Fresh graduate Tuuli Viinikka was chosen for the first time in Helmarei last fall. Now he is graduating from high school.
Simo Arkko,
Sari Sirkki
The wind of Viinikan from the home, over the roofs of Kuopio, you can see the whole city and beyond. Viinikka looks to the future, especially now that she is graduating from high school.
– It has required a lot of work. Sometimes it’s been tough, but it’s been a very positive sky, Viinikka tells Urheilu about her high school experience.
High school allowed Viinika a few more years to think about her future. At the moment, however, further studies are not clear in mind, as Viinikka is focusing on his career as a football player.
Viinikka scored a total of six goals in 24 matches in the National League last season. The defender, who was called up to Helmari for the first time last fall, longs for international fields and especially for England.
– Now I can fully concentrate and put all my energy into football. Develop in the sport and become better. I hope I make a career out of this.
Born: in the year 2004.
Venue: Winger/defender.
Company: KuPS.
Matches: 43 matches in the National League and six goals.
Previous clubs: Lynx, HJS.
Got an invitation to Helmari last October.
Studies open
Putting studies on hold is possible, because Viinikka receives a salary at KuPS and gets by in her everyday life. He does not yet know when he will return to his studies.
– Studies should be continued at least at some point. When, I don’t know.
In terms of studies, Viinika has an interest in, for example, natural sciences, but everything is open to that as well.
Good grades
Viinikka is originally from Hämeenlinna and started high school in her hometown. Since then, he moved to Tampere to the sports department, where he got a lighter reading schedule.
In November, Viinikka moved to Kuopio because of his new club KuPS.
– Now in Kuopio I haven’t had to go to school so much. I just had to study myself, says Viinikka.
According to Viinika, the punishment was precisely reading the writings. He wrote the mother tongue, mathematics, biology, physics and chemistry.
– The grades were good in the end. The certificate is exactly as expected, says Viinikka.
Playing abroad would be cool
The hard work will be rewarded on Saturday, when Viinikka will wear the student cap. Just over a week later, he may also make his debut at KuPS after recovering from a leg injury.
– I’ve been waiting for both for a long time, so it feels good.
Finally, a classic question. Where will high school student Viinikka be in five years?
– I hope I will at least play football. Maybe abroad. That would be cool. I would study on the side, says Viinikka.