Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Kiryat Shemona, 11:30 Ramle
Guy Tzarfati’s squad will look to pick up another win and end their season on a high note. The young Yellow & Blue will host the northern side who find themselves in 4th place on the final Matchday of the Youth Ligat Ha’Al campaign as they look to sew up 2nd place.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Kiryat Shemona, 11:30 Kiryat Shalom
The Under-17 side will also face the northern club after taking home the Double by winning the league last Saturday and picking up the State Cup by defeating Maccabi Haifa this past Wednesday. With two Matchdays remaining in the season, Eliezer Ben Aharon’s team will look to keep up the positive momentum.

Hapoel Raanana – Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv, 08:30 Raanana Park North Synthetic
Amir Sofer’s squad will play their last match of the season when they visit the Sharon Club. After back to back victories, the Under-15 North side will look to continue their fine play of late and end the season on a positive note as they will finish the campaign in 4th place regardless of Saturday’s result.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv defeated Gadna “Roni” Tel Aviv 8:0 to end their season off in style. Bar Cohen and Raava Asayag scored braces while Gil Ben Shalosh, Asaf Hershko, Tal Yudayev and Omer Itzhak found the back of the goal as well. Head Coach Alon Brumer said: “We totally controlled the play and we took advantage of many opportunities while our defense didn’t allow our opponents any chances. We had a good match.” The Under-16’s finished their season in 3rd place.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv, the Under-15 South club ended their season in a respectable 3rd place.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv Sports Science Department and the Wingate Institute for Physical Education and Sports are continuing their successful Training Principles in Modern Football course. The course which includes 60 academic hours over 12 meetings takes place at the Kiryat Shalom Training Facility. Lecturers include Dr. Antonio Dello Iacono, Course Coordinator, the Youth Department’s Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen, Raymond Atteveld and other coaches from the department.

This past week, the eighth meeting of the course took place. The first part of the lecture discussed goalkeeper training sessions and the youth department’s new philosophy concerning the subject. During the next portion of the class, Dr. Antonio Dello Iacono spoke about “Football Fitness” and explained how long-term training can be planned with a methodology based on scientific principles.

Jordi Cruyff, the Club’s Sports Director was the final speaker of the day and for the most part took a variety of questions in an open forum. The students asked about his management principles and philosophy such as changing Club policy or the youth department to professional elements including the principles of choosing a coach, the method and style of play and finding players that are available in the market to fit the needs of the club. Cruyff explained that the experience he gained by once being a player helps him tremendously in his current role especially when it comes to making changes.

This past Saturday, Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, the Under-17 side won the league championship title and this coming Wednesday, the young Yellow & Blue will look to take home the double when they face Maccabi Haifa for the State Cup. After a fantastic season, we sat down with Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon who spoke about the campaign that was and his experience working with the new professional staff under Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen.

How did you arrive at Maccabi?
“That’s an interesting story. I went to watch a final which was a Under-17 Derby and I was looking at the coaches on the sidelines and I thought to myself that I wanted to be in that exact same spot. There was an Israel Football Association professional course that began a few months later and I met Nir Levin, the professional director of the youth department at the time and I asked him a number of questions. I also then began going to watch the training sessions at Kiryat Shalom and I decided that I had to find my way into the system. Over the next little while, I built a training regimen for players and I presented it to Nir who liked it and asked me if I would run the Football School. I stayed in that role for six years and then went on to coach the Under-16 club and then after one season in that position I moved up to the Under-17 side.”

Summing up the season so far:
“You can really see how the team jelled together and improved over the course of the season. Increasing the work rate, learning new things to go along with the responsibility and the will to succeed was the way we were able to record the good results that we have had up to now.”

