Sports and education: Here’s how the balancing act works

Work and school, training and games, hardly any free time – this is the bread and butter of everyday life when you’re involved in top-level sports and complete an apprenticeship at the same time. Derin Degirmenler is an apprentice at AXA and kicks for FCZ. In this interview she talks about her life. 

Full throttle in sports, full throttle on the job – is that even possible? Many young talents want to pursue their sports careers and still get off to a good start in their professional careers. Solid vocational training and a good apprenticeship are also very important to professional footballer Derin Degirmenler. She is completing a regular commercial apprenticeship at AXA and also trains every day.

Derin, how did you end up playing football?  

We are a very athletic family. My father was a football coach here in Rüti and my sister also played football. That’s why I was always on the football pitch – and wanted to play football. But I also like other sports, like padel or basketball. 

What have been the most important stages of your sports career? 

At the ages of 11 and 12, I was able to train in Lachen once a week with the Footeco boys [Editor’s note: Footeco = interface between children’s football and junior top football]. Starting in the summer of 2019, I was an integral part of the team for two years and had four training sessions and one game a week. With the boys, I learned to play more aggressively and to assert myself in fast-paced play. 

At the age of 15, I switched to the U17 of FCZ-Women and shortly afterwards to the U19 where I stayed for two years. Then came the wonderful moment when I was able to join the first team and sign my first professional contract. 

My experiences abroad were also formative. In the U16 national team we had our first international match in Scotland and some international tournaments. Comparing myself to players from other countries helps me to develop further.  

What was the best decision of your career so far ...  

The change to a professional club, to FC Zurich. From then on, I had a specific goal in the club, and that was the first women’s team. I was able to watch them every day and get lots of tips. I also played almost every weekend and got a lot of playing time, which I had been missing for a while in Rapperswil. And if you’re injured, you’re very well cared for and supported in such a big club. 

... and the highlight of your football career so far?  

There were several. My debut in the first team of FCZ-Women, the cup victory with them, as well as international games and European Championship qualification with the U16, U17, and U19 national teams. 

How would your teammates describe your style on the pitch?  

I’m a good team player. The combination of ambition, patience, and humor helps me in life in general, but certainly also in football. 

What are your favorite sports moments?  

All the emotions. And the team spirit. 

What makes a good team for you? 

People with whom you can talk openly, who support each other and are there for each other.

You are currently training as a commercial assistant. How do you like it? 

I never regretted that decision. The office job is a good balance to football. In addition to the intensive training, I imagine being physically challenged at work is very exhausting. 

Why did you choose to do your apprenticeship at AXA?  

I became aware of AXA through its advertising at Swiss women’s football matches. After the interview, it was immediately clear to me that I wanted to do my apprenticeship here. 

What do you particularly appreciate about your apprenticeship?  

All the support I get. Whether it’s sports or work, I can get in touch at any time and know that I’m being taken seriously. Thanks to the flexibility of my employer, I can attend the morning training sessions. And there is always a solution for the training camps.  

What does a typical day in your life look like? 

I get up at 5:45 a.m. and am at work at about 7 a.m. At noon, I take a half-hour break. At about 3:30 p.m. I make my way to training. There we first have a video analysis, a pre-warm-up, and then a team training session lasting about two hours on the pitch. I then go to the gym and physiotherapy. Around 9 p.m. I am home, I eat something and then go to sleep. 

Your schedule is packed from start to finish – what do you have to give up?  

During the week I can hardly spend time with family and friends. But I try to make up for this on the weekends.  

How do you recover after an intense game day or a stressful week? 

After games and intensive training, I often go to the ice bath. I also go to physiotherapy after almost every workout and get treated – ice on my knee, a massage, or even dryneedling. Just as important to me is a lot of sleep and a good quality of sleep. 

What motivates you to do your best every day?

The small successes are my biggest motivation. My family also plays a decisive role, they always supports and encourages me. Especially my father – he is always there for me and tells me his honest opinion. I appreciate that because it’s the only way I can improve. But for me, it’s not just football that matters. I see the completion of my apprenticeship as a very important step in life.  

What is your biggest challenge at the moment?

I tore my cruciate ligament some time ago. My biggest challenge at the moment is to have the necessary patience: I can hardly wait to start training again and be with my team. Healing takes a lot of time. In the meantime, I try to be happy about every little bit of progress – stretching and bending my knee, success in strength training. 

One last question: What would you really like to experience one day?

A dream of mine is to travel to Rio de Janeiro – the beaches, the statue, and other sights.  

Thank you for talking to us – we at AXA wish you all the best, dear Derin!