Book: Lias Football Journey
by Meret Yannice Wälti and KALEIO für Mädchen (und den Rest der Welt)
The Idea Behind the Book
Lia Wälti has always dreamed of publishing a children’s book because she grew up with books herself. Now, together with her sister Meret, she is set to fulfill that dream just before the 2025 European Championships take place at home in Switzerland. The book for children aged 8 and over, created in collaboration with KALEIO - the makers of the empowering print magazine KALEIO for Girls (and the Rest of the World) - is an (almost) biographical story. It follows Lia’s journey, from her first steps in football to her daily life at football boarding school and the challenges she overcomes together with her friends. The book is due to be published in April 2025 and will be available in German, French, English and Italian in all standard bookshops.
In this crowdfunding campaign, you can get some great and exclusive merch products. Below you can see what they will look like (with possible small changes) ⬇️
The rewards can only be shipped within Europe (they will be sent in mid April). If you would like to support us from outside Europe, please only donate without choosing a product.
‼️ IMPORTANT: If you pre-order a book, please make sure that you select the book in your desired language!
Some goodies are only available in certain languages - please read carefully to make sure you order the right one 🥰
👕 The limited edition Adidas shirt! Exclusively designed for our crowdfunding! (The shirt is available in a symbolic ONE SIZE, approx. M). 
💧The exclusive SIGG drinking bottle is sustainable, BPA-free and has a high-quality design - a practical companion for training or travelling! 
🎨⚽ The colouring book will make little football fans smile - with great colouring pages around Lia's adventures! 
✨⚽ You can decorate your laptop, water bottle or room with our stickers! 
📚 Lias Football Journey - You can pre-order the book itself or even get it signed! 
✨The sports issue of KALEIO magazine contains an exclusive portrait of Lia Wälti and is perfect for all bookworms! (only available in German and French) 
The KALEIO annual subscription offers girls inspiration for a whole year ✨ (only available in German and French)
Helping Girls Grow Without Holding Themselves Back
The children’s book «Lia’s Football Journey - Chasing the Dream» aims to create female role models in a male-dominated sport that has long excluded and disadvantaged girls and women. It is intended to motivate children - and girls in particular - to play football and encourage them not to be discouraged. It reminds them that they too can find the power within themselves and achieve great things.
Meret and Lia in a training of the Football Club Langnau, where they started to play football. 
Lia in her element. 
Lia playing with the boys at Bern West. 
Meret and Lia reading a book together. 
Lia at a girls' tournament in her home village of Langnau. 
Captain Lia in a match with the national team.
Why We Need Your Support
We are fortunate to have already received generous support from several sponsors and donors, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. However, as the book will be published in four languages, the production costs - covering illustration, graphic design, printing, distribution, marketing etc. - are very high. These costs can only be partially covered by the sponsors, which is why we are turning to crowdfunding to bring this project to life.
Thank you so much for your support - you make this project possible!
Lia and Meret with their grandmother's blanket, a central element of the book. 
Two sisters, one team - different, yet inseparable.