December 6, 2024
FC Thun plans to integrate the women’s team into the club’s structures
After Mauro Lustrinelli’s positive contract extension, FC Thun Berner Oberland can announce more news.The club wants to invest more money in youth advancement in the future and they can announce a new major shareholder in this context. It is indeed also planned to include the women’s team FC Thun Berner Oberland in the structures of FC Thun AG.
FC Thun will put even more emphasis on promoting young talent in the future. The plan is to follow the path we have already taken in an even more consistent way and support young players more intensively. The foundation for this was laid with the FC Thun Berner Oberland Youth Promotion and Participation Foundation. The aim is now to optimize the field with the aim of integrating even more of our own young players into the first team in the future and being able to generate income from the transfers of these players.
This vision is moving forward thanks to the support of a new shareholder. An institution from the region recently joined FC Thun and signed 26.1 percent of the shares. This means that the share of shareholders in the new institution is now the same as that of the previous major shareholder and board member,Beat Fahrni. It was agreed not to reveal who was behind the new shareholder.
Clarifications are also currently underway regarding the integration of the FC Thun Berner Oberland women’s team into FC Thun AG. A declaration of intent has already been signed, and further implementation steps are now underway. If all goes according to plan, the women will join FC Thun from the upcoming 2025/26 season.
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**What challenges do clubs face when integrating women’s teams into existing structures?**
Interview: FC Thun’s Future and Women’s Team Integration with Sports Expert Dr. Lisa Herrmann
Q1: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. herrmann. FC Thun recently announced plans to integrate their women’s team into the club structures. What are the potential implications of this move for the club and women’s football in Switzerland?
Dr. Herrmann: Thank you for having me. integrating the women’s team into the main club structures is a notable step forward for FC Thun. This move not only elevates the visibility of women’s football but also formalizes the investment in female athletes, aligning with global trends towards gender equality in sports. By doing so,FC Thun is highly likely to enhance competition and attract better talent,which can lead to overall club growth,both on and off the field.
Q2: FC Thun has expressed a commitment to investing in youth growth alongside thes changes. How does this focus on youth talent align with the integration of the women’s team?
Dr. Herrmann: The emphasis on youth talent is crucial, especially as the club aims to strengthen its foundations. By integrating the women’s team into their development initiatives, FC Thun can cultivate a more inclusive training ground for all players. this unified approach not only allows for shared resources and expertise but also fosters a strong culture of growth within the club. Integrating young female athletes will build a robust pipeline for nurturing talent in women’s football, providing long-term benefits.
Q3: You mentioned the new shareholder’s involvement,holding 26.1 percent of shares in FC Thun. How does this investment relate to the club’s future plans?
Dr. Herrmann: The introduction of a new shareholder indicates a strategic shift for FC Thun. This kind of investment suggests that the club is looking to expand its reach and financial stability. With additional funds, FC Thun can enhance its facilities, increase player scouting, and support youth programs effectively. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, which will be essential when looking to integrate the women’s team effectively and foster competitive growth in both men’s and women’s football.
Q4: There is a declaration of intent regarding the women’s team’s integration into FC Thun AG. What are the next steps you foresee in this process, and what hurdles might thay encounter?
Dr.Herrmann: The next steps will likely involve logistical planning—such as aligning training schedules and integrating coaching staff—while ensuring that the women’s team maintains its competitive edge. However, they may face challenges like ensuring equal support and media coverage for both teams, which has historically been a struggle in many clubs. It will be important for FC thun to prioritize equality and transparency in this integration process to harmonize team dynamics and build a strong support system for all players involved.
Q5: for other clubs considering similar integration of women’s teams, what practical advice would you give based on FC Thun’s approach?
Dr. Herrmann: Communication is key. Clubs should engage stakeholders, including players, fans, and sponsors, to build support for the integration. Investment in quality coaching and resources for women’s teams is equally important to ensure they receive the same level of dedication as the men’s team. Creating a unified club culture that values all athletes, regardless of gender, will enable clubs to enhance competitiveness and social impact within their communities.The FC Thun model might serve as a roadmap for others, especially if they prioritize development and inclusivity.
Conclusion: Thank you, Dr. Herrmann, for sharing your insights on FC Thun’s strategic direction and the integration of their women’s team into the club. We look forward to seeing how these developments unfold in the coming seasons.
