How FC Bayern has been campaigning from the football pitch to Munich's town hall

Whether at the Elite Cup at the FC Bayern Campus, through working with school pupils as part of the ‘School without Racism’ initiative, or at the seminar on civil courage: over the past few weeks, the German champions’ ‘Red against Racism’ initiative has once again sent a clear signal for diversity, respect, moral courage and taking a resolute stand against discrimination at a number of very different events. From interactive activities at youth tournaments or in schools, through workshops, to discussions with representatives from politics, the judiciary and civil society: FC Bayern is demonstrating what it stands for beyond its sporting ambitions.

Kick-off at the FC Bayern Campus

The first event was the U15 Elite Cup at the FC Bayern Campus. As part of the supporting programme for the international youth tournament, ‘Red against Racism’ was represented by its activation stand. In addition to various activity stations, visitors were able to explore the topics of diversity, respect and discrimination through a quiz specially developed by the initiative. Visitors from Portugal, England and Italy, amongst others, took part. 

The quiz was also used during the orientation day at Rockefellerstraße Middle School – FC Bayern’s new sponsored school in the ‘School without racism – School with courage’ network – to explore the issues of racism, diversity and taking a stand in an interactive way. The visit marked the start of the future collaboration between the school and ‘Red against Racism’ and provided an opportunity to present the initiative and its work within the school environment.

All the info on the ‘Red against Racism’ initiative:

At the seminar ‘More than Bravery – Civil Courage Starts with You!’ held at the LUISE Cultural Centre, Rio Grumbrecht, a member of ‘Red against Racism’, led the workshop ‘Red Against Racism – Embodying the Stance!’ alongside other members of the initiative. The focus was on how one’s stance can be demonstrated in everyday life and in sport, and what concrete steps can be taken to tackle discrimination. As is so often the case, ‘Red against Racism’ was supported on the day by dedicated members of ‘PACK MA’S’, the club’s volunteering programme. The seminar facilitated in-depth discussions with numerous stakeholders from the fields of education, politics and civil society. One participant summed up her impression with the words: “I find it incredibly enriching to see how FC Bayern campaigns for our democracy.”

Keynote presentation on racism in sport

As part of the workshop ‘Anti-Semitic Offences in Bavaria and Austria’, initiative member Erik-Maurice Böhm delivered the keynote address ‘Red Against Racism – Determinedly Combating Racism in Sport’ at the fifth meeting of the Austrian-Bavarian expert group on anti-Semitic offences. Speaking at Munich's town hall, he outlined the initiative’s holistic approach and highlighted how FC Bayern is taking responsibility through awareness-raising, educational programmes and concrete measures. The event was attended by high-ranking representatives from the worlds of politics, the judiciary, security agencies and civil society. Alongside Dr h.c. mult. Charlotte Knobloch, President of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria, speakers included Adalbert Bicserdy, Consul-General of the Republic of Austria, and Dr Ludwig Spaenle, the Bavarian State Government’s Commissioner for Jewish Life and against Anti-Semitism. The closing remarks were delivered by Mona Fuchs, Mayor of the State Capital of Munich.