A year of the 'PACK MA'S' volunteering programme

A year ago, FC Bayern launched its "PACK MA’S" volunteering programme. At a networking event held at the *1900 clubhouse at the FC Bayern Campus, an initial – and extremely encouraging – evaluation was carried out. Giulia Gwinn began with a welcome address to the 50 volunteers present, in which the captain of the German national team emphasised that the volunteers define the club just as much as the professional players do. This was followed by personal accounts, a discussion and a look ahead. Benny Folkmann, managing director of FC Bayern, said: “We had an outstanding 200 PACK MA’S deployments in the first year, and each of your stories reflects how we want to operate together as a club. Everyone who volunteers is a valuable ambassador for FC Bayern. Thank you very much for your commitment!”

Kiki Hasenpusch, deputy managing director, outlined the vast range of ways to get involved – from the FCB 'Red against Racism' initiative to the ZAM AKTIV exercise programme, the sports departments for basketball, handball, table tennis, skittles and seniors’ football, the TEENS CLUB media team, and the climate & environment initiative, right through to the memory case for people with dementia – and then empohasised: “Volunteering at FC Bayern is more than just helping out – it’s about personal development, actively taking responsibility and the feeling of being part of something bigger. PACK MA’S brings together people who bring to life the club’s ‘Mia san Mia’ spirit.”

Since the initial call for expressions of interest at the kick-off event on 1 August 2025, the programme has gained unique momentum. A brief review outlined its development, followed by an outlook detailing how the scope of activities is set to expand and new opportunities for participation will arise. Four members then gave vivid accounts of their experiences so far during the first year.

Martina Huber spoke about the PACK MA’S launch, when she and her daughter helped out with the fan walk around Lake Tegernsee. The initial nervousness – particularly at the thought of meeting the ‘big shots’ – quickly melted away, she reported with a smile: she and her daughter were warmly welcomed into the team of volunteers and experienced how uncertainty can instantly turn into a sense of belonging.

Claudia Tillmann spoke about her volunteering at the entrance to the 2025 Annual General Meeting, with the German Sports Badge scheme and in the skittles department. One moment at the VIP entrance to the AGM has stayed with her in particular: a brief encounter and a chat with former Bavarian minister-president Edmund Stoiber. For her, one thing has become clear: volunteering opens doors – to people, to experiences and to stories you wouldn’t otherwise encounter.

Marinus Angermair volunteers once a week at a primary school as part of the ZAM AKTIV programme. His account showed how ongoing commitment has a positive impact on the daily lives of many people and how closely this aligns with FC Bayern’s values: solidarity, respect and togetherness.

Werner-Rolf Schreiner, who was helping out at the ‘Red against Racism’ stand during FC Bayern Women’s match against Nürnberg at the Campus, used the evening to once again take a clear and firm stand against social exclusion and all forms of discrimination. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, cooperation and exchange between different social groups – and made it clear that volunteering is always a statement about one’s attitude towards society.

This was followed by the main part of the evening: networking. In the beer garden at *1900, the PACK MA’S volunteers took the opportunity to discuss further opportunities for getting involved with the club management and to put forward their own ideas. The verdict after the first year: let’s keep PACK MA’S going!