Because even the transverse financing, which normally takes place between the departments in a club, runs differently in Jena than with the competition: “It is missing in our direction, but it happens somewhere else. In this respect, we are currently holding up the flag.” Knipp also explains that “some doors are going up and that financially increased opportunities offer themselves.” Today’s sports director once played itself, at that time still at FF UPS Jena. The women’s department is doing so far to the club, but it is also about “continuing to grow organically, also to build everything up reasonably in terms of marksmen”.
The expansion with a view to these income has now been given to the Bundesliga club a bit and will continue to be promised, “says Knipp positively. In addition: the association works profitably. “There are requirements that affect the functional team – and there are opportunities for cooperation,” explains Knipp. Regardless of whether a team doctor, physiotherapist or athletic trainer – the annual salary here is “rather with the cooperation partner. This makes it very good financially.” Knipp says embarrassed: “We just cheat.”
But: “We have not yet achieved the spheres, we manage to do 10, 15 girls full time. I want to question whether this ever happens in Jena. The will is there, but we also know that it will be and falls in the Bundesliga.” It will not be easier when financially strong clubs like Union Berlin, Borussia Dortmund or 1. FC Nürnberg move up.
Sports presenter and ex-professional player Lena Cassel pursue women’s football in addition to the men’s Bundesliga. The 30-year-old commented on the sidelines of an interview-and makes the financial difference primarily at one point: “A big aspect is that the Bundesliga of women is still subordinate to the DFB,” she said. The DFB has no money – “and will not invest any money.” Men’s football, on the other hand, is subject to German Football League (DFL): “There are completely different marketing options and budget pots possible.” It is therefore imperative to discharge yourself from the DFB to generate more money, continued Cassel.