Sponsors gather before new season
Annual Gala:
Last Friday, 1. FC Union Berlin invited their sponsors to the annual Sponsor’s Gala, where the guests were welcomed by red carpet at the Motorwerk Berlin.
Club president Dirk Zingler was in attendance, as well as, members of the Supervisory Committee, Executive Committee and Honorary Committee. Members of the Union first-team and backroom staff were also present.
In keeping with the history of the Motorwerk Berlin building, and the upcoming season opener, Zingler opened the evening with a quote from Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. “It depends on whether you use the new year as a brake or motor.”
He continued: “We are entering one of the most exciting phases in the club’s history, in which a reliable motor is important, but also a well-tuned brake must not be missing.”
The club’s president focused on the planned infrastructure projects such as the stadium expansion and the construction of a new academy centre, with the strategic goal of becoming one of Germany’s top 20 clubs. The president made it clear the importance of the economic partners present and the team as the driving force behind the development of the club.
“We will not let ourselves down or be slowed down by a lack of courage or by our own modesty. Because sooner or later that would be the end of our club. Our brake, which ensures that we always question ourselves and don’t over stretch, is our connection to the people who make our club: our members, fans and sponsors.
Oliver Ruhnert, Director for Professional Football, also addressed the attendees and expressed gratitude to the team for their work in the season preparations. This points to an optimistic view for the upcoming campaign.
Coach Urs Fischer wasn’t able to be present due to a short illness of his wife, while the coaching team had to leave promptly to prepare for the team’s friendly with Girondins de Bordeaux the following day.
