14-year-old goalkeeper

Rough Ländle diamond joins Red Bull Salzburg

14-year-old Julie Marie Weiland is considered one of the country's greatest goalkeeping talents. Until now, the young Vorarlberg native has been in goal for the Altach future team. However, this will change in the summer. The young Vorarlberg native is moving to Salzburg and joining Red Bull.

"The aim is not just to be there and fulfill a duty. No, we also want to develop players in women's soccer and be successful in the long term," said the then Red Bull Salzburg sports director Christoph Freund when the "Bulls" announced their entry into women's soccer on November 24, 2022. "We want to guide talented players step by step from the grassroots to the top and at the same time allow the project to grow on a healthy basis. In doing so, we are continuing our philosophy similar to that of the boys in the Red Bull Football Academy, where we have had outstanding experiences."

In their search for young talent, the Salzburg women have now found what they were looking for at Altach of all places: The just 14-year-old Julie Weiland, who has already played almost 300 minutes in goal for the Future Team this season and also played for the fighting team in a test match against St. Gallen in the summer of 2023, will join the Bulls this summer.

Red Bull just wouldn't let up
"We went to a scouting appointment in September," reveals dad Christian. There, the 1.75-meter-tall goalkeeper made such a good impression on those responsible around project manager Bernd Winkler that she was invited to another appointment - which she was unable to attend. "Altach no longer gave her clearance, as only one sighting is allowed per season," explained her dad. 
But the Bulls did not let up, continued to watch the young player from Vorarlberg and made her an offer - as did St. Pölten, by the way - which she ultimately accepted. "We're delighted that Julie has made the leap," says Weiland, who will be sending his daughter off to Salzburg in mid-July. "Of course it will be a challenge for us as a family - despite our close bond."

For Altach coach Berni Summer, Weiland's move is a "brutal shame". "She is a promising talent. She still has a long way to go, but we would have loved to have her on board with us," explained the 56-year-old.