Facts for Kids

FC Schalke 04, often called Schalke, is a famous football team from Gelsenkirchen, Germany. ⚽

Founded in 1904, the team wears blue and white colors. Their home stadium is the Veltins-Arena, which can hold about 62,000 fans! 📣

Schalke is known for their passionate supporters called "Schalke fans." The team plays in Bundesliga, the top league in German football, and they have many ups and downs in their performance over the years. Schalke's mascot is a friendly blue dragon named "Erwin" who cheerfully supports the team at games! 🐉

Schalke 04's history is rich and exciting! 🏆

The team became very popular in the 1930s when they won several league titles! They won their first German championship in 1934. A big event happened in 2001 when Schalke finally won their first major trophy in years - the DFB-Pokal! 🎉

In 2005, they celebrated their 100th birthday. The club has experienced ups and downs, including relegation, which means dropping to a lower league. But Schalke fans always stick by their team! 📅

The Veltins-Arena is Schalke’s home ground, located right in Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. 🏟

️ Opened in 2001, it’s known for its amazing sliding roof and a special feature - a big video screen! 🌥

️ The stadium is famous for hosting exciting matches, including the UEFA Champions League games! Each game brings thousands of cheerful fans chanting and waving flags. The atmosphere is electric! ⚡

Fans love watching their favorite team play with the amazing pitch and comfortable seating. Whether it's day or night, the Veltins-Arena is always buzzing! 🎊

Schalke has some fierce rivals in football! One of their biggest rivalries is with Borussia Dortmund, known as the Revierderby. ⚔

️ This match is always thrilling because both teams come from the same area, the Ruhr. It's like a neighborly fight! 🏙

️ Schalke also has rivalries with teams like Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen. These matches are filled with excitement and energy! Fans dress in team colors, wave flags, and cheer loudly! 📣

The rivalry creates an amazing atmosphere and makes each match special.

Schalke fans, also known as "Die Knappen," are famous for their loyalty and passion! 💙🤍 They come in big numbers to every match, creating an electric atmosphere in the Veltins-Arena! Fans sing songs, cheer loudly, and wave flags to support their team. 🎶

They even have special traditions, like "Schalke Day," where fans celebrate their love for the club. Connecting with fellow fans and feeling the community spirit makes being a Schalke supporter special. Fans proudly wear team jerseys and create a vibrant sea of blue and white at matches! 📣🎉

As of October 2023, Schalke's current squad features dedicated players looking to score goals and win matches! 🥅

Some key players are Simon Terodde and goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. ⚽

They also have young talents from the academy ready to make an impact. The team works hard together during training sessions to create powerful teamwork. ⚡

Schalke’s coaches help players improve their skills and strategies. The commitment of the current squad shows their passion for the game and their love for the Schalke community! 💙🤍

Schalke 04’s youth academy is one of the best in Germany! 🌱

They find talented young players and help them grow into professional football stars. The academy has trained many famous footballers over the years, like Manuel Neuer, a top goalkeeper! 🥅

Schalke focuses on teaching skills, teamwork, and discipline. Young players practice hard every day and learn strategies to play better. ⚽

This commitment to nurturing youth talent helps the team build a strong future. Schalke believes in giving young players opportunities to shine! ✨

Schalke 04 has an impressive collection of achievements! They have won the Bundesliga title seven times! 🥇

Their glory days were in the 1930s and 1940s. Schalke also has won the DFB-Pokal, Germany's biggest domestic cup, five times! 🏆

They are proud of their international success too, winning the UEFA Cup in 1997. Schalke fans love when their team wins trophies, bringing joy to the entire city! 🎖

️ Today, Schalke continues to work hard to add more titles to their collection!

Schalke 04's management oversees the daily operations of the club. 🎩

The head coach leads the team, making important decisions about tactics and gameplay! As of 2023, Thomas Reis is the head coach, helping players grow and succeed. 🧑

‍🏫 It’s essential for coaches to create a good environment where players feel safe to learn and play. The management also ensures that the club has everything needed, from training facilities to support staff. The teamwork between management and coaching is crucial for the club's future! 🌟