Jascha Haldemann, floorball player, at Padea

Jascha Haldemann has been playing floorball since childhood with Floorball Köniz Bern and has big ambitions. Thanks to his position with our partner Padea, the 21-year-old manages to balance elite sports, education, and work in his everyday life.

How did your family influence your path as a floorball player?

In our family, floorball is a family affair. I grew up in a big family with four brothers and two sisters. All the boys played floorball — two of them still do. That’s how I grew into it. I’ve played at Floorball Köniz since childhood, and I even had the chance to play on the same line as one of my brothers in the first team — that was a great experience. And when I play against my brother Cyrill, who plays for GC Zürich, it turns into a small family event.

Is there any rivalry between you and your brothers?

Of course. My brothers are five to six years older than me, so they have a bit of a head start. But I managed to win the silver medal at the U19 European Championship in Denmark — so I’m one step ahead of them there (laughs). I think I’m on a good path to maybe becoming even more successful than they are.

The U19 European Championship was an amazing experience that I worked hard for, and I’m very proud of our performance.

You’re doing vocational school and working at Padea — doesn’t floorball get neglected?

Good organization is definitely key. I work 50% at Padea and am completing a vocational baccalaureate for elite athletes. That leaves me enough time for individual training sessions in addition to team practices. On top of that, I have an employer in Padea who is very sports-minded — which means there’s a lot of understanding and, more importantly, flexibility.

Padea – just a stepping stone, or more than that?

After my administrative training with the City of Bern, it was important for me to move into the private sector. I also didn’t want to be “the apprentice” anymore.

At Padea, there are two of us responsible for German-speaking Switzerland, and my supervisor Michel Rolli makes me feel like we’re on equal footing. I also enjoy the mix of routine and variety. Topics like mortgages and life insurance really interest me.

It’s important for me to keep a foot in the working world, gain experience, and continue developing professionally as well.

Still, flexibility and location are key to making everything work. My workplace, the training hall, and the gym for individual workouts are all within walking distance.

His supervisor Michel Rolli is also impressed: “Even though his knowledge of the finance industry, especially in property and mortgage financing, was initially limited, he has always expanded it with curiosity and interest. Jascha is a team player, optimistic, and — despite his freedoms due to his athletic commitments — very reliable. He is young, dynamic, and eager to grow. I really appreciate that.”

Jascha, you spend a lot of time and give up free time. Your goals must be high?

I’m still a young player. So first I want to establish myself in the NLA before I pack my bags and move north. But my goal is clearly the Swedish league, because that’s where the best players are.

One step at a time. I still have one year to go before I finish my vocational baccalaureate, so I’ll definitely play the upcoming season for Köniz. But I plan season by season. If the opportunity comes, I won’t need long to decide.

Why you, of all people?

I’m a defender — I’m physical, I love blocking shots, and I try to lead by example. I’m disciplined and willing to put in the extra work to improve. And most importantly — I love this sport.