Six other clubs from the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga were granted this status as of 1 January 2025. The female performance and talent support centres were introduced to professionalise and sustainably strengthen the youth development areas in the Women's Bundesliga and regional leagues. Following a pilot phase last year, the first six clubs were recognised as performance and talent support centres at the start of 2025.
DFB performance and talent support centres primarily differ in terms of structural and minimum staffing requirements. Clubs must submit their documentation by 31 March 2026 to be recognised for the 2026/2027 season.
Since April, Daniel Ziegler has held the newly created position of Sporting Director Girls at Bayer 04, while the 28-year-old also coaches the U23s, the oldest of the club's five youth teams. The full-time positions held by Ziegler and his fellow U23 coach Mirko Casper are part of the DFB requirements for recognition as a talent support centre.
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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