Ben Aharon continued:
“Personally, it was a very challenging and difficult season. It’s not easy to make such big changes after doing things a certain way for so long. Patrick van Leeuwen came in at the beginning of the season and demanded that we forget everything that we knew and begin learning football the way that he believes in. I began to learn, change and move on to a brand new path that was also very organized with the new staff. I know that my goal as a member of the Maccabi youth department is to reach the same goals that we have set as a club.”
Working under a new youth department director:
“The work is different, challenging and interesting. Everyone in the department trains the same way, plays the same style, works by the training manual and participates in presentations and lectures that help enrich us. We also work with the latest technology including GPS and the C Sharp program. But what really makes the department unique is that we are all equal, from the Under-19 coach to the coaches in the football schools. There are no short cuts or cutting corners but there is a set way and there is patience to learn and to teach. The training sessions take place on a full pitch (that wasn’t the case beforehand), the staff is composed of 4 professionals, a coach, assistant coach, goalkeeping coach, fitness coach in addition to a roving psychologist that goes from team to team.”

Influence on the club:
“My ability to influence comes from the belief in the new system. I believed right away that if I wanted my players to understand and buy into the new way of training, that I myself had to believe in them, learn all about them and then enforce them. My experience with youth also helped in this process.”

Feeling a change and improvement within the team:
“Over the course of the season there were times where I felt that the team was moving forward and improving and then there were times when we went through a tough patch. From my experiences the season is a process and there are times when you slow down but the ultimate goal is to always bring the club back to the top, to a point which was even better than the last. During the campaign, I felt that the team had faith and belief all the way through and that could also be seen in the victories that we recorded in the last few minutes of a match. Some will say that it was luck, I say that it was because of hard work. The Championship is the goal by perseverance and dedication for a full season.”
Players moving up to the Under-19 side next season:
“At the start of the season I had a goal to have at least 10 players advance to the Under-19 squad. I still believe that this is a possibility and I hope that it occurs. Of course, the decision is made by the performances over the course of the season and future potential. The final decisions are made by a number of professionals and coaches.”

Stars of the season:
“To begin with I have to commend my assistant coach Leon Asraf, I believe that I am very lucky that he is with me and I couldn’t have asked for a better assistant. I also want to point out the quality people and large staff that we have including Guy Nachshon, fitness coach Gal, along with Ilan and Antonio who always supported me. In reference to the players it’s difficult to pick the best ones because the strength of the team comes from being exactly that, a team. However, Yoav made a nice leap forward after playing with the Under-15 side last season and worked very hard. Keeper Daniel Peretz also did nicely and has represented the National Team. In my opinion, every player has improved themselves.”

Specific match that helped the club move forward:
“I think it would be the home win over Maccabi Haifa. Last season when I coached the Under-16 side we lost to Haifa twice and I saw the player’s faces after the games themselves. I told them that if they continue to work hard the results will come. A year went by and we were able to defeat them twice this season and we have one victory left to complete the picture, the State Cup Final on Wednesday.”

Plans for ten years down the road:
“I don’t have the desire to be a first team coach. I’m interested in being a coach that teaches young coaches how to develop players at Maccabi. I want to be the best coach for youth players in Israel. I believe that I have the ability to do so, the desire and passion to reach that goal.”

Parting words:
“I want to use this opportunity to say a few words to my players: Next season some will stay and some will continue on. It’s not easy to be part of the Under-19 squad when you are a year younger than some of the players. Those who are strong willed and those with character will ultimately be the ones who will continue on and realize their dream. I hope that the tools that you’ve received from the staff will allow you to get over the hurdle of the first season.”

As the 2016/17 season nears its end, State Cup Finals will be on tap for a number of teams in the Maccabi Tel Aviv FC Youth Department. Three squads will be vying for the prestigious title and will look to add hardware to their trophy cabinets.

Tuesday May 16, 2017
The Under-11 Maccabi Tel Aviv team will meet Maccabi Netanya at the Ramat Gan Stadium at 17:00 and the admission is free.

The Maccabi “Oz” Tel Aviv Under-12 side will face Maccabi Petah Tikva at the Ramat Gan Stadium at 19:00 and admission is free.

