10 Years Of German Academy Training.pdf

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Going the extra mile for the dream making it as a professional: for Daniel Jamann strength training is also part of his daily routine.
possible. Players with an extraordinary talent for movement are
obviously recognised, according to Gelsdorf. But even a few professionals,
who now play in Bayer’s first team, had to overcome
problems in their youth: one of them suffered from immense impaired
coordination after a growth spurt, whilst another’s speed
suddenly decreased. Not everybody progressed as seamlessly as
Gonzalo Castro, who was educated for eight years at the academy,
making his Bundesliga debut aged 17 and playing his first game
with the German A-team, aged 19. “To develop these kids we need
to get to them early on. If you play against others who are good,
you improve even more,” says Gelsdorf. When youngsters get older
other problems arise. Physically and mentally they display significant
differences. “One boy goes to bed with his teddy bear, the
other is already making an appointment with his future mother-inlaw,”
explains Gelsdorf.
The born-and-bred Duisburger also stresses the heavy burdens
which young footballers often bring on themselves in the
hope of forging a professional career. “Do Not Neglect School” is
the law, not just in Leverkusen but at all other clubs’ academies. In
the changing rooms, boards display which team has achieved the
best average results in the past six months and the individual rankings
of the best schools. “The boys have little free time. In the evenings
they often study for school, and at weekends they usually go
to matches with us,” says Gelsdorf.
Fifteen youths complete a course in office administration or fitness
and sports management at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, or take a job
in the field of communications. A friendly, almost warm-hearted atmosphere
rules at Bayer 04’s youth setup, but Gelsdorf does not shy
away from being frank. “There is hardly a better model to be found.
But one thing should not be forgotten: it is an academy, a centre of
excellence. Only a select few will make it and become professional
players,” explains the Head of Youth Development. “We don’t want
to promise too much to anyone, but we do want to give everyone the
opportunity to prepare himself properly for a good life.”