July: The start of preseason for FCA
Review of the year 2023
Another year is coming to an end: 365 days of both highs and lows, but above all a host of memorable moments for FC Augsburg. It’s time once more to reflect on the past twelve months. In part seven of FCA’s review of the year, we look back on July.
FC Augsburg began their preseason training for the 2023/24 campaign at the beginning of July, which started with a number of internal performance tests before the boys returned to the pitch. A new midfielder came on the scene in the form of Masaya Okugawa, who signed for FCA on a free transfer in the summer. Ricardo Pepi, who was sent out on loan to FC Groningen last season, remained in the Eredivisie after transferring to PSV Eindhoven.
FC Augsburg came out on top in a 6-0 win over Bayernliga Süd-side Türkspor Augsburg at the Rosenaustadion in their first friendly fixture of the season. New-signing Phillip Tietz arrived the very next day, and immediately got started for the Fuggerstädter. In addition, FC Augsburg extended Mads Pedersen’s contract, which was originally set to run until 2024, until 2027, and Henri Koudossou was sent out on loan to Den Haag.
Training camp and Family Day
In the middle of July, Enrico Maaßen’s team took part in a training camp in Austria. Before moving into their accommodation in Schladming, the boys travelled to Kufstein to take on first-division Turkish-side Beşiktaş. However, when the Beşiktaş fans started to repeatedly throw flares onto the pitch, the referee decided to end the game in the 79th minute when the scoreline was 1-1. After one more friendly win against Kufstein (9-0) and a loss against PSV Eindhoven (2-1), FCA were able to enjoy a range of teambuilding activities such as rafting, as well as a barbecue with the fans.
The friendly action didn’t stop for the boys upon their return to Augsburg. On FCA’s Family Day, the Függerstädter treated the fans to a 3-1 win over Dutch record champions Ajax in front of a crowd of 14,207, after which the players and coaching staff stayed around for an autograph session.
FCA create an open payment system
In July, FCA held a member’s evening where they received feedback on the club’s newest development strategy, including the blood drive in the fan pub at the WWK Arena, which turned out to be a great success. Augsburg also expanded their involvement with schools under the “FCA bewegt” initiative, which saw five primary and five secondary schools receive the title of an “FCA partner school” in the first stage of the programme.
In order to simplify the payment process in the catering area of the WWK ARENA, spectators will be able to purchase food and drink with their preferred cashless method, improving the overall fan experience at FCA’s home games.
