The cooperation between the Japanese second division club V-Varen Nagasaki and Bayer 04 is an important component in the area of youth development for both clubs. The exchange has different levels: sporting and also cultural. The six youth players from the partner club from Nagasaki have been able to gain lots of impressions from in and around the BayArena over the past few days.
The six youth players from Nagasaki were not just able to gain insights into the training set-up with the Leverkusen youth teams this week but they also joined in training sessions with the Werkself U19, U17 and U16 squads. And the coaching staff were also able to extend their cooperation: The club officials from Japan were able to observe the training and match analysis of the Bayer 04 youth coaches.
The second week for the Japanese guests started with a guided tour of the Leverkusen Bayer Works, which is located close to the BayArena. Although the events away from the pitch were worthwhile, it was the home game at the BayArena that particularly touched the young talents from Nagasaki. Five days after arriving, the youth players were able to watch the Bundesliga home game at the BayArena against Hertha Berlin (4-1) – including a pitchside view.
The atmosphere at the stadium particularly impressed the visitors: "You can't compare the atmosphere with Japan. The immediacy of the action on the pitch at the stadium, the enthusiasm of the fans and the passion of the Leverkusen people for football at home are completely different from Japan," said Aoto Nanamure.
And the first leg of the Europa League Round of 16 tie against Ferencváros, where the Werkself ran out 2-0 winners, also made a deep impression on the teenagers: "In Japan it's unthinkable to have so many fans and supporters at the stadium on a weekday. The atmosphere is incredible!"
The Japanese guests still have an exciting programme ahead of them: In addition to taking part in training sessions with the most senior Bayer 04 youth team, the Japanese youngsters will also play friendlies alongside the Leverkusen youth players in the coming week. They will also be able to experience the matchday atmosphere at the BayArena again before heading home on 21 March: The Werkself entertain current Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Sunday 19 March.
V-Varen Nagasaki has been a partner club of Bayer 04 for almost six years (since the 2017/18 season). The intensive exchange in the area of youth teams at the clubs is on both a sporting and a cultural level. A Japanese delegation from Nagasaki with six talented youth players and five club officials are guests in Leverkusen from 1 to 20 March. The visitors are included in the day-to-day activity at Bayer 04, will play friendlies with the Werkself youth teams and receive a comprehensive insight into youth development at Bayer 04.
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