffenheim next Saturday, 14 September, Bayer 04 mascot Brian the Lion will also have a stand on the Schlebusch market square and will be available for all photo requests.
There will also be plenty of other activities in Schlebusch. These include a visit to the Thomas Morus School on Wednesday, 18 September. Bayer 04 Women players Vanessa Haim and Estrella Merino Gonzalez will also be there.
The range of district shirts are also available again this season. The Schlebusch shirt is now available HERE.
You can find more information about the district matchdays HERE.
Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
Show more
The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
Show more
Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
Show more
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
Show more
