Category: Youth Teams

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Netanya 3:1 in the “Match of the Season”

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The Under-19 club visited Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 27 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al, entering the day in first place with a 3 point lead over Hapoel Raanana. Netanya came into the contest with only 2 wins out of their last 8 matches and in 3rd place.

מכבי נתניה – מכבי ׳שחר׳ 3:1 (מחזור 27, 28.4.18)


Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI included, keeper Daniel Peretz, Noam Cohen, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Amit Glazer, Tomer Altman, Prince Thomas, Mufleh Shalata, Eylon Almog and William Agada.

First Half
The match began with each side playing tentative football as the opening opportunity occurred in the 8’ when the host’s found the back of the Maccabi goal. Shlav Samorolo took the ball on the right side and crossed into the box to Eyad Haj who put it into the far corner for a 1:0 Netanya advantage.

In the 19’ Maccabi drew a penalty and had a chance to tie up the game when Altman sent the ball to Agada who double passed with Thomas, but Agada was pulled down by a Netanya defender good for a spot kick from 11 meters. Almog stepped up to take the penalty but the keeper Amit Marjin made the save. However, Tzarfati’s charges didn’t let up and continued looking for the equalizer as Najar passed the ball to Agada on the left wing who found Shalata breaking down the side but his chance was also taken care of by Marjin.

Shalata then found Altman in the middle of the pitch who made his way into the area but his attempt couldn’t find the target in the 26’ while 4 minutes later Yunes Malada almost doubled the Netanya lead, but Peretz parried the ball away to safety for a corner.

In the 35’ Altman sent a beauty of a through ball to Agada who beat the keeper to draw even at 1:1. Almog had a chance in the box to take the lead late in the first half but his shot deflected off a Netanya player and went out for a corner while the host’s also had an opportunity to take the lead but Peretz made the save as the side’s went into the break deadlocked at 1:1.

Second Half
Malada had the first chance of the second half when he went down the right side and crossed to Haj in the box, but his one on one attempt against Peretz went off the bar. In the 53’ Maccabi took a 2:1 lead when Shalata went down the right wing and sent the ball into the box to an awaiting Almog who turned and found the far corner of the goal for a gorgeous strike.

Almog had a chance to score his second of the match in the 67’ but Marjin made the save after a nice team play. Maccabi then took control of the pace of play and scored an insurance goal via Hen who took a nice Altman ball and picked up the young Yellow & Blue’s 3rd of the match in the 90’ to take the 3:1 win.

Youth Department Action, Saturday April 28, 2018

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Maccabi “Shlomi” Netanya – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv, 11:30 Beit Maccabi Netanya (U19)
The Under-19 side will look to continue their fine play on Matchday 27 of the Israel Youth Premier League when they face 3rd place squad Netanya. Maccabi “Shachar” sits in 1st place with a 3-point lead over Hapoel Raanana while Netanya comes into the contest with only 2 wins out of their last 8 matches. Click here for the fixtures remaining for the Under-19 top of the table teams.

Maccabi “Yehonatan-Yoni” Netanya – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, Netanya Shapira (U17)
Although the Under-17 team already won the League title two weeks ago, there are still plenty of matches left in the season as they head to Netanya on Matchday 27 with a 16 point advantage over the 2nd place club. The host’s are in 9th place with 1 win out of their last 5 matches.

שערי השבת במחלקת הנוער 21.4.18


Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv (U16) are on break. Next week they’ll return to action when they welcome Hapoel Ashkelon. With 3 matches left, the U16 side are in first place thanks to a better goal differential over Beitar Jerusalem.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv- Beitar “Gadi” Jerusalem, 17:00 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 South)
The Under-15 South team will look to wrap up the league championship this week on Matchday 28 as they sit in 1st with a 5 point lead over Hapoel Beer Sheva. Beitar are in 6th place with 10 wins out of their last 11 encounters.

Hapoel Tel Aviv North – Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv, 15:00 Wolfson 2 (U15 North)
After advancing to the State Cup Finals earlier in the week, the U15 side has a Derby on Matchday 28 as they are in 3rd place with 5 wins out of their last 6 matches. The Reds are in 14th and are winless in their last 5 contests.

Busy times ahead: Under-19 fixtures until season’s end

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The Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al is heading into the final stages of the season as the club’s will play Matchday 27 action this coming weekend, April 28, 2018. Only 5 points separate the top 3 teams at the top of the table and Maccabi “Shachar” are in 1st place with a 3-point lead over second place Hapoel Raanana.

