The idea of a photo event came up in the group a few days ago. With the help of their parents, the youngsters want to share a little joy in these difficult times. Coach Mark Fuldauer explained: "We thought about what we could put together with the players in addition to the normal training drills we give them. After talking to the parents, all the lads were very happy about this idea."
Together with Jürgen Haagmans, Fuldauer has already coached the Bayer 04 U8 team for 14 years. The duo first looked after the group born in 2000 – and many others have followed. The third coach of the youngest team is Tim Molowitz who has been in post for four years. The three coaches keep in contact with their players via a WhatsApp group, which they set up with the parents. This is used for sending training exercises to the children, which they then complete voluntarily within a week and can also save as a video.
The current U8 squad have trained together since the summer but the team has been forced to take a break since the end of October. "It always takes one or two months before the lads come together as a team," explained Fuldauer. In the winter there used to be several indoor tournaments that helped drive the process forward. Team trips were also planned. Until fixtures were suspended, his team did gain in terms of knowledge of the game, enjoyment in playing and technical qualities. "But, above all, fun in playing football obviously comes first."
The good news is that the squad have gelled in spite of the relatively short time together at Kurtekotten and friendships have also been established.
That is also evident in the successful photo event. The U8s wish everyone "a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay healthy."
There won’t just be plenty of excitement on the pitch as Bayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena at 18:30 CET on Saturday. Outside the stadium there will be collection points for food donations to the Leverkusen Foodbank, which will also benefit from the profits of a jersey raffle in the Fanwelt afterwards. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the passing of long-time Werkself player Dieter Herzog, before two fan clubs are honoured for their decades-long support at half-time and fans receive a talk about Orange Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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Bayer 04 go into the first of two successive clashes with Borussia Dortmund boosted by their Champions League win at Manchester City. Ahead of the Bundesliga top match on Saturday, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the tight schedule, BVB's strengths and returning squad members.
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Borussia Dortmund are doing very well in terms of points and results in the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. BVB have only suffered two defeats to date this term. Now coach Niko Kovac's team are away to the Werkself on Saturday night, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET) in the top match on Bundesliga matchday 12. The two teams meet again three days later in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie in Dortmund. Two very competitive encounters are on the cards. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The Bayer 04 Women clcoked up a 3-2 win in a friendly against Twente Enschede on Thursday afternoon in the last international break of 2025. In drizzle, Lilla Turanyi (16’), Kristin Kögel (65’) and Paulina Bartz (69’) scored the goals for the Werkself against the Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen leaders, who are still unbeaten in the league.
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