Union Berlin Champions Women's Football with Equal Facilities and Professional Support

In the evolving landscape of European football, Union Berlin is making a notable statement, particularly through its unwavering commitment to its women's team. While the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as head coach for the men's Bundesliga side has garnered international headlines, the club's internal focus on elevating its women's program has been a deliberate and long-term strategy. This dedication is evident in the club's decision to invest in a state-of-the-art training complex that will offer identical facilities for both the men's and women's teams, a rarity in European football.

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It's about football

The club's approach to women's football has been groundbreaking. Even when the women's team was in the amateur regional leagues, Union took the unconventional step of providing professional pay to players and coaching staff. This investment has paid dividends, as seen in the impressive average attendance figures for the women's team, which, despite playing in the second division last season, boasted the best mark in Germany and ranked among the top clubs in Europe. The growing support is palpable, with expectations of over 10,000 spectators for an upcoming match against powerhouse Bayern Munich.

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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 strong community backing is deeply intertwined with the club's identity in the eastern Berlin suburb of Koepenick. The saying, “We don't go to the football, we go to Union,” encapsulates the profound connection fans feel. Current women's coach Ailien Poese, who has a two-decade association with the club, emphasizes that the support stems from a genuine love for the sport and the club itself, regardless of the team's gender. Poese hopes this integrated approach, where fans can attend both men's and women's games regularly, becomes a model for other clubs.

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

Union forward Hannah Eurlings, a Belgian international, cited the club's focus on women's football as a key factor in her decision to join. She highlighted the club's ambition to make the women's team equal to the men's team in all aspects, including financial support and facilities. Eurlings views Eta's appointment not as a surprise but as a natural outcome of Union's core values: hard work, meritocracy, and a willingness to think outside the box. The club's philosophy is clear: the right person for the job, irrespective of gender, is prioritized, reflecting a progressive and inclusive vision for the future of football.

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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.