There are four Matchdays left in the campaign and the champion will be determined over the next month. Below are the games remaining for the top 3 teams in the league:

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv
MD 27: Maccabi Netanya – Away (3rd place)
MD 28 Hapoel Petah Tikva – Home (15th place)
MD 29 Maccabi Petah Tikva – Away (5th place)
MD 30 Kiryat Shemona – Home (9th place)

Hapoel Raanana
MD 27: Bnei Sakhnin – Home (10th place)
MD 28: Maccabi Haifa – Away (4th place)
MD 29: Hapoel Beer Sheva (7th place)
MD 30: Hapoel Ramat Hasharon (13th place)

Maccabi Netanya
MD 27: Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Home (1st place)
MD 28: Maccabi Petah Tikva – Away (5th place)
MD 29: Beitar Jerusalem – Home (12th place)
MD 30: Bnei Yehuda – Away (8th place)

ID Card: Meet the Youth Department Coaches

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One of the Youth Academy’s goals is to help players grow and develop into players who can contribute and play on the First Team. Behind the scene there are plenty of coaches and staff who work day and night who give their all to the Yellow & Blue youngsters in their quest to be the best that they can be. Let’s meet some of those important people:

Asaf Heber
Coach: Under-15 North
Years as football coach: 10 years (last 2 at Maccabi)
Why did you decide to become a coach: “Football is the biggest joy in my life and I received my coaching licensing years before I actually decided to go into coaching. When my oldest started training with my youth club Hapoel Petah Tikva a friend of mine who is a coach at their youth department met me in the stands and asked me to come and help him twice a week and that’s how I ended up becoming a coach.”

What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “I began at the club the the changes began, so I can’t really compare as to what was before. On a personal level I’m enjoying everything, the philosophy that translates into actual game play and how to build proper training sessions. The technology side helps everyone at the club learn and improve both during training sessions and during the matches as well. We can also show the players certain data on their play from training and matches and have them explain why they did one thing or another and discuss if that was the best option available. This way we can help the players become more confident and have the ability to make better decisions during the actual game.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “The most important thing is to show them that desire and hard work both on and off of the pitch will help their development and that it’s a long marathon in order for them to learn the tricks of the trade. Unfortunately there aren’t enough training hours and children today are barely playing football or any other sport outside of training hours so in order to be the best one must invest more and more hours into their training.”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “Under Patrick van Leeuwen, the Club’s Performance Director there is a philosophy of training coaches from the level of presentations, lectures, discussions, visits to academies outside of Israel and accompanying the coaches along the way. In addition, I am always trying to enrich my knowledge and understanding through materials on the internet, books and trainings sessions on film.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “Right now there are players who are finishing their U19 season and I believe some of them will play for the First Team at Hapoel Petah Tikva.”
Role Model: “I don’t have a specific one. I always try to take a little from various coaches and try to improve myself.”
Favorite club in the world: “Manchester United.”
Unforgettable match: “State Cup quarter final from 2012/13 when we came into Ashdod as an underdog, went down 2:0 and came back to win 5:3.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “I work in information services and specialize in information security.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “I hope that coaching football will be my main employment.”

Eliran Sliman
Coach: Under-12 North
Years as football coach: 11 years all at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “The love of the game.”

What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “There’s a good change at the Youth Department and we are making strives to improve through the wonderful coaching philosophy to help players improve as they continue to develop.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “You must work on the basics of the game from a young age.”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “I go to many continuing education seminars on various aspects of the game.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “Dan Glazer.”
Role Model: “Pep Guardiola.”
Favorite club in the world: “Real Madrid.”
Unforgettable match: “1999 Champions League Final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “I like to ride horses.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “First Team Coach.”

Idan Kazinitz
Coach: Under-9 North
Years as football coach: 8 years, 7 at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “Is there anything better than having your hobby as work?”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “We are constantly in the process of learning and that helps make the players and coaches better. There are plenty of new tools for the coaches to use as well. The bottom line is that I feel a lot more invested in the youth department, in every way!”

What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “To work on having a second foot. It’s important for us to not call it their weak foot for psychological reasons so the kids will want to work on getting it better.”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “I read, look for ideas on the internet, watch training sessions, go to seminars and professional education workshops including one that was held in Valencia.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “It’s still early and it will take a while for some of them to succeed, but Eylon Almog who is with the Under-19 team is the closest.”
Role Model: “Puyol, 100% desire and battler, 100% ability and 100% sportsmanship.”
Favorite club in the world: “First place is Maccabi Tel Aviv and Tottenham is second.”
Unforgettable match: “3:1 win over Maccabi Haifa at Kiryat Eliezer in 1995/96, Nimni beat Davidovitch and that was that.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football:“Beach volleyball on Friday afternoons is one of my loves. There’s a good chance you’ll see me on Master Chef in a few years, I love to cook.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Continue to educate athletes and footballers that they should have a healthy and athletic lifestyle as a coach at Maccabi and as a physical education teacher.”

