Player Feature: Tobias Wimmer

Tobias Wimmer has been Edgewater Castle FC Men’s First Team’s defensive anchor at left back ever since joining the club in 2020. In this part of our Player Feature series, Wimmer reflects on his European career, his time at ECFC, and his favorite memories over his five years at the club.

What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?

“I remember when I was like two, I was at the park with my dad. It was the middle of winter, it was snowing and he had a red soccer ball. We were just kicking it around, and I just remember bouncing it around in the snow and really enjoying it. I then just played [soccer] casually throughout high school and then realized that, ‘Hey, I want to take [playing] a little bit further than just high school.’ I tried to play in college and then realized that that was too expensive, so I then moved to Europe and continued to play there. Then, during COVID, I really understood that all I want to do is play soccer and stay active. I trained a lot during that time, and when I moved back to the US, I saw a bunch of opportunities open up, and they all really helped me grow as a player. I would say for sure that I am a late bloomer into the game.”

What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?

“Probably making sure to, once you’re part of a team, integrate yourself into the team and become a consistent kind of contributor. I think a big part of it is being able to adjust to different coaches. For me, [soccer] has always been very interconnected to the coach that I’m playing for. So, depending on who’s coaching or who our coach was, sometimes I would play really well and sometimes I would have off days. For me, a big part of it is just [overcoming the] mental battles, making sure that I know that the game is in my hand, and that if I get the opportunity to play, I basically just [have to] showcase my full ability and not hold back and not overthink too much.”

Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?

“In my overall career, I would say my coach from Germany [Nico Altman, a part of the training coaches for WSV Aschau]. When I was there, he really took me under his wing in 2018 and guided me through the whole improvement process and would be constantly there for support. Even after I left the club, he would check in on me to see how I’m doing, asking to see videos. He was just always influencing me to push to the next level [of playing] and to keep trying.”

Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?

“Getting to the stage I am now [as a player]. I didn’t think that [the level I am playing at right now] was always kind of a reach. I’m just proud of being at this level and still being able to continue to play with people who have played in college. For someone who didn’t play in college necessarily, I think it’s motivating to me to know [that I can play at their level].”

What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the offseason?

“When I joined the club [in 2020], I was still a [college] student, so it was a lot different back then. It was a lot more focused during the day on learning, making sure to get things done early so that in the evening I have time to train. I would say the off season was very focused on staying active while also building strength. In the season, a lot more focused on speed training, making sure that I get a lot of touches on the ball and training with [the Men’s First Team squad]. Now that I’m working [as a project engineer], it’s hard to go to the gym as often because if we’re training in the evenings, the only option I have is night. But at the same time, as an athlete, I think sleep is also very important. As I get older, I think it’s very important to always keep in mind how you’re feeling on a specific day, because there’s just so much that you can’t control.”

 How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?

“I think at the end of the day, just remembering that I just need to have fun [while playing soccer]. I enjoy playing this game, and I just need to make sure to trust [in my own playing ability].” 

If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

“Most likely, I’d be coaching.”

Why did you join ECFC?  

“A big component for me was the community that [ECFC] was building. The first time that I came over [for a tryout], I met [ECFC President and General Manager Andrew Swanson], and he was just very supportive, always asking questions and being very inviting. That kind of atmosphere lifted me and really motivated me [to play for the club].”

What has been your favorite memory with the team?

“My favorite memory for sure was coming so close to winning the [Illinois State Cup in 2023]. That was pretty great. And I think, honestly, just building the club together through the years and staying at the club and seeing how it grows and creating our own identity. Last year went well, when we won against some rivals like [AFC Roscoe].”

What is your favorite pregame song?

“Tripping by Bunt.”

Who’s your favorite soccer player?

“For sure I would say [Bastian] Schweinsteiger.”

What’s your favorite pregame meal?

“Probably just eggs and toast and sometimes an espresso shot, depending on how I’m feeling.”

What advice would you give to young players who want to continue playing soccer in their adult life?

“Just enjoy. At the end of the day, you do want to better yourself, but have fun on the field because you’re putting so much effort into this sport. If you make a mistake, that’s okay. It’s all about [learning from it]. In the moment, just enjoy [playing soccer], continue to become better and push yourself and everything will fall into place.”