BTS with Union Berlin: Kit launches, Champions League music and Gegen FC

Working in Sports Marketing here in Berlin often throws up crazy scenarios. Last year, I had an incredible opportunity to help steer the artistic vision for Union Berlin’s special Champions League kit photoshoot. As we honed in on our concept and the cameras geared up, a crucial question lingered on the brink of the shoot: "Who's going to play the opposing team in the video?"

Seizing the moment, I suggested tapping into our own talent pool and recruited some of the lads from our community five-a-side team, Gegen FC, to fill those roles. With limited options, my motley crew eagerly descended upon the film studios, laced up their boots, and engaged in a series of scenes against a Champions League-calibre squad.

The experience was surreal; witnessing the boys bantering with players I normally see on TV every week was a trip. During breaks, we'd share jokes and hang out. It's one thing to know that pro athletes are just regular guys like us, but being in that environment really drove the point home—they're simply twenty-or thirty-something dudes hustling in their own sphere.

The highlight of the day came during the final scene, where our makeshift team emerged from the tunnel, stepping into the dazzling lights of a Champions League evening. In need of bodies, a few of our boys had the honor of ditching their plain white 'away' jerseys, donning the new Union Kit, and walking out alongside the team. Naturally, we cranked up the iconic Champions League anthem to capture the moment. How many can boast walking out to that anthem with 1.FC Union Berlin? Not many, but some lucky few from Gegen FC sure can.