The Under-15 North Team advances to the State Cup Final

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The Under-15 State Cup Semifinals took place at Ramat Gan Stadium as both the North and South squad’s were in action. The first semifinal pitted the U15 South team against Hapoel Beer Sheva in a match that the Reds took after penalty kicks. Following that contest the U15 North side faced Bnei Sakhnin in a game that was decided in overtime after 90 minutes ended in a 2:2 draw as the young Yellow & Blue scored two goals in the extra period. The Under-15 North team will play Hapoel Beer Sheva in the State Cup Final.

The U15 North squad’s match began with Bnei Sakhnin taking a 1:0 lead off a corner kick header but the young Yellow & Blue dictated the pace of play and took a 2:1 lead. Sakhnin went down to 10 men during the second half due to a second yellow card but found the equalizer from a set piece. The contest went into overtime and Asaf Heber’s team scored a pair of goals to advance to the State Cup Final.


The Under-15 South squad fell to Hapoel Beer Sheva on penalty kicks following overtime. Ori David’s charges controlled the contest especially after the Southern Reds also went down to 10-men. The Yellow & Blue continued to threaten the Beer Sheva goal but to no avail as the game moved into penalty kicks where Maccabi came up short. Although the team was eliminated from State Cup play they will have a chance to win the league championship this weekend.

Yellow & Blue Saturday Youth Department Results April 21, 2018

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שערי השבת במחלקת הנוער 21.4.18

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 5:0 Hapoel Ramat HaSharon
The Under-19 squad continued their fine play by winning at home against Ramat HaSharon on Matchday 26 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The victory keeps Maccabi “Shachar” in first place, 3 points ahead of 2nd place Hapoel Raanana. Eylon Almog and William Agada recorded braces while Tomer Altman scored a single marker. For the full Match Report Click Here.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv 5:3 Hapoel Kfar Saba
After winning the league last Matchday, the U17 side continued to pick up victories, this time against Hapoel Kfar Saba on Matchday 26 as they have a 16 point lead over the second place side along with 22 wins out of 26 contests. Shai Balahssan, Shaked Navon, Ido Sahar and Bar Cohen with a brace scored for the young Yellow & Blue. Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon: “We began the match well and we scored two goals in a minute. The second half was not as good as the first and in essence we lost as Kfar Saba scored a pair of goals and we only found the back the goal once. I’ll take the start of the game which was one of the best we’ve had and the 22nd win out of the 26 matches we’ve played which is an excellent record.”

Hapoel Beer Sheva 3:4 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv
The Under-16 club defeated Hapoel Beer Sheva in the “Match of the Season” as they remained in first place. Maccabi and Beitar have the same amount of points, but the Yellow & Blue have a better goal differential. Tal Torjman, Nehoray Bitton, Or Roizman and Yishay Bozorgi scored. Raymond Atteveld summed up the contest: “We controlled the game completely. They tried pressing us but we kept finding a way out. In the first half only, we created 7 scoring chances, but only scored once. After the break we quickly scored even though they tried to disrupt us. We kept playing good organized attacking and defending football. We scored to make it 3:0 and then the team became a bit disorganized and the opponent took advantage of that and they scored a goal but then we made it 4:1. After that, they tried to throw everything at us. We countered with 4 1v1 situations with the goalkeeper, but we didn’t take our chances. We conceded another goal from a penalty, when we were late with a sliding tackle in the box. We helped the opponent get back into the game with our attitude of taking it lightly, which we didn’t do before that! That’s what we need to continue! Great win nevertheless against a direct opponent. Compliments to the team! Some great performances and awesome desire to do the right thing and win! Wow…. Happy coach!”

Hapoel Ramat Gan 0:1 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 South squad played away at Hapoel Ramat Gan on Matchday 27 as Ori David’s team picked up the win and the 3-points to give them a 5 point lead over the 2nd place side with 3 matches remaining. Ori Halevi scored for Maccabi as David summed up the win: “It was difficult to open up our regular style of game due to the state of the pitch, but we were able to show character, will and determination. That’s what we brought to the match in an amazing way. Now we have to get ready for the State Cup semifinal on Tuesday against Hapoel Beer Sheva.”

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv 4:0 Beitar Tubruk
The Under-15 North team got back onto the winning track against Tubruk on Matchday 27 of league play. The young Yellow & Blue are in 3rd place with 5 wins out of their last 6 matches. Ben Linker, Aviv Palas, Omer Rozio and Tomer Fridman scored for Maccabi. Head Coach Asaf Heber spoke about the victory: “The players came into the contest with aggressiveness and determination from the first minute. We were able to pick up a good result and we prepared properly for the opponent as we knew that our advantage was on the wings and I’m happy that’s where our goals came from. We are now turning our sights to the State Cup match on Tuesday.”

