Part 2 Getting a Quick “Swiss Education!”

A quick recap of the first post about getting started with European football:

I had been looking for a way to get to Europe to coach football and a door finally opened starting my (mis)adventures in overseas! Through friend of a friend (isn’t that how it works!) I was connected with Giorgio Volpi of the Switzerland’s Junior National Football Team.

Now, back to reality!

Well, Giorgio arranges a Skype meeting to include four of us. (Remember Skype? I think it has gone the way now the dinosaurs thanks to Zoom).

Obviously for me this is going to be challenging right??? I can’t figure out how to get my email half of the time – how in the wide, wide world of sports will I figure out this thing called Skype??

But, I manage to figure out how to use Skype. Miracles do happen.

Four of us get together for a meet and greet type gathering. It turns out to be Giorgio, along with the General Manager of the Junior National team – Christian Krattiger, The National team Head Coach – Michel Spitznagel and the Junior coach for the Thun Tigers – Stephan Puliver. (Incidentally to this day – 9 years later – we all remain good friends.)

Again, at this point I’m still amazed that I can operate Skype!

So we commence the Skype and they tell me that they would love to have me come to Europe and help coach with the Junior National team of Switzerland. It would be for a three week or so operation that would include a training camp in place called Zuchwil.

After the training camp we would head to Amsterdam in The Netherlands to play games. Competition against Germany, Spain and the Dutch teams. Apparently we had drawn the German team for the opening round.

The Germans have one of the premier teams in all of Europe – so, we would have our work cut out for us. But, seriously until I see the video of our opponents and actually see our team – what do I know??

But, the Skype itself was really interesting. I quickly explained that I did not speak any Swiss. This elicited a laugh from all. Giorgio explained that there was no “Swiss” language.

In Switzerland there are four languages spoken – Three main ones. French, German and Italian are spoken throughout the country (mostly depending on where you lived). An old dialect – Romansch is spoken in a few remote areas I guess.

My apprehension over a language barrier was quickly ended. All three of the guys on the Skype meeting spoke perfect English.

…It’s embarrassing that while these guys weren’t just bilingual they were multilingual. Here I am able to speak just English.

We worked through some details … transportation, housing and what they would expect of me while I was in Switzerland. Basically it was going to be a great collaboration the way it was presented.

Oh yeah, they did ask me if I wanted to have a car. But, I told them “Hell no, I don’t want to drive on the wrong side of the road!”

More laughter … Other than the old English protectorates (Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, India and several others) driving in Switzerland is like it is here in the states. Same side of the road – basically the same rules of the road.

Still, I assured them that I didn’t need a car as long as I could get to wherever I needed to be with their help. They assured me that transportation would be provided.

Well – now I’m on board and we will get going in July – a few months away.

Next up – the trip itself and the true “Swiss Experience” takes place!