Just ahead of the summer break, the Youth Academy’s goalkeepers held a special session under the guidance of Israel Ainy. Keepers between the ages of 8-19 took part in the seminar where various important materials were reviewed with the objective of giving more information to the aspiring shot stoppers. The Head of the Goalkeeping Department at the Academy Israel Ainy reviewed the season results and saw how the philosophy of the department impacted the keepers. The other coaches also gave their point of view as to the campaign just before the summer vacation.

Ainy summed up the event: “The symposium focused on some of the professional aspects of being a goalkeeper from the technique and tactical side which included, preventing goals, kicking the ball, building the game beginning with the keeper, adjusting and meeting the high professional standards, the mental side of the game, leadership and coping with pressure.”

Ainy continued discussing his work at the Academy:
“I began working at the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy a year and three months ago as my philosophy was in line with that of the Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen and we’ve been able to work hand in hand ever since my arrival.”

Looking ahead:
“Due to the success across the Youth Academy this past season, we’ve set our goals very high to continue advancing the keepers both on an individual and club level. We are looking to continue to achieve new heights with an emphasis on stability.”