already brilliant: Women's football is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. In your opinion, what factors are contributing to the fact that interest in women's football has increased so much in recent years?
Benjamin Stolte: One decisive factor is certainly the increased support from large football clubs that are traditionally active in men's football. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG and others have built up their women's teams and advertised them on their established platforms. This allows them to reach a wide audience and generate an enormous reach. An impressive example of this was the match between Wacker Innsbruck and Real Madrid, which was broadcast live on Real Madrid TV and watched by more than 10 million people. This shows the potential of combining big clubs and women's football.
already brilliant: What does the development process look like to find talented players for the LASK women's team? What qualities and characteristics are you particularly looking for?
Benjamin Stolte: We attach great importance to identifying players who are not only talented on the pitch, but who also have the right personal characteristics and qualities to become part of our team. We use a comprehensive scouting system to find talented players. Our talent development begins with special scouting training sessions in which we assess the technical, tactical, mental and athletic abilities of the players. Our academy coaches are always active in scouting promising players and we are also present in regional and national competitions to keep an eye out for talent.
That's brilliant: What role do youth programmes and youth academies play in identifying and developing football talent in Austria?
Walter Weiss: Youth academies - such as our LASK Academy - play a very important role. The girls' football section of the LASK Academy Upper Austria offers young players the opportunity to play football at a professional level in Upper Austria, while at the same time completing their school education at a partner school. Our academy aims to provide girls with the best possible support in their sporting, academic and personal development.
already brilliant: How do you encourage the motivation of the players in your team, especially during difficult phases or during intensive training periods?
Benjamin Stolte: In football, it is important to understand that it is made up of snapshots. Performances can fluctuate from game to game, just like share prices. However, the journey itself is the goal, and we always remind ourselves that defeats are important learning experiences that help us move forward on our development path. In challenging phases, we try to keep our players motivated by combining training sessions with fun games that bring joy to the players, because the joy of the game is the best motivation.
That's brilliant: What significance does the promotion of women in football have for LASK's entire sporting culture and for the region?
Benjamin Stolte: The promotion of women in football is of immense importance for LASK and the entire sporting culture of the region. It shows that we as a club are prepared to think "out of the box" and focus on women in football. Equality is a core value, and why shouldn't a woman be able to have the same technical skills as a man on the pitch? Upper Austria has some very well-positioned teams in women's football. Local derbies, especially if we succeed in gaining promotion this year, can become regular spectator magnets and have the potential to attract large numbers of spectators to the stadium.
That's brilliant: How do you see the future of women's football at LASK and in Austria as a whole?
Benjamin Stolte: Our goal is to become the clear number one in Upper Austria and to further strengthen our presence in the region. We have the opportunity to promote women's football throughout Austria, particularly by increasing stadium attendances and improving marketing. Austria has established itself as a training country for talented footballers and many Austrian players have already found their way into the German Bundesliga.
schon genial: What advice do you have for young girls who dream of becoming a professional footballer and perhaps one day being part of the LASK women's team?
Benjamin Stolte: My advice is to look at the opportunities that LASK offers. Talent is undoubtedly important, but it's not enough on its own. The path to professional football requires immense determination and the will to give up many things. It often means sacrificing time with friends and leisure activities. A decisive factor that often determines success or failure is the right "mindset". For professional female footballers, football is the centre of their lives and they must be prepared to fully commit to this goal. It's not easy, but it's necessary.
We at schon genial think the LASK women are already brilliant!
