Bayern Munich have announced a raft of schemes and initiatives to help the thousands of refugees entering Germany.
The current Bundesliga champions said they had a ‘social responsibility’ to act on the massive migration crisis facing Europe.
The club plans to set up a training camp for refugee children which will provide football sessions as well as German language classes and meals.
It will also donate €1m to the cause by setting up a charity friendly match.
n a statement on their website, club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Bayern sees it as our social responsibility to help the refugees, needy children, women and men, to help them, and to accompany them in Germany.”
It also says that for their next home game, against FC Augsburg, each player will walk onto the pitch holding the hand of a German child and a young refugee which it says will “set an example for the integration of refugees”.
Bayern are following in the footsteps of other German clubs which have taken a variety of steps to try to help integrate the refugees.
Borussia Dortmund recently invited 220 of them to a home Europa League tie and numerous clubs displayed “Refugees Welcome” banners at their Bundesliga matches.
Munich’s mayor Dieter Reiter added: “Bayern is laying down an important marker and I am delighted with the club’s significant commitment. I have consequently also gladly pledged the support of the city of Munich.”
