Noemi's football boots have been an integral part of her luggage for many years. On the occasion of the upcoming Women's European Football Championship, we met Noemi Ivelj and other players such as Alayah Pilgrim at the training camp in idyllic Saillon in Valais. For the SWISS Magazine, we spoke to them about their careers, unforgettable moments and personal travel rituals.
Getting into football came naturally to Noemi - and very early on. "I basically learned to walk with a ball," she says. "My father was my first role model. He used to be a professional footballer and later worked as a coach." She often accompanied him at weekends to watch his matches. She also played football for his club from an early age. This is how Noemi's passion was born: "I knew football would play an important role in my life." Today, the 18-year-old midfielder and defender for the national team is one of the biggest talents in women's football in Switzerland.
"Noemi, what five things should definitely not be missing from your European Championship suitcase?"
"My most important must-have? Definitely my perfume," Noemi answers without thinking. "I just like to feel good, and for me that includes the scent." The list goes on: a power bank, because she never actually has a battery, a hairbrush, music on her headphones and, of course, lip balm. "It's become such a thing, especially before games. If I'm nervous and have dry lips, it calms me down to apply it briefly. Even if I don't always need it, I always have it with me. It makes me feel good and is definitely my lucky charm."
It continues with a little snack quiz in which teammate Alayah Pilgrim has to guess which power snack Noemi goes for before a football match. She surprisingly hits the mark: "Cake," laughs Noemi. On private trips, however, she opts for something healthier, but says with a wink: "I love rice cakes, even with chocolate. Or with the little SWISS chocolate bar, that would be the perfect combination!"
And what would Noemi secretly sneak into her fellow national team players’ luggage? "I would simply put something really heavy in Sydney Schertenleib's suitcase, preferably stones. So heavy that she has to stop for a moment and wonder why her luggage is suddenly so heavy," laughs Noemi. For Ramona Bachmann, she would rather have something playful in her luggage: "A cuddly toy that makes noises. I'm sure she'd find that really cute."
When packing their suitcases, it quickly becomes clear who is organized how. In the game “Who’s more likely to…?” Noemi and Alayah each hold up a sign with the name of the person the statement fits best.
This reveals some differences between the two of them. Noemi admits that she often packs at the last minute and sometimes almost has to leave while her luggage is still open. She says with a laugh: "I'm more of a 'last second' and sometimes put off packing."
It works better for Noemi with a checklist. She has a list on her cell phone that she takes out again and again. Although she doesn't describe herself as a minimalist, she travels lighter than Alayah. Her mother warned her early on not to take too much with her.
Noemi has also found her way when it comes to packing. She sorts her clothes into small travel bags - for example, underwear, pants, leisure and sports clothes - depending on whether she is traveling with the national team or privately.
Who unpacks the suitcase last? Clearly Noemi, they both agree. "I have a lot of clothes and it usually takes me a while to unpack and wash everything," she explains.
Travel and career moments that stay with you: From Spain to Estonia and a very special place in Croatia
Which place has shaped Noemi the most? "Spain," says the footballer immediately. "I made my debut for the national team there. I don't even remember what the place was called, but I'll never forget the feeling. I was 16 at the time, it came as a complete surprise. That was my start."
Estonia brings back another formative memory. "That was at the U17 European Championships. All the teams from different countries were in the same hotel," she says. It was a great experience, especially because of the people. It also allowed her to get to know players from other nations. They even made it to the semi-finals, which was something very special for her. As captain, she scored the decisive penalty against Germany. A moment she will never forget.
And which private trip remains particularly close to your heart? For Noemi, it's definitely Croatia. "My father is from there. We've been going to Dalmatia every summer since I was little," she says. She loves being outdoors, the sea, the boat, the language and the culture. Her favorite thing to do is to ride on the giant inflatables in the water, she explains with a laugh. That may sound childish, but she loves it anyway. Of course there are sometimes bruises, but it's just fun, she emphasizes.
Between tournament calendar and school bench: how to master high school and the national team at the same time
"I always wanted both school and football," says Noemi. She says it's very strict, but she's happy to have support. It wouldn't be possible without it. Between training, exams and international travel, she needs discipline and good self-organization. Nevertheless, sometimes she just wants to get on a plane and get away - preferably to Croatia or Tokyo, which she has wanted to visit for a long time.
Finally, we play a short round of "This or That: Travel Edition ".
• Window seat or aisle seat? Window seat. I like to look out, it gives me a feeling of security.
• Check in online or at the counter? Always online. And so far I've never forgotten to check in!
• Ski vacation or beach vacation? Definitely a beach vacation in the Mediterranean.
• Blanket or travel pillow? Travel pillow. Practical and cozy.
• Boarding: front or back of the queue? Preferably right at the end. After all, I have my seat.
• With a travel guide or spontaneously? Spontaneously! I love to be surprised.
Noemi is ready. Her suitcase is almost packed and her goal is clear: she wants to show what she's made of on the pitch.
As a little surprise, we slipped an inflatable SWISS plane into her luggage, perfect for a relaxing day at the beach or some fun on the giant inflatables in the water after the European Championships.
Did you like the article? Then stay tuned. In the next issue, we will continue to follow the national team and introduce a goalkeeper and her coach. Who exactly is that? Let us surprise you!
