Eta Appointment ‘No Surprise’ for Union Berlin’s Ascendant Women

The appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as the new head coach for Union Berlin's men's Bundesliga team has garnered international attention, but within the club and its dedicated fanbase, it is seen as a logical progression. This move is deeply intertwined with the remarkable ascent of Union's women's team, which Eta will also coach starting this summer. The club's strategic decision to invest heavily in the women's side, including offering professional salaries and developing training facilities that are identical to those of the men's team, has set a new standard in European football.

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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. I'm absolutely delighted with the extra attention and the identification with the women's team.

This commitment is visibly reflected in the passionate support the women's team receives. Despite currently competing in the amateur regional leagues, Union's women's team boasts an average attendance of 7,190, a figure that leads Germany and ranks among the top clubs in Europe, surpassed only by giants like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. This season, as the team secured its top-flight status, attendance has continued to climb, with an anticipated crowd of over 10,000 for their upcoming match against powerhouse Bayern Munich, utilizing additional stands at their 22,000-capacity stadium.

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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 strong fan connection stems from the club's deep integration into the Koepenick community. The saying, “We don't go to the football, we go to Union,” encapsulates this identity. Current women's coach Ailien Poese, who has been instrumental in guiding the team to the top flight and will transition to the club's academy, emphasizes that fans attend both men's and women's games because "ultimately it's about football." This inclusive approach, where merit and passion for the game transcend gender, is a core value for Union Berlin, making Eta's appointment a testament to their forward-thinking philosophy and dedication to equality.

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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. They want to make the women's team equal to the men's team and also in financial things and also in the facilities we get. I think you don't find that that often in women's football, so I think that's a very big plus for me.