Since 2010, Bayer 04, together with other network partners, have supported the 'Einfach Fußball' project initiated by Bayer AG. At twenty venues throughout Germany, people with physical and mental challenges have the opportunity to pursue their favourite hobby together and regularly. That includes in Leverkusen.
A team of coaches from Bayer 04 look after the training sessions held on Friday afternoons: Depending on the time of year and the weather they are held at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, at the BayArena or in the neighbouring Ostermann Arena. The training group currently consists of 15 to 20 keen footballers all with completely different physical and mental challenges. The youngest participant in the training group is eight years old and the oldest 33.
Having fun through sport is the focus at the training sessions. Individual training content is led by the SCORT Young Coaches. They have been participating in the 'Einfach Fußball' programme for many years as part of a continuing and additional training course.
The ‘Einfach Fußball Cup’ is held twice a year with disabled football teams from across Germany and several neighbouring countries taking part.
Further information on the project is available HERE.
The #morethanfootball Action Weeks started on Monday 21 March and run to 14 April. The aim is to highlight how football clubs can live up to their social commitment through a range of activities. The global project initiated by the European Football for Development Network offers participating clubs and organisations the opportunity through a range of theme days to inform their supporters and fans of their own activities in the area of community and social responsibility both on and off the pitch and thereby increase awareness of the role of football within society.
The Werkself took part in the campaign last year. Bayer 04 will again present a range of activities on the forthcoming theme days. That includes today's of social inclusion with others covering the subjects of accessibility, sustainability and climate protection, mental health and much more.
The Werkself and the Bayer 04 Women’s team will also draw attention to the Action Weeks in their next home games.
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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