1. FC Union Berlin had cause to celebrate this afternoon as assistant coach Sebastian Bönig achieved Germany's top football coaching badge – the Fußball-Lehrer certificate. 

The coaching badge is a prerequisite to be work as a coach in professional football in Germany and it requires intense participation. Germany's coaching system is structured into five levels: the lowest is 'C' followed by 'B' and then at the third and fourth levels, there are the Elite Youth licence and the traditional A licence. The highest qualification is known as the Fußball-Lehrer badge.

Sebastian Bönig completed 14 three-day on-site seminars at the Sports School of Hennef and was accompanied on the course by the likes of Werder Bremen's Tim Borowski and Christian Eichner, the coach of Karlsruhe. The final parts of the examination had to be completed electronically due to the COVID measures in place.

"For me personally, the final exam is something very special. Not only being taught the theoretical content, but also being able to apply the knowledge gained directly with your own team, naturally offers flexibility and is very varied. The different characters give such training an individual touch. Of course, I would also like to thank the club and the entire team of coaches for their extraordinary support during the last season," commented the Union assistant coach.

"We're happy for Sebastian and have kept our fingers crossed for him. When the call reached us on Friday evening, everyone applauded his performance. For a club it is of great value to have as many qualified coaches as possible in its own ranks, which is why we supported Sebastian in the best possible way," said Oliver Ruhnert, Director for Professional Football at 1. FC Union Berlin.