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Ramat HaSharon 5:0

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Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv entered their Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al Matchday 26 contest against Ramat HaSharon in first place with a 3 point advantage at the top of the table.

Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI included keeper Daniel Peretz, Noam Cohen, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Amit Glazer, Tomer Altman, Prince Thomas, Mufleh Shatlata, Eylon Almog and William Agada,

First Half
After ten minutes of action, Almog came down the right side and unleashed a scorcher but Adir Rafael made the timely save while five minutes later Ramat HaSharon’s striker Ron Ashkenazi made his way through the center of the pitch from the right but his attempt went over the bar.

Thomas and Agada almost helped Maccabi to a lead in the 19’ when the latter cut into the box from the left side and handed the former the ball, but Rafael made the stop. The next chance came from Ramat HaSharon as Ashkenazi took a tricky shot in the 25’ which Peretz saved, but the rebound went to Tal Daoun whose attempt just missed the target.

In the 28’ Altman sent a fantastic through ball to Almog who beat Rafael from a tough angle to give Maccabi a 1:0 while just two minutes later Tzarfati’s charges would double the lead when Thomas sent a through ball to Agada who beat the defenders to take a 2:0 advantage.

Altman tried his luck in the 40’ but his attempt went over the bar, however, Almog did find the back of the goal for the U19’s third goal of the half for his second of the match and a 3:0 lead after 45 minutes of action.

Second Half
Maccabi came out of the half flying and added to their goal total when Almog took a long distance screamer from 20 meters that Rafael parried but it went right to Agada who made no mistake as he scored his second of the contest for a 4:0 lead.

The young Yellow & Blue didn’t stop there as Altman took an Agada pass from the left and intelligently found the back of the goal for a 5:0 advantage in the 59’ as Tzarfati’s side continued to dominate. In the 70’ keeper Roie Man entered the contest in place of Peretz giving him his U19 debut and 15 minutes later Ramat HaSharon almost pulled a goal back but Omri Ben Moha’s opportunity went by the post.

In the 88’ Ramat HaSharon midfielder Yuval Sadeh received his 2nd yellow and left his side with 10-men as Maccabi wrapped up a 5:0 win.

ID Card: Get to know the Youth Department Coaches

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One of the Youth Academy’s goals is to help players grow and develop into players who can contribute and play on the First Team. Behind the scene there are plenty of coaches and staff who work day and night who give their all to the Yellow & Blue youngsters in their quest to be the best that they can be. Let’s meet some of those important people:

Ori David
Coach: Under-15 South
Years as football coach: 10 years all at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “Passion for the game”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “The change has been great with a good and clear philosophy. I believe we will see that the players who will come out of the Youth Department will be at a vey high level.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “Training, character, quality and continuation.”

How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “I live in the world of football 24/7. Books, matches, stats, video and more. It’s never ending.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “There have been a number including Dan Glazer, Matan Hozez, Yonatan Cohen and others.”
Role Model: “Nelson Mandela”
Favorite club in the world: “Barcelona”
Unforgettable match: “Liverpool vs Milan, Champions League Final.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “Amateur aviator.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Head coach in the Israel Premier League or even better than that.”

Adi Somekh
Coach: Under-13 Nouth
Years as football coach: 20 years, 15 at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “The love of the game and working with youth. I also was able to be close to the game through my brothers who played.”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “It’s very professional and professional up to the smallest details. It’s very interesting and challenging.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “Hard work!!!”

How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “Learn and soak in they information from professional education.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “Dor Micha.”
Role Model: “Dor Micha because of his hard work”
Favorite club in the world: “Frieburg. I was in the city and saw a number of matches that turned me on. A small club with an incredible atmosphere in the stands.”
Unforgettable match: “Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, Champions League Final 1999. 3 minutes and it turned into a 2:1 win for United.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “I love to travel throughout the country and around the world where I can see new places and culture.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Maccabi Tel Aviv youth department.”

David Etzioni
Coach: Under-10 North
Years as football coach: 4 years, 1st at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “My father needed an heir”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “The introduction of professionalism and a work ethic that had never been here before. You’ll only be able to see the fruits of our labor a few years down the road and not just yet as we implement the philosophy.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “The joy of the game and personal habits.”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “Reading, watching and trying new things from various people in sports.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “You’ll hear about them in 5 years.”
Role Model: “David Beckham”
Favorite club in the world: “Barcelona”
Unforgettable match: “3:3 Classico with a hat-trick from Messi. 1:1 Barcelona vs Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals with the equalizer from Iniesta.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “I never leave my house without making sure my hair is perfect.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Doctor working in brain research.”