„Zwischen Wiesen und Wäldern, Tälern und Seen …“

„Oh Köpenick, Du bist Wunderschön“

“Between meadows and forests, valleys and lakes …”

“Oh Köpenick, you are beautiful”

Köpenick is still undoubtedly the greenest corner of Berlin.

But the green spaces are increasingly under threat, especially with the warm and dry summers of recent years. Not only that, but also littering and damage are impacting the three population in the southeast of the capital.

1. FC Union Berlin is launching the Waldmeister project together with Berlin's Forestry and is dedicating the 2021/22 season third kit to the green spaces. From every jersey sold until the end of the year, 1. FC Union Berlin will donate 5 EUR to the cause of planting more trees in Köpenick.

The white shirt will be combined with green trims on the sleeves, collar and the three stripes of Adidas. The logo of Adidas, main sponsor Aroundtown and sleeve partner WeFox are present on the alternative kit for the 21/22 season. Sustainability is an integral part of the corporate philosophy of Adidas and they have supplied the kit from 100% recycled materials, featuring the Primegreen label. This label identifies products that contain recycled materials. They avoid waste and conserve natural resources, while offering functionality and durability in sports.

“Union will be drawing a lot of attention to a very important issue with this unfamiliar colour combination for the club. Berlin’s forests are vital to the city. They secure sustainable usable water, provide clean air, a better urban environment for diverse living, as well as, recreational spaces. Their care, development and preservation are extremely costly – particularly against the backdrop of the climate crisis. Therefore, we are all the more delighted that Union is using its profile to make Berliners more aware of the importance of the forest for the capital,” explained Gunnar Heyne, head of Berlin’s Forestry.

“In recent years, our third kits have involved various surprising colour combinations. This year, we decided to focus even more on sustainability. With all the forests and lakes, our home district of Köpenick provides plenty of oxygen and drinking water for the whole city. To keep it that way, it needs all of our support. Together with Berlin's Forestry, we are talking up the cause and are already looking forward to our first joint project,” added Thomas Stäpke, Managing Director for Finance and Sales at 1. FC Union Berlin.

The Waldmeister kit is now available at Union’s shops at Bahnhofstaße, Ring-Center and the Waldseite at the Alte Försterei, as well as, online. The team will wear the shirt for the first time next Saturday at the first match of the season against Czech side Dukla Prague.