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.
Head of Performance Centre: Jefta Bresser
Head U16-U19: Slawomir Czarniecki
Head U8-U15: Jörg Bittner
Head of training academy: Keld Bordinggaard
Education manager: Frank Ditgens
Parental support: Rainer Fehl
Media officer: Liam Schardt
Contact
Phone: +49 (0)214 - 5000 - 1904
Email: leistungszentrum@bayer04.de
Address: Otto-Bayer-Straße 2, 51061 Köln
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.
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.
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. Under the leadership of Keld Bordinggaard their knowledge and strengths can and should be continually developed.
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.
Bayer 04 Women claimed victory in their final home game of the season after Cornelia Kramer’s goal first-half proved the difference against RB Leipzig. Her 11th of the campaign also saw the Werkself extend their club record in the first division to 43 points with one match still to play. Three players were given a send-off before the game as they leave for pastures new.
Show moreThe last home game for the Bayer 04 Women: A win against RB Leipzig on Saturday (12:00 CEST, live on MagentaSport and DAZN) could see the Werkself extend their points record on matchday 21. Three players will say their farewells at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium ahead of kick-off.
Show moreWinger Synne Skinnes Hansen is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the end of the season. The 29-year-old, who will be out of contract, is set to join Valerenga IF back home in Norway.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed to loan U19 striker Artem Stepanov to FC Nürnberg, currently tenth in Bundesliga 2, for the 2025/26 season. The Ukrainian centre-forward is set to gain match practice at a high level under the guidance of FCN coach and World Cup winner Miroslav Klose. The loan is due to run for twelve months.
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