#supporterstories – Claudia and Carina Aichernig
#supporterstories – Claudia and Carina Aichernig
No encounter between our she-wolves goes by without the two fun-loving Tyrolean women in the stands. No matter whether Potsdam, Prague or St. Pölten – the mother-daughter team from Telfs, Claudia and Carina Aichernig, are always there! “In the fall of 2019, we were there at all the she-wolves’ encounters and loudly supported the team,” says mother Claudia proudly. Together with their daughter Carina, no journey is too far for the two Tyrolean women, who always travel by train.
It all started in 2016, at the Olympic Games in Rio. Carina Aichernig was particularly fond of the women's football tournament here. Germany's Olympic victory, the surprisingly early exit of defending champions USA, the courageous Swedes - all these memories have triggered something of a fever for women's football. A year later, the Austrians' successful run once again captivated the young woman from Telfs. When the visit to our she-wolf duel in Kössen was on the agenda that same year, it was clear to mother and daughter: “The SKN is a club close to our hearts!”
Every weekend the two Tyrolean women set out to follow their wolves up close. Both also accept numerous hardships. “We often get up very early and then sit for 4.5 hours in the direction of St. Pölten. Then, first of all, we have a proper brunch,” says mother Claudia about the weekly ritual. Daughter Carina often has her learning materials in her backpack on long journeys, mother Claudia always has her e-book at hand and thus developed her passion for reading. “I got into football because of my daughter’s enthusiasm. As a Tyrolean, you know your way around winter sports, but I was never really interested in the round leather before,” admits Claudia Aichernig. Nothing can go wrong on the drive home. Often they both arrive home on the very last train to Telfs. After a detailed analysis, hobby photographer Carina then uploads her pictures to Instagram. “We laugh together and mourn together when things don’t go well. This time together really bonds my daughter and me together,” reveals Claudia.
Vágó jersey as a special souvenir
Claudia works as a service assistant in a car dealership in her home town of Telfs. She first gained a foothold in her professional life in her parents' textile business. “Often the entire vacation is spent on football,” she laughs. Daughter Carina made good use of all the time on the train and graduated from business school last year. “I definitely want to do something in the football business,” says the young Tyrolean about her chosen career. In addition to the women of the SKN, the daughter's heart beats for SK Rapid Vienna. She was particularly impressed by the team and the atmosphere in the stands. “I have already seen Rapid live five times. If it doesn't work out, I'll sit in front of the TV in the Rapid jersey and keep my fingers crossed for the team," says Carina.
Numerous beautiful memories have been accumulated over the last few years. The 2019 cup final is right at the forefront, when player-coach Fanni Vágó gave Carina her jersey after her last game in the SKN dress for the time being. The picture together with Liese Brancao and the winner's cup was also very special for the two Tyroleans. “Those kinds of memories make your eyes watery,” admits Claudia Aichernig. The Tyrolean women were particularly stressed on Mother's Day weekend 2019. On Friday they went to Prague to attend a training session for the women's team from Sparta Prague. Saturday after the Prague championship game we took the night train back to Tyrol, as our away game against Wacker Innsbruck was taking place there on Sunday in the Tivoli Stadium. Monday, just a few hours after a truly exhausting weekend, Carina took an important exam. “But everything went well,” grins the young Tyrolean.
When it comes to the team, the fan comes first.
In the meantime, some SKN fan items have been collected at Aichernig. Among the numerous jerseys, scarves and autograph cards there are also very special examples that are not available for purchase. “I’m very proud of the SKN sweater that Li gave me,” says Carina happily. “It is this family atmosphere that particularly impresses us. Everyone is really friendly, greets us when they see us and always has time for a quick chat. If, like a few years ago in Haus im Ennstal, the entire team is taken off the bus by the sports director before the trip home for a photo with us and all the players are happy to do this without batting an eyelid, then that says it all "It says a lot about the team's appreciation for its fans," says mother Claudia, impressed.
