U8s ready for Christmas: ‘Stay healthy'

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.

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."