A clear vision & a rapid rise: how Union Berlin is investing in women's football

Union Berlin are no ordinary promoted side. The team, who have worked their way up from the Regionalliga to the Bundesliga in just two short years, appear too determined, too united and too well organised. What takes years elsewhere is the result of a clear plan in the Köpenick region of Berlin and a club that has found its own pace. The Irons' promotion was no accident. Behind the sporting success is a structured concept, supported by continuity, togetherness and growing professionalism. Step by step, Union has strengthened its underpinnings and modernised its environment - without losing its down-to-earth attitude.

The first encounter with the reigning double winners now takes place on Friday evening (18.30 CET). It's a clash between a team who have set the benchmark in recent years and one who have only just begun to compete. Ahead of the game, fcbayern.com takes a look at the Berliners' journey, their strategy and the form of a club looking to shake things up in the Bundesliga.

The Irons' summer shopping spree

Two new summer signings for the Irons: Tanja Pawollek and Eileen Campbell. | © Imago

Union Berlin's management is serious about the women’s side - and this has recently been evident in the transfer market. You don't normally find the Iron's new signings on the list of a newly-promoted side. In the summer, Union signed Tanja Pawollek, the long-serving captain of Eintracht Frankfurt - a leader who has been performing at the highest level for a number of years. Two experienced Bundesliga players, Eileen Campbell and Samantha Steuerwald, moved to the capital from Freiburg. Former Werder Bremen goal-getter Sophia Weidauer has also been leading the line in the Union jersey since thie start of this season. She'll be joined in future by the currently injured Belgian European Championship player Hannah Eurlings, who became the most expensive player in her country when she moved to Berlin.

Hannah Eurlings will be sidelined for a long time due to injury. | © Imago

The early stages of professionalisation

It's no coincidence that Union Berlin are becoming an increasingly attractive destination for women footballers. After several years of stagnation in the Regionalliga, the club embarked on a new path in March 2022: A full-time coach, Ailien Poese, took over the reins, the staff was expanded and, at the beginning of 2023, a managing director for professional women's football, Jennifer Zietz, was also appointed.

FCU Women won promottion to the Bundesliga with a record of 19 wins, five draws and two defeats. | © Imago

The most significant step followed in 2023: every player in the Regionalliga squad was handed a professional contract. In July 2024, the brand-new Oberspree training centre for the women's and youth teams was opened. These investments quickly bore fruit. After promotion to Bundesliga 2 in the 2023/24 season, the run of success carried over into the following season. On Matchday 23 of the 2024/25 season, the Köpenick side secured promotion to the top flight before celebrating the second division championship a few weeks later.

Union’s key players

Two of the Iron's most important players are Berlin natives Dina Orschmann and captain Lisa Heiseler. The two 27-year-olds have worn the Union Berlin jersey for more than ten years and are the club's role models. The pair scored 36 of Union's 71 goals in the second division last season; Heiseler was also top scorer with 22 goals. The FCU captain has also underlined her qualities in the current season: In nine games to date, she's contributed three goals and one assist.

Dina Orschmann and Lisa Heiseler are the Irons' goal-getters. | © Imago

Tanja Pawollek, who is currently injured, usually pulls the strings in midfield. The Poland international is one of the best defensive midfielders in the league. Her leadership qualities could prove extremely valuable for the Berliners in the future. Meanwhile, Katja Orschmann, Dina's sister, Samantha Steuerwald and the young Tomke Schneider provide the necessary stability in defence. 28-year-old Cara Bösl, who joined the Irons in 2024 will be between the posts.

This mixture of young talent and experienced players, healthy competition for places, the coaching staff's clear game plan and a great willingness to invest make Union Berlin exceptional newcomers. So FC Bayern Women can look forward to a special premiere on Friday evening.

🏟️ FC Bayern Women host Arsenal at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday: