Union Berlin thoughts

my trips to watch 1FC Union Berlin

I had been hearing via social media about the experience of football in the Bundesliga 2 and decided I would have a look. I didnt have a team in mind and planned to see a bit of Germany (a country I really like) and try a few clubs.

I had a look on Google and after a few articles I came across the now famous Copa90 video on Union Berlin

That was enough for me to decide that I would make my first visit to FC Union Berlin. Little did I know at the time how much that decision would change my life. In need of more information about getting tickets and the matchday experience I searched online and discovered an amazing English language website which I would say is essential reading for newbies to Union Berlin - "Union in Englisch" - 

http://union-berlin.com/

I was unable to get a ticket in with the Union Berlin Ultras but got a ticket in Sektor 4 behind the goal & next to the away fans (and ony 15 Euros!). Flight & hotel booked I watched more videos of the Union fans and used the Union in Englisch site to learn a couple of songs.

I got the S-Bahn to Köpenick with a handful of fans - I took an early train to give me time to visit the club shop and enjoy the atmosphere outside the stadium. I had a look in the club shop and bought a scarf and then looked for the route to the ground that went through the forest...finding the path i followed the throngs of people heading to the ground...i noticed shopping trolleys chained to fences for fans to place their empty beer bottles in - recycling & keeping the forest tidy !

Then the stadium was in front of me and the smell of Bratwurst drew me in. A bratwurst & a beer in hands and I got in the queue to go into the ground . I made my way to Sektor 4 and found myself a spot on the terrace just in front of a barrier & noticed that beer and sausages were available only a short walk away - result ! There was excitement building and nostalgia ....watching football whilst standing on a terrace - memories of my first visits to Anfield & standing in the Paddock with my dad.

I was in a good place to see both the Aue fans (who were in good voice) and the Union Ultras who were amazing - the whole 90 minutes they kept going and the atmoshere was great despite the game ending in a 0-0 draw.

At the end of the game I reflected on what I had seen - a friendly atmoshphere, a real mixed crowd - young & old, male & female and everything from casuals to Goths to the typical German denim waistcoat fan. Standing on a terrace with a beer in my hand, a crowd who sang & supported their team for the entire game....but there was something else ...I felt at home & i knew that I would return to Union Berlin rather than follow my original plan of Ground-hopping to various clubs.

Copa90 video