19.12.2025
On Friday, 12 December, the inspiring surroundings of the Bata Villa hosted the launch of the new 2026 calendar featuring Zlín footballers. Most of the FC Zlín team players attended the event, with coach Bronislav Červenka, Michal Cupák, and Stanislav Dostál participating directly in the discussion. The event was moderated by bestselling author Gabriela Končitíková and publicist Jakub Malovaný from the Thomas Bata Foundation.
"Tomas Bata is a figure who fundamentally shaped the appearance of our city and the atmosphere in which people live in Zlín. His principles of work, courage, honesty, and service to people are still deeply rooted in Zlín football today. It was Bata who stood at its birth and perceived sport as part of education, character, and community. That is why we wanted the FC Zlín 2026 calendar to reflect not only the present of our team, but also the history and values that have accompanied us for more than a hundred years. We see the photo shoot in authentic Bata locations as a tribute to a man whose legacy still lives on in Zlín and inspires future generations," said the FCZ spokeswoman Zuzana Molková.
"We would like to thank the Thomas Bata Foundation for their excellent cooperation and everyone who came and created such an intimate and pleasant atmosphere in a place with a unique genius loci," she added.
The entire calendar was created exclusively in authentic Bata locations that still carry his vision today. These include not only the Bata Villa, but also the Tomas Bata Memorial, the Bata Institute, and the Bata Skyscraper.
"We were very happy to participate in this beautiful project, which we feel has truly strong symbolism. And we are delighted that the FC Zlín calendar, reflecting iconic Bata locations, was created for the year 2026, in which, as already mentioned, we will commemorate the 150th anniversary of Tomas Bata's birth. We believe that Tomas Bata would have been thrilled with this collaboration, as he was a big fan of team sports, especially soccer. According to him, soccer strengthened character and taught people to accept wins and losses as a normal part of life," said Jakub Malovaný on behalf of the Thomas Bata Foundation.
The Friday event included a discussion with Zlín head coach Bronislav Červenka, goalkeeper Stanislav Dostál, and midfielder Michal Cupák.
There was also a special bonus for fans—draft beer from the Harley Pub microbrewery in Otrokovice.
YOU CAN PURCHASE THE NEW CALENDAR AT THE ZLÍN CLUB FAN SHOP DIRECTLY AT THE LETNÁ STADIUM OR FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME THROUGH THE CLUB'S E-SHOP.
