The Special Champions League is promoted by EFDN (European Football Development Network) and the European Union (EU) and thereby represents an international extension to the ‘Einfach Fußball’ activities at Bayer 04 that have been running for years.
Bayer 04 have worked alongside partners on the Einfach Fußball programme initiated by Bayer AG since 2010. This has given young people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to be regularly involved in their favourite hobby of football at over 20 locations throughout Germany. This also includes inclusive tournament formats: The ‘Einfach Fußball’ tournaments, held indoors and outdoors twice a year in Leverkusen, have been a great success with over 500 participants taking part - and now it moves on to the European stage.
The EU initiative will be staged in the form of five international tournaments with different hosts. The first tournament is in the Portuguese capital Lisbon on Wednesday 8 February. Leverkusen are joined by Werder Bremen as German representatives. Also involved are: Fundação Benfica and Special Olympics from Portugal, Fundación Alcoraz and Fundación Levante from Spain, NEC Nijmegen and Only Friends (Ajax) from the Netherlands, Foundation 92 and Everton in the Community from the UK, KAS Eupen from Belgium plus Juventus for Special from Italy.
Bayer 04 will welcome the other teams to Leverkusen on 7 June of this year.
The Werkself host Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 second leg in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 in front of a full house at the BayArena (first leg 0-3). Today's match on Tuesday, 11 March, kicks off at 21:00 CET and is broadcast live on Prime Video as well as on Werkself Radio. Matchday news brings you the latest news on the game.
Show moreBayer 04 are away to Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-finals of the 2024/25 DFB Pokal. The cup tie is at the SchücoArena on Tuesday, 1 April (kick-off: 20:45 CEST). Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself host Bayern Munich at the BayArena in the second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League Round of 16 tomorrow, Tuesday 11 March (kick-off: 21:00 CET and live on Prime Video). Ahead of the all-German clash, head coach Xabi Alonso and defender Jonathan Tah talked about belief in going through and recall previous miracles.
Show moreBayer 04 will have to manage without Florian Wirtz. The Germany international suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in the home game against Werder Bremen (0-2) on Saturday. That was the diagnosis from an MRI scan following the game. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks.
Show moreWith the 3-0 win last Wednesday night, Bayern Munich are in a good position for the second leg against Bayer 04 in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, 11 March (kick-off: 21:00 CET). But the record champions failed to win at the weekend.
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