The initial situation in November 2019 was clear: the BFV was faced with growing demands in terms of professionalism, digitalization and social responsibility. Berlin is diverse and dynamic. It was precisely this diversity, demographic change and the changing expectations of members that made it clear that a strategic realignment was necessary.

The project was developed in 13 future workshops with over 130 participants. This resulted in 108 recommendations for action, which were systematically evaluated and prioritized. The focal points:

• Professionalism: clear association structure, compliance rules, service orientation, culture of appreciation

• Innovation: Digital infrastructure, BFV app, sustainable processes

• Capital city profile: Utilization of Berlin's unique selling points, modern sports infrastructure

By the 2023 Association Day, 41 recommendations had been implemented, including

• New mission statement: Trust, cohesion, respect - with the vision "One Team Berlin."

• Rebranding: Modern logo, fresh color scheme, uniform visual language

• TEAM BERLIN APP: Digital networking of amateur soccer, Berlin soccer map, service offers

• Compliance system: code of ethics, transparent structures

• Accessibility & inclusion: Gender-appropriate language, accessible website

The second phase was heralded with the installation of the "Future BFV" Vice President and the election of Ralph Rose. Target: Implement 80% of the measures by 2025. The 38 condensed recommendations for action covered areas such as

• BFV 2025: strengthen voluntary work, examine new legal forms (GmbH, foundation), sponsorship system, KreativLab, multilingualism

• Sport/clubs 2025: Promotion of women's and girls' soccer, digitalization of clubs, full-time structures, coach qualification, infrastructure improvement

• Urban society 2025: diversity (30% women/men on committees), ethics council, sustainability, violence prevention, respect charter

By the end of 2025, 87% of the recommendations had been implemented (73 recommendations for action), 13% will be transferred to the follow-up strategy as future topics.

Focus on clubs:

• New contribution and referee expense structure: Digital expense payment process from August 2025 and personalized contributions from July 2025 for more transparency and fairness

• Volunteering in the thick of it: Interactive handbook for clubs and associations with impulses, recommendations for action and tips

• Innovation Award 2024: 20,000 € for future-oriented club ideas, continuation in 2025: Submit ideas now

• 030 Street Cup: First street soccer championship for women* and girls* - a strong signal for diversity

Focus on the association:

• Rebranding & mission statement: Strong brand identity with a clear message: "One Team Berlin - Because we need amateur soccer."

• Respect charter: Binding values for fairness and inclusion

• Sustainability report 2024: Ecological, social and economic responsibility

The topics are to be transferred to the Team Berlin Strategy 2026 to 2029, a new framework that places an even stronger focus on the clubs and carries forward the energy of the past years (see here).

The basic idea behind the successor strategy is to embrace the changes in voluntary work and to set up the BFV organization for the years 2026-2029 and beyond in a sustainable manner in terms of personnel. Many member clubs also face similar challenges in finding and retaining committed and qualified volunteers for their club structures. The "Team Berlin Strategy" will therefore use the two pillars of "club and association development" to develop measures aimed at strengthening the personnel structures of amateur soccer in Berlin. The DFB master plan and other measures to be concretized with our clubs will support the consolidation of club/board structures.

"Future BFV has renewed the Berlin Football Association in many areas. The changes range from structural improvements to digital and social developments. Above all, however, this process has shown how much can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal. With a clear mission statement, innovative tools and participatory processes, the BFV is ready for the future," summarizes Vice President Future BFV Ralph Rose at the end of the process and continues: "My thanks go to the members of the Presidium, the representatives of the Berlin clubs and all those who support the BFV on a full-time and voluntary basis. Without your commitment, courage and foresight, this process would not have been possible."

BFV President Bernd Schultz said: "I would like to thank everyone who has supported this challenging reform process. The knowledge, experience and willingness to take on responsibility have significantly advanced the Berlin Football Association. The "Team Berlin Strategy 2026-2029" will build on the successes achieved and place the clubs at the center of development. The aim will be to further promote the sustainable development of the association and its clubs and to create closer cooperation between the association and clubs."