#PurpleLightUp is organised in German-speaking countries by myAbility and supported by Charta der Vielfalt e.V.. The day is intended to serve as an occasion to work together for the self-determination and participation of people with disabilities and to advocate for their concerns and needs, especially in the world of work.
Bayer 04 has also been committed to inclusion and accessibility for many years and, as a signatory of the Diversity Charter, sees these areas as pillars of social coexistence as well as an important building block of social and corporate sustainability for the club.
Specifically, this includes a barrier-free stadium experience through a service for wheelchair users, the deaf/hard of hearing and the blind/visually impaired. Through the Einfach Fußball campaign, an inclusive football group has been representing Bayer 04's colours on the national and international stage for years. This takes place within the framework of the Special Champions League, a tournament of inclusion teams organised by the EFDN throughout Europe. Through the school project Bayer 04 macht Schule, the club also puts topics such as participation, diversity and inclusion into practice.
More information about the #PurpleLightUp Day 2022 can be found HERE.
Today brings the first match of the season for the Werkself. Bayer 04 kick off the 2026/27 campaign today, Saturday 22 August, at 13:00 CEST with a first-round DFB Pokal tie away to third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The 3,700 travelling fans can not only look forward to what will hopefully be a successful start to the season, but also now organise their journeys to Black and Reds games even more easily via the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Meanwhile, following two defeats at the start of the league season, SV Wehen are hoping to spring a surprise in the DFB Pokal tie. Today’s matchday news.
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Carolin Simon is the new captain of the Bayer 04 women’s team. The full-back, who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer, will take over the captain’s armband for the 2026/27 season. Simon returned to Leverkusen in the summer after ten years away. The 33-year-old succeeds goalkeeper Friederike Repohl, who retired at the end of last season.
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Bayer 04 start the 2026/27 season away to third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Ahead of the DFB Pokal tie on Saturday 22 August (kick-off: 13:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez spoke at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The topics: anticipation, passion, the fans’ support – and the captaincy for the new season.
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After 62 days of preparation, the time has finally come: the Werkself kick off the new Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga season on Sunday (16:00 CEST) with an away match at RB Leipzig. Following a major shake-up over the summer, with eleven players leaving and twelve new signings, initial impressions from the past few weeks have given manager Roberto Pätzold great cause for optimism.
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SV Wehen Wiesbaden undoubtedly envisaged a different start to the new season. After two matchdays, the Hessen side currently sit bottom of the Liga 3 table. On Saturday 22 August (kick-off: 13:00 CEST), SVWW host the Werkself in the first round of the DFB Pokal at their home ground, the BRITA Arena. It was there, in this very competition a year ago, that the club almost pulled off a massive upset. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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