There was plenty to do at and around the youth centre for the Bayer 04 staff and the other volunteers from our partner, the Coca-Cola Sponsors’ Club: Inside, the band rehearsal room was refurbished and the walls were painted; outside, flowerbeds were planted, a grandstand featuring Werkself ‘championship seats’ was built, and the flags at Xabi Alonso Square were replaced.
The local children dedicated this to the Spanish 2024 double-winning coach. The current head coach, Carles Martínez, got straight to work on the raised beds. “Gardening reminds me of my childhood,” explained the 42-year-old, in high spirits. Together with his coaching staff and 17 players, the head coach joined them at midday following the morning training session. Six players and the coaching staff of the Bayer 04 women’s team, led by Roberto Pätzold, were also present.
Martínez: "this sense of community is essential"
Nathan Tella was clearly delighted too and he tried out the new rubber football pitch straight away with some of the Bunker children: “I always enjoy chatting with the people of Leverkusen. We’re here today for a good reason: because it’s important to us to give something back to even our youngest fans and support them just as they always support us.”
“They need us today, and we need their support back at the stadium,” head coach Martínez also said. “Together with the staff and the people here, we’re all creating something wonderful – this sense of community is essential. You can see how football and Bayer 04 can bring people together.” Women’s team keeper Charlotte Voll also had a go at tending the flowerbeds, though she admitted with a smile: “Usually I just try to keep my balcony plants alive.” In her own words, however, the 27-year-old felt much more at ease chatting with the children: “Usually, it’s always a bit tricky for us to find the time to meet the fans, so activities like this are really lovely.”
