Back
21.12.2020Youth

U8s ready for Christmas: ‘Stay healthy'

There are no matches and full training is not possible – but the youngest players at Leverkusen refused to be daunted by the circumstances caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Bayer 04 U8s recently rallied round for a joint project.
Collage_U8_2020_21.jpg

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."

In post for over a decade

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.

crop_20200922_JS_Teamfoto_U_0028.jpg

When teammates become friends

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."

Related News

Jubel der Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 17.02.2026

Get your tickets now: Pre-sale for women's home game against Jena started

With the much-celebrated 2-1 derby win against 1. FC Köln, the Bayer 04 Women underlined their credentials as one of the top teams in the Bundesliga. Anyone wishing to support the Werkself in the stadium in the race for third place can now purchase tickets for the home match against FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Tickets are also still available for the upcoming clash against TSG Hoffenheim at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Sunday, 22 February. The latest information at a glance.

Show more
Gegner Check
eSports - 17.02.2026

#B04eSports: Aiming to secure direct entry to the offline round against Bayern and Co.

Let's give it our all one more time! Today, Tuesday 17 February (live on the VBL Twitch channel from 18:00 CET), the #B04eSports team play the remaining three preliminary round matches of the fifth and final showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. The Leverkusen console pros go up against 1. FC Nürnberg, 1. FC Magdeburg and Bayern Munich, aiming to secure their place in the offline knockout round and pick up valuable points for the overall table and the battle to get into the final event for the German Club Championship. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Quansah: „Es ist nie einfach, bin stolz auf die Jungs“ | 22. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 14.02.2026

Quansah: ‘It's never easy, I'm proud of the lads’

After the 4-0 home win against FC St. Pauli on Bundesliga matchday 22, the two goalscorers Jarell Quansah and Ernest Poku spoke to Werkself TV...

Show more
Werkself beat St. Pauli 4-0 on carneval weekend | 22nd matchday
Werkself-TV - 14.02.2026

TV highlights of 4-0 win against St. Pauli

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 4-0 win against St. Pauli on Matchday 22 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season...

Werkself beim Torjubel
Bundesliga - 14.02.2026

Werkself beat St. Pauli 4-0 on Carnival weekend

Bayer 04 claimed their third victory of the season over St. Pauli with a dominant display in the Bundesliga on Matchday 22, winning 4-0 at the BayArena. Quickfire headed goals from Jarell Quansah and Patrik Schick in the first half set the Werkself on their way. Another Edmond Tapsoba header after the break and Ernest Poku’s long-range finish rounded off another three points.

Show more