Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock on the playing field at the Zell am See commercial college. 'Train like the pros’ is on a black and red banner at the entrance. There is plenty of action on the pitch with the first drills already underway. There are 22 children at this year’s fifth Soccer School summer camp in Salzburger Land. Seven of them are from the local region and the capital Vienna with the other kids having travelled from Leverkusen to the Alps last weekend accompanied by five coaches.
The Black and Red youngsters train twice a day from Monday to Friday. In between the sessions, they either visit the Werkself training sessions or go to the lido on Zeller See, which is a few minutes walk away from the commercial college. The kids can try out stand-up paddle boarding. And there is plenty to do in the evenings too: From a foam party at the accommodation, the Club Kitzsteinhorn youth hostel, through to visiting the Gorgeous Lights event.
Another highlight at the training camp: Watching Lukas Hradecky and Co. play top-flight Italian club Udinese in Thursday's friendly at the Alois Latini Stadium in Zell am See. They have already had a group photo with the whole squad.
The passing and shooting drills certainly put the kids at the Soccer School through their paces in the summer temperatures of over 30 degrees in Salzburger Land. But that doesn't bother Ida from Leichlingen: "I like the training sessions best. When we finish we usually go to the lake. A chance to cool off," said the 12-year-old who is taking part in the camp with her two-years younger brother Leif. Everybody heads home on Saturday after five days of training.
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
There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
Show more
Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
Show more
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
