fc.koeln.fanclub.brasil

Official fan club of 1. FC Cologne in Brazil

Training Center

the Geißbockheim
The soul of 1. FC Köln

The Geißbockheim is not just a sports facility, but a place full of tradition, passion, and identification. For nearly seven decades, it has been the center of 1. FC Köln, a meeting point for players, coaches, officials, and fans. It represents the close connection between the club and its city and has experienced many highs and lows in the club's history.

After the founding of 1. FC Köln in 1948, the question of a permanent home for the club quickly arose. Initially, the team trained on various pitches throughout the city, but it became clear that the club needed its own facility.

In 1953, the time had come: the Geißbockheim was officially opened. Its idyllic location in the Cologne city forest, among trees and walking paths, made it one of the most beautiful training facilities in Germany. From the beginning, it was more than just a sports field – it served as the club's home, meeting point, and heart of the FC.

The name 'Geißbockheim' derives from what is probably the most famous mascot in the Bundesliga: Hennes, the billy goat. Named after the player-coach Hennes Weisweiler, the first billy goat was gifted to the club in 1950 by a circus director. Since then, the animal has been an integral part of FC tradition, and thus the training center was also named after him.

The Geißbockheim was the scene of some of 1. FC Köln's greatest successes. Here, the team prepared for the German championship title of 1962, when FC Köln won the Bundesliga crown for the first time with a 4-0 victory over 1. FC Nürnberg. The legendary 1977/78 season, when FC Köln once again became German champions and also won the DFB-Pokal, was also planned and trained for here.

Over the following decades, the Geißbockheim was continuously modernized. While it initially consisted mainly of a main building and a few training pitches, additional lawns, fitness rooms, regeneration areas, and a modern infrastructure were added later.

The Geißbockheim also holds special significance for the FC's youth development work. Many talents who later became Bundesliga players took their first steps here. Well-known names like Lukas Podolski, Jonas Hector, or Florian Wirtz trained on the pitches at the Geißbockheim.

Today, the Geißbockheim remains the training center for the professional team, even though a possible relocation to a more modern location has been discussed in recent years. In particular, the training conditions for the youth and the junior department are to be improved.

Nevertheless, the Geißbockheim remains a special place. Fans have the opportunity to watch training here and experience their idols up close. The Geißbockheim restaurant is not only popular with club members but also attracts many visitors. Here, you can eat in a football-historical atmosphere and perhaps even meet a current player or a club legend.

The Geißbockheim is much more than just a building for 1. FC Köln. It is a symbol of the club's values: tradition, unity, and passion. Generations of players have trained, celebrated, and suffered here. The history of the club is closely linked to this place, and for many fans, it is a magical spot where they can feel especially close to their club.

Although the discussion about relocating the training facility continues, the Geißbockheim remains deeply rooted in the identity of 1. FC Köln. As long as the ball still rolls here and fans can cheer on their FC, it will remain an indispensable part of the club's history – noticeably different, just typically Cologne!