FC Copenhagen, one of Scandinavia’s most successful men’s clubs, has made a remarkable impact in the world of women’s football. Despite being the new kids on the block, FC Copenhagen has already broken records and made a name for itself in the Danish football scene. With a strong ambition to make a mark in the world of women’s football, the club has achieved an impressive feat by winning their first four games of the season, scoring 16 goals and conceding just once.
Breaking Records and Defying Expectations
FC Copenhagen’s first home game of the season was a massive success, attracting 5,165 fans and setting a new attendance record for a women’s game in Denmark. This impressive turnout more than doubled the previous record, showcasing the growing interest in women’s football in the country. The stadium, which usually hosts around 100 fans, was filled to the brim, with fans eager to witness the team’s maiden home game. To accommodate the large crowd, the club had to rent additional toilet facilities and open the back stand, which hadn’t been used for 20 years.
“The support has been overwhelming,” said Rebecca Steele, FC Copenhagen’s head of women’s football. “We feel like we have the whole city behind us. The symbol of the women’s team all around Copenhagen is very moving for us all.” The team’s kit launch, held during Copenhagen Fashion Week, was also a huge success, attracting celebrities and influencers, including actress Lily Collins.
A Unique Approach to Building the Women’s Team
Unlike many clubs, FC Copenhagen took a unique approach to building their women’s team. They merged with local grassroots club FC Damso and launched the new club at tier three under their license. This approach allowed them to build the team from the bottom up, respecting the existing club and its players. “We had a lot of conversations with them, we listened a lot to their wishes for this project,” said Steele. “One player said to me: ‘This is not about you and me, it’s about all the girls around Copenhagen and we need to do this for them.'”
Commercial Success and Ambitions for the Future
FC Copenhagen’s ambition is to create a full-time women’s team and play in Europe within five years. To achieve this, the club is focusing on building a strong commercial setup, working with partners who are willing to tailor their approach to the women’s team. “Too many teams around Europe are trying to make a bad copy of the men’s team under the excuse of a one-club mentality,” said Jacob Lauesen, FC Copenhagen’s chief executive. “We want to do things differently.”
Building a Community-Driven Team
FC Copenhagen has created a community-driven team that reflects the city’s unique culture. The team’s kits are designed by a local community-driven sportswear brand, which has helped to create a sense of identity and belonging among fans. “We see that Copenhagen as a city attracts so many world-famous ambassadors,” said Lauesen. “We have created a community where we have a lot of musicians and actors following the club.”
Famous Faces and Ambassadors for the Team
Actress Lily Collins, who owns a property in Copenhagen and regularly watches the men’s team, is now one of the many celebrities supporting the women’s team. The team’s kit launch, which was attended by Collins, showcased the club’s unique approach to women’s football. “We only spent the value on a shirt,” said Lauesen. “Everyone came because they pulled into it, not because we are pushing it.”
Becoming a Movement
FC Copenhagen’s women’s team has the potential to become a movement, inspiring young girls and women across Denmark to take up the sport. “The time for women’s football is now,” said Steele. “We really feel like we have the whole city behind us.” With their commitment to building a strong team and creating a sense of community, FC Copenhagen is on the path to making a lasting impact in the world of women’s football.
Aiming for the Stars
FC Copenhagen’s ambition is to create a team that can compete at the highest level, both on and off the pitch. With their unique approach to building the women’s team, they are allowing the players to become stars in their own right. “We are allowing these girls to be stars, even though they are playing in the third-best league,” said Lauesen. The club’s goal is to one day play at Parken Stadium, a feat that would be a massive achievement for the team.
With their commitment to building a strong team and creating a sense of community, FC Copenhagen’s women’s team is set to make a lasting impact in the world of women’s football. As the club continues to grow and develop, they are inspiring young girls and women across Denmark to take up the sport. With their unique approach to building the women’s team, FC Copenhagen is on the path to becoming a movement, one that will change the face of women’s football forever.