© FC Bayern
More than two million volunteers are active in around 86,000 sports clubs throughout Germany. People like them are the heartbeat of communities – including at FC Bayern. This summer, the German record champions launched their own volunteer programme called ‘PACK MA'S’, which allows members to actively participate in the club. Today is ‘Volunteer Day’ in Germany – an occasion for the club to thank everyone who gives up their free time to get involved. “Volunteers promote social skills and a sense of responsibility. They turn people from different backgrounds into team players,” said president Herbert Hainer. “Volunteering preserves the tradition of a club and at the same time provides new impetus. This allows FC Bayern to remain innovative and down-to-earth at the same time.”
Over 200 members have already registered for ‘PACK MA'S’, and 80 took advantage of the networking meeting at the FC Bayern Campus kick-off to bring it to life. For registrations and questions, please contact packmas@fcbayern.com. Further information can be found HERE (in German). Whether it's member events, the ‘ZAM AKTIV’ exercise programme, the cross-club Red Against Racism initiative or the sports departments, there are many opportunities to get involved. Members have already been in action at the annual general meeting, as well as at the march around Lake Tegernsee 65 years after the club's promotion to the Bundesliga. Members are regularly involved in ‘ZAM AKTIV’ at over 100 schools and daycare centres in Munich and the surrounding area. In addition, there are countless volunteers who have been supporting the club's sports departments, such as handball and table tennis, with their commitment for many years.
A club like the German record champions is always a role model for society, said eV managing director Benny Folkmann: “When FC Bayern embraces volunteerism, it sends a strong message that success is not only achieved by professionals in the spotlight, but also by the commitment of many behind the scenes. Volunteering is an indispensable part of club culture and makes an invaluable contribution to our social coexistence based on shared values.” His deputy, Kiki Hasenpusch, added, “In our sports departments, in promoting physical activity among children, or in social initiatives such as Red Against Racism, volunteers make their contribution every day. With ‘PACK MA'S’, we want to make this commitment more visible, promote it in the long term and motivate people to get involved.” According to the duo, the great response proves that “our community in the club thrives on participation”.
The main focus of ‘PACK MA'S’ is to promote exercise in order to convey the joy of activity to children and young people at schools and daycare centres through sports and exercise programmes. The club also wants to get involved in the city. Open exercise programmes for all generations are being created in public spaces, such as the Old Botanical Garden. Ultimately, the aim is to strengthen society. With ‘PACK MA'S’, FC Bayern wants to build a bridge between the club and the city community for diversity, participation and strong togetherness.
Current areas of work for interested parties
- Members: Participation in events, support for member events
- ‘ZAM AKTIV’ exercise promotion: Supporting exercise instructors in educational institutions, helping to organise sports and exercise programmes
- Red Against Racism: Support with activation, content support, participation in events
- TEENS CLUB media team: Teens aged 14 to 17 take on the role of reporters and report from a youth perspective
- Climate & environment: Working together for a greener and more biodiverse future by helping with greening, planting, maintaining areas and cleaning campaigns.
- Memory box: Support for people with dementia
- Basketball: Support in school clubs
- Handball: Coach in the youth sector, support on matchdays
- Bowling: Supporting match operations
- Chess: Chess teachers in school clubs, support on matchdays
- Referees: Active participation as a referee
- Table tennis: Support on matchdays, support with public relations
Further information on the ‘PACK MA'S’ volunteer programme: