12 Questions with Sabrina
Sabrina works full-time at a large dental practice in Innsbruck in reception and back office. For four years she has also volunteered with the Raiders Tirol together with her husband. In the EFA Talk, she speaks about her path to the Raiders, her work in equipment management, gamedays behind the scenes and the special Raiders family in Innsbruck.
Sabrina shows impressively how much heart, organisation and passion go into the work behind the scenes. From preparing equipment to support on gameday, she and the staff make sure players and coaches can fully focus on football.
How did you originally get involved with the Raiders Tirol?
In 2023 there was a volunteer call on social media, and I applied straight away together with my husband. He applied as an assistant coach, and I applied for equipment management and sideline support.
What made you want to volunteer in football?
I am more of an introverted person, so applying for a job like this was already a small challenge for me. At the same time, I wanted to find a hobby that would allow me to be outside, meet new people and learn even more about the sport. As a football fan, getting the chance to stand directly on the field and be so close to the team is something you simply have to take.
What does a typical gameday look like for you?
A typical gameday usually starts for us on Thursday or Friday at the American Football Zentrum, where all the equipment is stored. We pack the complete gameday gear for the players, meaning jerseys, pants and socks, as well as all sideline equipment. For home games at Tivoli Stadion, every player has a fixed spot in the locker room. We hang the uniform directly at that spot so everything is ready when they arrive at the stadium. For away games, the uniforms are folded into packages and handed out to the players on site. After that, the sideline is set up and warm-ups begin. During the game, the sideline action starts. There must always be enough water and isotonic drinks available. After every drive, players immediately get a bottle of water in their hands. Broken equipment is repaired or replaced as quickly as possible. We also provide fresh fruit, nuts, glucose and energy bars. After the game, the sideline is taken down again and the gameday uniforms as well as forgotten items are collected. Gloves or visors in particular are often left on the field. For away games, everything is loaded back onto the bus; for home games, it is just a short walk back across the street to the American Football Zentrum. There we immediately start the first load of laundry so everything is ready again for the next game.
What are your tasks as a volunteer with the Raiders Tirol?
I am responsible for preparing and managing the entire equipment setup. That includes helmets, shoulder pads, jerseys, pants, visors and mouthguards. Everything has to be complete, clean and ready for use. At the start of the season, players receive their helmets, shoulder pads and practice gear, which they keep throughout the season. Another important part is the individual fitting of the equipment. Helmets have to fit exactly, otherwise both comfort and player safety suffer. The same applies to shoulder pads. Maintenance and repairs are also part of the job. Small screws on helmets are lost quickly, and shoulder pads can also tear. During a gameday, we try to repair everything as quickly as possible. In the days afterwards, the equipment is then thoroughly fixed so the same problems do not immediately happen again. Cleaning the gameday uniforms at the American Football Zentrum is also part of our responsibilities. We are responsible for making sure players and coaches can fully concentrate on their tasks and rely on having everything they need.
What makes the behind-the-scenes work special for you?
Meeting new people every year, seeing long-time players again after the offseason and experiencing up close how a team of old and new players grows into a family. I do not like being the centre of attention, but this way I am still right in the middle of it.
Is there a moment with the Raiders that has stayed especially memorable for you?
By now I have been able to take away many special moments. But there was one particularly beautiful moment for me. In 2024, the two of us equipment managers were invited to a teambuilding event. There was a trip to a lake and we stayed overnight there. In the evening there was a barbecue. Afterwards, the Rookie Show took place, and we were invited to that as well. For us, that was a huge honour and also showed a lot of trust in us. Because what happens at the Rookie Show stays there. Later that evening we all sat around the campfire. That was the moment when I felt 100 percent like part of the team. Whether player, coach or staff — we are one team.
How would you describe the Raiders family and the atmosphere in Innsbruck?
At the Raiders Tirol it is not only about football, but about togetherness. People know each other, help each other, and new people immediately find a place as if they had always been there. The panorama alone that you get at Tivoli Stadion makes it special. But the atmosphere you experience in the stadium comes from the heart. You can hear that too. Win or lose, the fans make noise and support the team.
What do fans often not realise about the work of volunteers?
How much time is invested for the team — although for me it is also quality time. Thanks to the volunteer programme, I met one of my best friends, and I get to do equipment management together with her. Three times a week we are at evening practice, and on weekends we are at gamedays. We are already in the stadium four or five hours before kickoff to prepare the locker rooms perfectly. But we enjoy it, especially paying attention to small details and making everything perfect.
What is the best thing about being part of a football gameday?
When you are part of the staff or a volunteer, you are no longer just a spectator. You can contribute to making gameday a great day for the team and the fans. The excitement before kickoff, the pure joy on the sideline after a touchdown and being able to experience the team’s energy and emotions so close from the sideline — that is something very special.
How important are volunteers for European football in your opinion?
It takes people who dedicate their free time out of love for their club and passion for the sport in order to give others an experience and make gameday possible. When you consider how many volunteers are involved on a gameday — sideline crew, chain and ball crew, social media, gameday organisation and many more — football in Europe would probably have a much harder time without these volunteers.
What would you say to people who are thinking about volunteering for a football team themselves?
Just do it! I would apply again at any time. I am lucky enough to see new cities every year. I invest my time and passion, and I get to travel and spend time with people who matter to me. Seeing new stadiums, meeting other teams and supporting people in their hobby is something really beautiful.
What do you wish for the future of the Raiders Tirol and European football?
As with everything in life, there are highs and lows. Now it is finally time for another high. For the Raiders Tirol and European football, I hope it continues to grow while staying true to itself. More attention, better structures and strong youth development — without losing that special family feeling that defines our team.
A big thank-you to Sabrina for her open and personal answers. Her behind-the-scenes perspective shows how important volunteers are for a functioning team and for European football as a whole. People like her are what make the sport special.