The soccer player in the world-famous orchestra

By Christian Staffler

Andrea Götsch, 26 years old and from Obermais, is a full-time clarinetist with the Vienna Philharmonic. In addition to music, the South Tyrolean has another great passion: football. Götsch doesn't limit himself to watching games or cheering in the fan curve (which are currently all closed due to Corona anyway). Rather, the Burggräfler is active herself – for the Vienna Sports Club in the 2nd Bundesliga in Austria.

“I probably learned how to play football from my brother,” says Götsch today. So, at the age of seven, she joined FC Obermais, her hometown club. For a long time she was the only girl among a bunch of boys, but she never let it get her down: “I really enjoyed kicking from the start. But balancing it with music was always difficult. It was not uncommon for my parents to drive me straight from the soccer field to the concert hall.” Her brother Fabian currently plays for Burgstall in the 2nd amateur league. “The time with the Philharmonic football team showed me how much I love and need this sport.” The concert hall now takes up most of Andrea Götsch's life. But of all people, the Vienna Philharmonic football team brought them back to the green grass. During her time as a student in Salzburg, Götsch played for Lieferinger SV, but when she moved to Vienna, football disappeared from her world. When music emerged as a career choice, sport fell into the background. “Unintentional, but inevitable,” as Götsch emphasizes. Andrea Götsch plays for the Vienna sports club in the 2nd Bundesliga. © C. Hetterich

Ironically, it was precisely the position with the Vienna Philharmonic that brought the Merano native back to her sporting roots. “The time with the Philharmonic football team showed me how much I love and need this sport,” said the versatile Meran native. Two years ago he finally moved to the Vienna Sports Club, an institution in Austria and one of the oldest sports clubs in the country. The “Hernoiser” women’s team lives in the 2nd Bundesliga. Because Götsch's job means it is not always possible to take part in training and games, she is also used in the second team (plays in the Vienna State League/3rd League): “The long away trips in the 2nd Bundesliga are especially good rarely feasible for me. But our squad is very large and my coaches and teammates show great understanding for my situation. The orchestra takes priority, but I try to attend as many training sessions and games as possible.” “I think it’s generally difficult for women to make money in football.” Among the sporting highlights, Götsch counts a tournament with the South Tyrol team in Sardinia and a special game with Liefering: “My move was too late and so I only made it to the second half. We were 0-2 down, but with my support we were able to turn the game around and win 3-2.” Although she plays in the second division with the Vienna Sports Club, football is “just” a hobby for Götsch . Her wish: More attention for women's football.

With the Vienna Philharmonic, Götsch is sure to attract attention. The orchestra is considered one of the leading ensembles in the world. Even if many performances are currently falling victim to the coronavirus, the South Tyrolean will present herself to a large audience in the future. After all, no woman before her has managed to work as a clarinetist with the Vienna Philharmonic. She will also be found on the football field, because one thing is certain for Andrea Götsch: “Football and music both give me an incredible amount of joy in life.” Short & sweet: Andrea Götsch about… …the level in the 2nd Bundesliga for women: "What can I say? Of course very high! It’s best to just come and watch.”

…the time required to play in the 2nd league: “The time required is greater than my time allows. We train three times and have league games on the weekend. Unfortunately, I am not often able to be present because of the performances, rehearsals and concerts.”

…earnings in the 2nd Bundesliga: “I think it's very difficult for women to actually make money from football. For me it is definitely a pure hobby. However, I would think it would be very nice if women’s football gained more reputation and support.”

…the connection between football and music: “Football is very good for my job: fitness, concentration, action and reaction, teamwork, overview, creativity, conviction, speed and endurance are terms that are of great importance in both areas.”

…your sporting goals: “The main thing for me is to keep myself fit and to experience beautiful and exciting moments with the team. In addition to football, I also do other sports such as racing cycling, tennis and yoga. I always particularly look forward to the games with the Vienna Philharmonic Football Club.”

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The soccer player in the world-famous orchestra

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