The Swiss international brings international experience, an eye for the decisive pass and trust in the team to Alanya. With Union Vrede, a new challenge awaits her at the World Winners Cup.

She loves dictating the game, setting up teammates and pulling off the occasional bicycle kick. But anyone listening to Andrea Morger talk about beach soccer quickly realises that her contribution goes far beyond what she does with the ball. Communicating, supporting others and continuing to believe together: that, too, is where she wants to make a difference.

The 30-year-old Swiss combines her work as a primary school teacher and football coach with a sport that has already taken her to clubs across various countries. From her first international cap in Nazaré to a goal in the European final against England: the sand has given her not only sporting highlights, but also lasting friendships and experiences.

At Union Vrede, she finds some familiar faces. Jordan Henrotin invited her to join; in Alanya, Andrea wants to use her experience for a women's team that still has plenty to discover together.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about Andrea off the pitch?

I'm Andrea Morger, 30 years old and from Switzerland. I work as a primary school teacher and as a football coach.

2. How did your football journey start and how did you discover beach soccer? What made you want to keep playing on the sand?

It all started with watching the 2006 World Cup and playing football in the street. After that, I joined FC Baar, a small club in a neighbouring village, where I played in a girls' team.

About ten years later, a friend from the first team invited me to my first beach soccer training session. I was immediately fascinated by the sport!

3. Which clubs have you played for and which experiences have helped you the most to grow as a player?

I have played for the following clubs:

Beach Kings Emmen (Switzerland)

BSC Barracudas Biel (Switzerland)

BSC Havana Shots Aargau (Switzerland)

Beach Teams Cévennes Meridionales (France)

Brussels Football Beachsoccer (Belgium)

Beach Soccer Santa Cruz (United States)

Enpie Málaga Beach Soccer (Spain)

Every match has helped me grow as a player. Being part of so many different teams and meeting so many fantastic people has been an immensely enriching experience.

4. How would you describe your style of play? In which role do you feel best and what qualities do you bring to a team?

I love dictating the play with my passing, providing assists and communicating well with my teammates. I also like supporting everyone, both on and off the pitch, and I love surprising people with bicycle kicks!

5. What does representing Switzerland mean to you? Do you remember how you felt when you wore the national jersey for the first time?

It's always a great honour to represent Switzerland. I remember being very nervous when I played for my country for the first time, in the big stadium in Nazaré.

6. Which match or moment with the Swiss national team holds a special place in your memory, and why?

There are two moments that stand out for me:

My first goal for the national team, in the European final against England in 2017.

Our first match in 2024, after I had spent the entire summer helping to rebuild the Swiss team and make it stronger.

7. What has international beach soccer taught you about performing, dealing with pressure and working together as a team?

It has taught me that with a strong team spirit, you can win any match. And even when you lose, you always take away unforgettable memories and valuable experience.

8. How did the opportunity to join Union Vrede come about, and what convinced you to take on this challenge?

Jordan asked me to join the team. It was a great opportunity to play together again. As soon as I got the green light from my school principal to take an extra week of holiday, I was in!

9. What are your first impressions of our women's team and how do you want to use your experience for the group?

I'm very happy to be playing with Jordan, Anaëlle and Lila again. We previously took part in the Euro Winners Cup together with Team Brussels. I'm also looking forward to getting to know all the other Belgian players better.

10. What helps you build trust and chemistry when joining a new team shortly before a tournament?

I took part in a few training sessions with the Belgian national team this summer, so I already know most of the players. Still, it's always nice to juggle the ball together a bit before the first match and have at least one team training session. That helps us get to know each other better and build a good understanding on the pitch.

11. What are your personal ambitions and expectations for the team at the World Winners Cup in Alanya? What will be essential to compete against strong international opponents?

My goal is to give everything on the pitch and have trust in everyone in the team. Playing against the other teams will be a challenge, as they have more experience playing together. But in beach soccer, you can win any match if you believe in yourself and enjoy the game!

12. What message would you like to share with the Union Vrede supporters and with young girls in Switzerland or Belgium who want to try beach soccer?

If you give it a try, keep going! Beach soccer isn't just a sport, it's a fantastic community. You get the chance to travel the world, meet incredible people and discover wonderful places.

A decisive pass, an unexpected bicycle kick or words of encouragement at just the right moment: Andrea aims to contribute in various ways. In Alanya, that versatility finds a new destination, starting from one core belief: keep believing in one another.