Wednesday May 17, 2017
The Under-17 club, Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv will take on Maccabi Haifa at the Moshava Stadium in Petah Tikva at 17:00 and admission is free. A victory by the Yellow & Blue will hand them the Double and will complete a fantastic week of football as they just won the League Title this past weekend.

Beitar “Shmuel” Jerusalem 4:3 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv
After 7 straight victories, Alon Brumer’s side fell to Beitar in Jerusalem. Omri Ram, Assaf Hershko and an own goal led to the Yellow & Blue markers as the squad will finish in 3rd place with one match remaining in the season.

Hapoel Beer Sheva 5:4 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 south side fell away at Beer Sheva, however, there was an interesting feat in the contest as Yellow & Blue keeper Ben Musayov scored from a goal kick. Stav Nachmani, Nehoray Bitton and Shaked Navon also found the back of the goal for Maccabi “Eldad”. Head Coach Uri David said: “It was a tough match and even though we lost I’m proud of my players for their performance in a very difficult place to play.”

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv 5:1 Hapoel North Tel Aviv
Amor Sofer’s squad took care of the Reds in a Derby that took place at Kiryat Shalom. The young Yellow & Blue took an early 2:0 lead and didn’t take their foot off of the pedal as Yonatan Imberg, Yishay Bozorgi, Yalli Lazar, Afek Sapir and Aner Ausmadi all scored for the Under-15’s. The Head Coach commented on the win after the game: “I’m very happy with the players and how they’ve been able to adapt to the philosophy of the club. I can see improvement in the squad and this game is proof of that. I’m also happy how three players from the Under-14 team have been able to integrate into the club and they played a big role in the match itself.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv recorded their 5th win in 6 matches after defeating Maccabi Petah Tikva 3:1. The win moves Guy Tzarfati’s club into second place thanks to a better goal differential than Hapoel Raanana as both teams have 55 points.

The hosts almost took a 17th minute lead but Yellow & Blue keeper Omer Katz made a one-on-one save to keep the match goalless. In the 32nd minute, Eden Kartzev found Eylon Almog with a deep pass and beat the Petah Tikva keeper to give the Under-19 side a 1:0 lead. Maccabi continued to press for second goal but came up short as the sides went into the break with the Yellow & Blue maintaining the slim 1:0 advantage.

However, Maccabi Petah Tikva took advantage of a Maccabi defensive breakdown to draw even at 1:1 in the 66th minute. Tzarfati’s squad looked for the go ahead goal and found it in the 80th minute via Almog yet again after taking a cross from Peleg Moshe. Just before the final whistle Prince Thomas gave Maccabi “Shachar” a 3:1 win as he scored in the 94th minute to give the young Yellow & Blue the 3-points.

A fine performance by the Under-14 squad helped them win the State Cup after defeating Hapoel “Shlomo” Kfar Saba 3:0 at the Ramat Gan Stadium. Head Coach Alon Peleg’s side won the 70 minute contest convincingly. The young Yellow & Blue took a big step towards capturing the Cup in the first half when they received goals via Omer Rosio and Omer Senior. Aviv Pelles sealed the deal with a second half strike to close out the 3:0 victory.

 

Peleg spoke about the win following the match: “The team sacrificed it all in this match and they fought very hard to win. The kids took advantage of the opportunities that they had. A huge amount of credit goes to Arik Levy, the professional director of the department in the north. I’m very happy for the club as they took a long path to get to where they are today.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 3:1 Ramat Nir HaSharon
Following last week’s defeat to Maccabi Netanya, the Under-19’s picked up the home win. Netanel Peretz, Tomer Altman and Dor Galili all scored for the young Yellow & Blue. CLICK HERE for the full Match Report.

