Reyhan (17) grew up in Vienna. She is doing an apprenticeship to become a dental assistant. She got into football through school. Reyhan scores a lot of goals and has even scored a header. She describes herself as courageous, motivated and friendly.

Place of birth
Vienna

Education/profession
→ Apprenticeship as a dental assistant

I played football for the first time in the third year of secondary school. For three months, we played a tournament once a week in PE lessons. I didn't enjoy it as much with the boys, but I did enjoy playing with Kicken ohne Grenzen. My friend took me here in 2021. She later stopped, but I stayed.

     On my first day at Kicken ohne Grenzen, there were lots of girls there. At first, I didn't dare to talk, play or pass the ball. But then I thought to myself that I didn't need to be shy – just join in, just play. In the end, we all had a great day, talking, laughing and having fun together. Over time, I made friends. Unfortunately, I don't get to go to Kicken ohne Grenzen as often anymore because I don't have much time due to work and vocational school. But I did take part in the Girls Cup.

     The good thing about Kicken ohne Grenzen is that it makes you braver. And it gives you something to do. Before, I used to come home and immediately start playing on my mobile phone.

»But then I thought to myself that I didn't need to be shy – just join in, just play along.«

Now I go out with my friends and play football. Through Kicken ohne Grenzen, I have learned to be more open. I am actually very shy, but not so much anymore.

     When playing football, I don't just want to have fun, I also want to be successful. I am a striker. It is important to always be in an open position so that I can get the ball and score goals. I have to be focused, I have to run, I have to be alert. Maybe I'd like to become a professional footballer one day. After my apprenticeship, I might have time to play for another club. Before we played at school, I didn't really think about football.

     I've been training to be a dental assistant since September 2022. I'll finish my apprenticeship this year. Sometimes I come home very tired after work, but I like the job. I have a lot to do, so I don't get bored. I really enjoy taking X-rays – it's easy. I make splints, cast models and assist the dentist.

»Through Kicken ohne Grenzen, I have learned to be more open.«

I enjoy assisting with root canal treatment because it's interesting. When patients are afraid, I try to calm them down. I myself like going to the dentist. I've always been brave.

     My boss is very nice and funny. I can't complain. I work in Vienna-Ottakring and live only three stops away from my workplace. I attend vocational school in Burgenland. I'm there for a whole week, so I don't have much time.

     I didn't consciously choose the job, I just applied – and then they thought I was a good fit. It took me four or five months to find the apprenticeship. A school-leaving certificate wasn't an option for me. I wanted to work.

     I live with my family and have two siblings. My parents are originally from Turkey. I always spend the summer in Turkey. But I speak better German than Turkish.

     Where do I see myself in ten years? Good question. I'll be 27 then. Maybe I'll have my own flat, my own car. Maybe I'll want to become a dentist or a dental technician. In any case, I want to continue my education. In ten years, I'll still be playing football, I haven't given up. Maybe I'll have become a professional. Who knows?

»In ten years, I will still be playing football; I haven't given up.«

Fotos: Karo Pernegger
Interviews: Birgit Riezinger

Diese Geschichten wurden im Rahmen des 10-jährigen Jubiläums von Breaking Grounds protokolliert.