
The main focus of the project is on social commitment, which Bayer 04 have actively supported and greatly valued for many years.
Bayer 04 were a pioneer in the Bundesliga in 1999 with the introduction of a service for visually impaired fans who now have the chance to follow Werkself matches from the South Stand at the BayArena. Wheelchair users have their own covered area in the South Stand with a good view and a seat for their carer. During the #MorethanFootball Campaign Week, the Bayer 04 Teens Club have organised special day for members and friends with and without visual impairment: At the home game against Wolfsburg on Sunday sensitisation on this issue is centre stage with a special – that is blind – stadium tour and a blind football game. During the Werkself match the Teens can learn about the service of the reporters for the visually impaired and watch a Werkself match from a new perspective.
In addition, 25 teenagers from Austria Vienna will visit their Leverkusen partners in the Scort Foundation from 2 to 9 April. The foundation is responsible for the development and organisation of the Football Club Social Alliance. Since 2009, Bayer 04 have not only been involved in Europe (Ukraine, Kosovo) but also worldwide in Colombia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Palestine, Sudan and Jordan. A total of 1,400 Young Coaches have already been trained worldwide and they have looked after 30,000 children.
In addition, Bayer 04 have long supported community projects. Since 2005, the Bayer 04 Sportförderung gGmbH has presented the Volunteer Award, with the winners receiving a total of €16,000, to socially committed clubs in the area covered by the Middle Rhine and Lower Rhine Associations.
Bayer 04 members of staff, players and coaches continue to be involved in the 'Wir(04)helfen' day of action in a range of projects to renovate or improve kindergarten or children's homes covering gardening work, building huts and much more. In recent years Bayer 04 have made €30,000 available annually. The 'Einfach Fußball Cup' charity tournament has been held twice a year since 2010 to support children and young people with physical and mental disabilities.

Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Construction work continues on the ‘Haus der Talente’ on Kurtekottenweg in Leverkusen, where 36 young elite athletes will find a new home from next summer. The building team from Temmink Bau, led by Thomas Wellers, are hard at work. Over the past few days, excavators, wheeled loaders and rollers have removed 2,500 cubic metres of soil to excavate the basement.
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