FC Bayern Women begin EmpowerHer mentoring programme | OneFootball

The *1900 clubhouse was buzzing, animated conversations were taking place all over the room, and that was the best sign that the afternoon was a complete success. “The noise level speaks for itself,” said Dr Michael Diederich, FC Bayern vice-chairman, with satisfaction. Around 50 people put their heads together for two and a half hours, talking and listening to each other. “It was a great atmosphere, a good start,” said Diederich after the kick-off of FC Bayern Women's EmpowerHer mentoring programme, the only one of its kind in Europe. “I'm excited to see what happens next.”

“A matter close to my heart”

Through EmpowerHer, FC Bayern wants to encourage its female players to take the first steps towards a career after football. For department head Bianca Rech, this is “a matter close to my heart”. She says that women's football has developed fantastically in recent years, but it is important to get out of the football bubble and think about your own personal future. “How can we as a club support you off the pitch?” asked Rech. One answer to this is the new mentoring programme.

FC Bayern vice-chairman Dr Michael Diederich discussing the opportunities of a mentoring programme.

A total of 28 mentors - including from MAN, SAP, Microsoft, Airbus and the Technical University of Munich - will support the players over the coming months and years. Last Thursday, the focus was on getting to know each other for the first time. What are the expectations, motivations and wishes on both sides? What can the programme achieve? This was discussed at the tables in alternating groups. The next step is to match each player with a mentor. “It's important that things fit on a human level,” said Rech. Then the personal dialogue can begin.

Keynote by Rebecca Smith

In an introductory keynote speech, former Bundesliga player and now businesswoman Rebecca Smith explained how she started a second career after football. “How many of you know what you want to do in the future?” she asked the players. When there were no answers at first, she said: “I felt the same way.” Asking for support, asking “a million questions”, maintaining contacts, that's what she encouraged the Munich players to do.

There were lively discussions between the mentors and Bayern players.

EmpowerHer offers the ideal framework for this. It is about defining interests in dialogue with the mentors, taking advantage of further training opportunities and building a network, explained Rech. Diederich emphasised that you have to be very honest with yourself and willing to share: “It only makes sense if you get involved. We can only provide the impetus. You have to bring the programme to life.” In any case, the kick-off was well received. “The programme helps us all venture out of our comfort zone,” said first-team captain Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir, “I'm absolutely thrilled.”

Photos: Matthias Ziegler

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