The team were joined by the four new signings Eileen Campbell, Samantha Steuerwald, Sophie Weidauer, and Anna Aehling. The latter, along with Fatma Sakar, Antonia Halverkamps, Ida Heikkinen, Leonie Köster, and Sarah Hornschuch, trained individually at first. The three EUROs participants Tanja Pawollek, Hannah Eurlings, and Nadine Böhi were not present and will join the team later.

The team were supported at the start of training by Sherly Schulz from the U23s, who filled out the goalkeeping team.

Fans in to watch the start of training

In humid weather, 251 spectators were there to see the players, who were also clearly looking forward to the first training session. After an intensive warm-up, passing and coordination exercises followed, aimed at developing a feel for the ball. Afterwards, the players split into two large circles and played a classic rondo, keeping the ball moving while two opponents tried to stop them.

Things got intense during the training match on a shortened field, which required quick decisions and involved many close challenges. To conclude the first session, the players completed a short, confidence building shooting drill.

Before heading off for the afternoon, the players took time for the fans, signed autographs, and posed for numerous photos.

A film to accompany the start of the new season can be seen on AFTV (in German)

Outlook for the coming days

The Union players now start to prepare for the first friendly of the new season. On Saturday, 02.08.2025, Union will visit the Polish top team Pogon Szczecin. Kick off is at 13:00 in Szczecin (Ul. Karłowicza 28, Field B3).