Press Release 23rd June 2026

BIPA becomes official partner of Vienna’s girls’ youth teams

The Austrian drugstore chain BIPA will support the girls’ teams of the traditional club First Vienna FC 1894 starting with the 2026/27 season, involving around 100 players. The partnership, initially set for two seasons, is part of BIPA’s “Ehrlich gesagt” initiative, which aims to empower girls and women and openly address women’s issues—now also on the football pitch.

A group of people standing in front of a banner for First Vienna FC 1894. Four people are wearing blue soccer uniforms, while two others are in casual clothes. They are posing on a platform with large pink letters spelling "BIPA."

Daniela Reumann (Managing Director of BIPA) and Dieter Elsneg, Sporting Director of First Vienna FC, together with players from the girls’ and women’s teams. / Copyright: © Robert Harson, Reproduction for PR purposes free of charge

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As early as 1989, Vienna became the first professional club in Austria to establish its own women’s division and has since been one of the leading clubs in Austrian women’s football—from the top league and participation in UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers to the development of numerous youth and senior national team players. With the largest girls’ youth academy, the club is laying the foundation for the next generation.

This is exactly where BIPA comes in: 97 percent of its employees and the majority of its customers are women—making empowerment, self-determination, and equal opportunities central priorities for the company.

With “Ehrlich gesagt,” BIPA has been bringing women-specific topics and concerns—such as health, mental strength, work-life balance, and self-confidence—into public discourse since 2025, explicitly addressing men as well, since women’s issues concern everyone.

From the pitch into everyday life

The partnership includes, among other things, an awareness campaign on the physical health of girls and women in sports, a social media challenge, and the “First Vienna girls’ trial training by BIPA,” designed to help young talent get started. In this way, sponsorship becomes a platform that provides girls with role models, visibility, and self-confidence.

Kurt Svoboda, President of First Vienna FC 1894: “We are proud that BIPA is committing to supporting women’s and especially girls’ football at Vienna in the future. The importance of these areas within the Vienna family is widely recognized. With the engagement of our new partner, we aim to continue developing and creating even better conditions. Thank you for your trust, and here’s to a successful future together.”

Daniela Reumann, Managing Director of BIPA: “Honestly speaking, it is often decided early on whether a girl dares to believe in herself. Sport strengthens self-confidence, promotes health, and fosters a sense of community—that is exactly why this commitment is a perfect fit for BIPA. We are supporting around 100 young players and aim to motivate many more through our channels.”

Kick-off at the FIFA World Cup public viewing

The partnership was officially announced on June 22, 2026, in front of a large audience: at the public viewing event for the World Cup match between Austria and Argentina, Vienna, together with BIPA and BILLA, invited around 600 guests—including many customers—to the Hohe Warte natural arena.

Before kickoff, the partners presented their new collaboration, followed by match analysis from experienced Austrian football voices such as Peter Stöger.

A fitting setting for a launch that sets the tone: girls’ football belongs in the spotlight.