Union Berlin Breaks Ground on New Professional Training Center at Alte Försterei.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: 1. FC Union Berlin

1. FC Union Berlin has officially commenced construction on a new professional training center located adjacent to their iconic home ground, Stadion An der Alten Försterei. The project marks a pivotal development in the club’s long-term infrastructure strategy and represents a significant step forward in providing integrated, top-level facilities for both its men’s and women’s teams.

A Unified Approach: One Club, Two Teams

The new training complex, named Trainingszentrum Alte Försterei, aims to unify Union Berlin’s professional departments under one roof — a symbolic and functional move that aligns with broader trends toward gender equity in professional sport.

“Our approach is clear: one professional department, two teams. Both the men’s and women’s squads will train here and benefit from identical, high-performance conditions,” said Union President Dirk Zingler. “This is a historic milestone for our club. And for football in general, it’s another step toward normalizing what should already be standard — equal access to facilities, as is common in many other sports.”

The shared facility underlines Union Berlin’s evolving identity as not just a Bundesliga club, but also as a forward-thinking institution embracing inclusivity, modernization, and sustainability.

Construction Timeline and Project Details Union Berlin Training Center

Preparatory work has already begun with the establishment of a construction access road and necessary groundwork. Official notices to Berlin's municipal and district authorities have confirmed a dual-phase start for mid and late July 2025:

• Phase One (from July 14): Construction of a new sports facility building between the current professional training pitch and the existing parking area on Friedenstraße.

• Phase Two (from July 21): A new parking structure, replacing the former training pitch next to the stadium. A full-sized pitch will be built on the garage roof.

  
  

By August, major visible progress will include the placement of construction cranes and structural groundwork. The core shell of both buildings is expected to be completed by winter 2025, followed by interior construction and pitch installation in early 2026.

Strategic and Commercial Implications

This development represents more than just bricks and mortar for Union Berlin. It consolidates the club’s commitment to long-term professionalization and brand identity, especially as it seeks to strengthen its commercial profile in German and European football.

For sponsors and partners, the facility offers new opportunities for visibility, activation, and alignment with Union’s values of authenticity, community engagement, and progressive football culture.