Herbert Hainer: 'A new definition of women's football'

To round off the successful event, players such as Klara Bühl, Pernille Harder, Alara Şehitler and Linda Dallmann tirelessly signed autographs by the side of the pitch – the finale to the big opening party, which over 6,000 fans attended at Sportpark Unterhaching. FC Bayern Women were pleased, and not just because of the 2-0 win against Paris FC in the final friendly before the first competitive match of the season, the Supercup against VfL Wolfsburg in Ingolstadt. “The Sportpark represents a new definition of our women’s football: this move is a statement about how modern women’s football should look,” said president Herbert Hainer. Bianca Rech, director of women’s football, added: “We had a good friendly today against the runners-up in the French league – and got a sense straight away for what’s possible at the Sportpark. We’re looking forward to our new home.”

Hainer had only returned from the men’s Audi Summer Tour in Asia the day before – now, like Giulia Gwinn and Vanessa Gilles, the president was visiting the Fan Festival ahead of the women’s match, where departments and initiatives from FC Bayern such as basketball, table tennis, refereeing and ‘Red against Racism’ were on display. “From Hong Kong to Haching – that’s FC Bayern,” said Hainer, who was on hand for selfies and autographs with the fans. “We’re at home in Munich and on the ball around the world. This is the start of a new era for the women: we’re setting new standards and benchmarks in Europe. The next level of women’s football will be seen here.”

It’s not about “adapting existing men’s structure, but creating a self-defined future of one’s own”, continued Hainer. The building of a new venue “is a commitment to women’s football. We want to spark a movement with the Sportpark – we need more ambition in German women’s football. Our club has always been a pioneer in women’s football, and the Sportpark is now another symbol of development: own home, own stage, own stories. We at FC Bayern don’t just want to go along with, but actively drive forward.”

Already before the kick-off, Rech also took time to speak to supporters about their needs in the reconstruction of the stadium, which is being completed step by step until 2029. Also in attendance at the opening match, at the special invitation of FC Bayern, were the executive committee of SpVgg Unterhaching led by Manfred Schwabl, mayor Korbinian Rausch, Sabine Schmierl and Dr. Alfons Hofstetter, as well as Monika Busch, chairwoman of the EC Parksee e.V. Unterhaching Bavarian curling club. “FC Bayern wants to be an active part of the community in the future, so we’re very happy about this start among good neighbours.”

The match report: