The Bayer Soccer Academy in Belford Roxo, Brazil. Just 30 kilometers from Rio, the company operates a facility that takes disadvantaged kids and gives them personal prospects for the future: the Bayer Soccer Academy. Since 1993, young people have been allowed to train at the Soccer Academy provided that they attend classes regularly. 17-year-old Guilherme Pinheiro Santos is one of the boys going to school there. He recently traveled to Germany to experience exactly what the company contributed to the development of the “Brazuca,” the World Cup match ball. He also had the opportunity to meet the pros on the Bayer 04 team, soccer icon Rudi Völler and Group CEO Dr. Marijn Dekkers.