Performance Centre
presented by BarmeniaGothaer
At Kurtekotten
As one of the first German clubs, Bayer 04 opened their Performance Centre at Kurtekotten presented by BarmeniaGothaer in the direct vicinity of the Bayer Works in 2000. Three grass pitches and an artificial pitch plus additional training areas including a modern support facilities form the heart of this facility. Over the course of time two additional grass pitches were added at the Performance Centre and an artificial pitch at the BayArena. That offers the oldest age groups not just proximity to the first team but also the opportunity to use the facilities at the BayArena. The teams from the U8s to the U15s and the Women's team are based at Kurtekotten while the U16, U17 and U19 teams are at home at the BayArena.
Teams
Youth section
Head of Academy: Jefta Bresser
Academy Manager: Slawomir Czarniecki
Head U8 – U15: Jörg Bittner
Head of Coaching U16s – U19s: Gerard Roca
Head of Coaching U8s – U15s: Sven Hübscher
Education manager: Frank Ditgens
Media officer: Liam Schardt
Contact
Phone: +49 (0)214 - 5000 - 1904
Email: leistungszentrum@bayer04.de
Address: Otto-Bayer-Straße 2, 51061 Köln
Management
Jefta Bresser
Date of birth: 02.02.1971
Place of birth: Wisch, Netherlands
The trained academy director and football coach took over as head of Leverkusen's performance centre in October 2023. Bresser came from Dutch second-division club De Graafschap, where he previously enjoyed five years of great success as head of the youth academy. Between 2005 and 2015, the 52-year-old was responsible for the individual development of youth players of all age groups at PSV Eindhoven, FC Fulham and Zenit St. Petersburg.
Competitions of Teams
Parental support
Partners
Patrons
Directions
Philosophy
Our young players receive optimum support through targeted individual and team training as well as interesting comparative games. At the same time we obviously hope that our young players develop to the maximum in an environment tailored to them to help them develop their full potential and make the step up to our own first team.
We at Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH are aware of our great responsibility when it comes to working with children and adolescents. It is therefore a matter of course for us to actively assume this responsibility for the well-being of the children and adolescents entrusted to us and to protect them from abuse, violence, and discrimination of any kind within our environment. Our child protection policy applies to all areas of the club and focuses on the protection and rights of children and adolescents.
Coaching Academy
The Coaching Academy is responsible for the continual development of style of play and the training methods of the club combined with the club philosophy, the development of the game and best practice.
Bayer 04 coaches have the opportunity to use the ideas from the Bayer 04 Coaching Academy for themselves and their development.
Trials
Bayer 04 offer open trials days for outfield players and goalkeepers for all football enthusiastic lads in Leverkusen and surrounding areas. If you would like to test your ability under the eyes of youth coaches at Bayer 04 and have the dream of playing for one of the youth teams at the Werkself then you can register for the training sessions at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre presented by BarmeniaGothaer.
News
Women - 28.07.2026
Bayer 04 confirmed as a DFB women’s talent development centre
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 - 28.07.2026
Andrea Natali joins AZ Alkmaar on permanent deal
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Women - 23.07.2026
s2-Software remains Bayer 04 Women’s team sleeve sponsor
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team and s2-Software are continuing their long-term partnership: The Werkself and the provider of pre-owned Microsoft licences have extended their contract by two years to 2028. This means s2-Software will remain the Bayer 04 sleeve sponsor for all matches in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga.
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Women - 22.07.2026
BIOGENA new performance partner for Bayer 04 Women
BIOGENA is the new performance partner for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team. Under a partnership initially set to run for three years, the club and the leading Austrian micronutrient company are pooling their expertise in the areas of health, fitness and top-level performance.
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Bayer 04 - 21.07.2026
Bayer 04 2026/27 home jersey with classic stripes
Two weeks after unveiling its new away kit, Bayer 04 Leverkusen has now also released its home jersey for the 2026/27 season. The design, created by kit supplier New Balance, draws inspiration from the Werkself’s legendary black-and-red striped look. A deep black base is combined with bold vertical red stripes. The cross patterns, which opens out towards the hem, echo the club’s iconic symbol and give the kit a sophisticated yet powerful look.
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