Bnei Sakhnin 0:1 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv
The Under-17 side picked up an important away win at Sakhnin that put them on the cusp of the league title. The Yellow & Blue controlled the action over the first half and had a number of quality chances to no avail. In the second half, Eliezer Ben Aharon made a number of substitutions as Nadav Nidam and Dan Lugassi from the Under-16 squad came into the match and helped maintain possession. In the 53rd minute, Omer Brami scored from 20 meters and gave Maccabi the lead and the winning goal. Ben Aharon summed up the victory: “You could see the difference between the two sides and next week we will have the chance to take home the championship.” The coach also pointed out the fine play of both Nadav Nidam and Amit Glezer. The win maintains the 7-point lead atop the table between them and second place Maccabi Haifa and with a victory next Matchday against Hapoel Petah Tikva, the title will be handed to the young Yellow & Blue.

Beitar “Gadi” Jerusalem 2:4 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
Ori David’s Under-15 North team continued its winning streak by defeating Beitar at Bayit Vegan. Falling behind early, a brace by Stav Nachmani in the 5th and 13th minutes gave the visiting Maccabi the advantage. Another goal came on a free kick play by Itay Ben Hemo and Yarin Muzan finished off the scoring with Maccabi “Eldad’s” fourth goal of the match. David spoke about the victory following the contest: “This was another fine performance by the team as we won our 6th match in a row.”

Maccabi “Yehuda Partush” Petah Tikva 1:3 Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 North side visited Petah Tikva for a tough away encounter but picked up the win thanks to goals by Yalli Lazar, Shai Belhassen and Tal Torgeman. Following the win, Head Coach Amir Sofer said: “I’m very happy that the players are continuing to improve and I’m very pride of them. Victories aren’t the only important part but I’m very happy for them.”

The Under-16 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv club was off this weekend.

Prematch
With three Matchdays remaining in the Youth Ligat Ha’Al season, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv returned to Ramle Stadium as they hosted Hapoel Ramat Hasharon. The young Yellow & Blue entered the match after falling last week by a 2:0 scoreline to Maccabi Netanya as they looked to get back onto the winning track. Guy Tzarfati made a few changes to his Starting XI as Or Dasa and Prince Thomas entered the fray while Eylon Almog and Dor Galili also provided the attack. The Under-19 squad came into the contest sporting 49 points in third place while their opponents ranked in 9th position.

First Half
The first chance of the match went to Ramat Hasharon as Omer Kats was forced to make a quality save early on in the 4th minute on a one on one situation as Amit Rosenboim then cleared the ball from the line. Three minutes later Maccabi already took the lead as Altman led a counter attack and found Dasa who crossed the ball from the right to Netanel Peretz as the latter found the back of the goal for the 1:0 advantage.

In the 12th minute Guy Setach gave Almog a deep pass that went over the visiting defense, but his 14 meter attempt was stopped by the keeper. The Yellow & Blue continued to control the pace of the game as Almog took a Dasa ball in the 36th minute but the former’s attempt went over the goal.

Second Half
Six minutes into the second half, the visitors found the equalizer from inside of the box. However, the Under-19’s didn’t hang their heads and retook the lead in the 57th minute as Altman unleashed a 20 meter scorched that didn’t allow the Ramat Hasharon keeper a chance to make the stop giving Maccabi “Shachar” a 2:1 advantage. Three minutes later the visitors went down to ten men as they were issued a red card giving Tzarfati the opportunity to make some wholesale changes on the pitch by introducing Neal Goldberg, Ron Zamir, Guni Naor, Amit Shapira and keeper Refael Vaknin.

The hosts didn’t take their foot off of the gas as they scored their third goal in the 72nd minute. Amit Shapira took the ball from the right and sent it to an open Galili as the striker elegantly headed it in the far corner for the 3:1 lead. Maccabi looked for yet another goal and almost found it in the 89th minute but Altman’s chance from 10-meters out was taken by the keeper as the contest ended 3:1 in favor of the young Yellow & Blue.