Special training

ÖFB impartiality eagerly awaits World Cup in Colombia

Amina Gutschi from Vorarlberg is taking part in South America.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The U20 Women's World Cup kicks off in Colombia on August 31. The ÖFB team has managed to qualify for a World Cup tournament for the first time and with Altach's Emilia Purtscher, a Vorarlberg player will also be taking part - but not the only one! There will also be Ländle power on the touchline in South America.

"That was one of the bigger games for me with the men," admits Amina Gutschi, after the 37-year-old from Dornbirn was on the touchline for the test match between Borussia Dortmund and Villareal (2:2) on Tuesday. "I also played in the women's Champions League quarter-finals this year."

Amina Gutschi is also active in the second division.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The Vorarlberg native has earned her place in the male-dominated world of refereeing.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Of course, the 37-year-old also referees in the women's national league, such as the Ländle derby here.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

The next career highlight for the psychologist, who primarily works with children, awaits at the end of August in Colombia, where she will be the only red-white-red ÖFB representative at the U20 Women's World Cup. "Being there makes me very proud - it's the reward for all my hard work over the past few years," reveals the mother of two young boys. "Nothing was given to me as a gift."

Amina Gutschi also trains once a week with athletes such as multi-discipline athlete Chiara Schuler to ensure she has the necessary fitness.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

VLV sports director Sven Benning (right) coaches the 37-year-old.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

Special running sessions are part of the training.(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

(Bild: Peter Weihs/Kronenzeitung)

In order to be in top shape - especially for men's matches, where even higher fitness standards apply - the ÖFB elite referee has been training once a week since January 2024 with VLV Sports Director Sven Benning, where she meets with all-around athlete Chiara Schuler, among others. "Amina is extremely professional and working with her is correspondingly easy," says Benning.