Red and blue – together at the same table? What seemed unthinkable for decades is now a reality. FC Bayern and TSV 1860 Munich are pulling together for the first time in many years on a major project for young Bavarian talent.
The rivalry between FC Bayern and TSV 1860 is deeply rooted in Munich. Two worlds, two traditions, two identities – and little in common. This makes the step that both clubs are now taking all the more surprising: together they are supporting the training of up to 5,000 children’s coaches over the next four years. A solidarity that has never been seen before in Bavaria.
The so-called „Children’s Football Alliance“ is supported by the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) and includes the two Munich rivals as well as the professional clubs from Augsburg, Nuremberg, Fürth, Regensburg, Ingolstadt and Schweinfurt. A total of over 500,000 euros will be invested to provide two free training places for coaches for every club in the state that offers children’s soccer.
BFV President Christoph Kern spoke of a „historic moment“, adding that „never before in the almost 80 years of the association has there been such a close alliance between all professional clubs“.
Unusual alliance – sporting enmity remains
Even long-time observers are surprised that Bayern and 1860 are working together now of all times. The clubs have not met in sporting terms for years and their fan camps are worlds apart. It was only in March that there were fierce clashes between the two fan groups on the sidelines of a TSV 1860 regional league match.
The now announced alliance is therefore anything but a matter of course – and shows how serious the clubs are about grassroots work. But the cooperation is not free of friction.
TSV 1860 president Gernot Mang recently used the stage to take a swipe at his great rival, saying that FC Bayern is a „commercial club, run like an American“, which is „more about money than atmosphere“. 1860, on the other hand, is „Munich’s great love“.
Mang also smugly described a personal encounter with Bayern President Herbert Hainer: „I introduced myself and he said: ‚And who are you? From Sechzig?‘ Exactly the same as you, I said. I am the president of e.V.“ For Mang, it was a scene that symbolized the relationship between the clubs.
Despite jibes: the project has a stable foundation
Despite atmospheric tensions, everyone involved agrees that the promotion of young talent in Bavaria urgently needs support. The BFV has been recording rising pass numbers for years – but many clubs lack qualified coaches.
BFV President Kern emphasizes: „Football is booming, especially among the youngest players. But these children need training, supervision and guidance. This is exactly where the alliance comes in.“
The alliance between red and blue is intended to help strengthen the basis of Bavarian soccer in the long term – and could become a blueprint project for other regions, despite the rivalry.