Just one week before their official pre-season training camp begins, Bayer Leverkusen has announced the launch of a new football academy in São Paulo, Brazil. The academy will be overseen by club legend Paulo Sérgio.
Leverkusen`s pre-season training in Brazil is scheduled to start on July 14th. The establishment of a football academy in the heart of “Joga Bonito” (The Beautiful Game) aims to strengthen the club`s ties with Brazil, a country that has supplied Leverkusen with 20 Bundesliga players throughout its history.
Located in southern São Paulo, this marks the first-ever Bundesliga academy to be founded in Brazil. Leverkusen`s objective is to engage aspiring young footballers between the ages of five and fifteen. The project also seeks to bridge German and Brazilian cultures and create a positive impact beyond the realm of football.
Paulo Sérgio, who played for Leverkusen from 1993 to 1997 and holds the record as the club`s highest Brazilian goalscorer, described the academy`s inauguration as “one of the happiest moments” of his life.
He stated: “After the World Cup, this is one of the happiest moments of my life. Bayer Leverkusen`s presence in Brazil is a realisation that brings motivation and personal satisfaction, the result of years of dedication to strengthening this connection between the two countries. Our goal is to bring cultures closer, implement German methodology, and grow together. I want to give back to Brazilians everything that the Germans have done for me and my family.”
Luiz Felipe, Paulo Sérgio`s son and the academy`s technical director, emphasised that the project`s vision “has always been beyond football,” highlighting its significant “social project” aspect.
As part of this social commitment, the academy will reserve ten percent of available places for children and youths from vulnerable households. These participants will be provided with football boots, uniforms, and access to high-quality coaching opportunities.
Other football icons, including Zé Roberto and Zé Elias, along with current player Arthur, also attended the academy`s opening ceremony.
Zé Roberto, who represented the Werkself in 113 matches during his career, expressed his pleasure at being part of the event: “I`m very happy to relive this story. I was very happy at Bayer, playing in important finals like the Champions League. Today, I see that the project is still going strong with many children involved.”
Bayer Leverkusen will commence their pre-season preparations on July 7th at the BayArena before traveling to Brazil one week later for their camp.
