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In a move that signals a progressive shift in European football, Union Berlin is setting a new standard for gender equality within the sport. The club's ambitious vision for its women's team, currently competing in the regional leagues, is already capturing attention. By investing in professional pay and coaching staff, and constructing a state-of-the-art training complex that offers identical facilities for both men's and women's teams, Union Berlin is demonstrating a profound commitment to parity.

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I hope it gets established at many clubs, that it's their favorite club and there might be a home game every weekend, one week the women's and the next the men's.

This dedication is not just about infrastructure; it's about fostering a culture where talent and hard work are paramount, regardless of gender. The remarkable success of the women's team, evidenced by their impressive average attendance – the best in Germany and second only to a few elite European clubs – speaks volumes about the club's integration into the local community of Köpenick. The local saying, 'We don't go to the football, we go to Union,' perfectly encapsulates the deep-rooted connection fans feel, supporting both the men's and women's sides with equal passion.

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It says a lot about the fans, that they're just in love with the club. And that's so nice to see.

The recent appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as head coach of the men's Bundesliga team, while making international headlines, was hardly a surprise within the club. It is a testament to Union Berlin's core values: a belief in meritocracy and a willingness to think outside the box. As Eta prepares to take over the women's team in the summer, her previous role highlights the club's philosophy: the right person for the job, based on knowledge and dedication, not gender. This approach, championed by figures like current women's coach Ailien Poese and forward Hannah Eurlings, is what makes Union Berlin a unique and inspiring entity in the world of football, offering a model that many other clubs could learn from.

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For me it was a bit scary to sign for a second Bundesliga team... But the talks I had with the club and with the women's manager, they were all positive.