Elite Training at the Youth Academy

The goal of the Avi Cohen Youth Academy is develop players and this season, 2018/19 has seen the introduction of a brand new training plan, the Individual Elite Training program

Over the past few years, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Avi Cohen Youth Academy has seen a dramatic change thanks to Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen who introduced and imbued his football philosophy throughout the department. This season also saw the introduction of the Individual Elite Training program headed by Raymond Atteveld, van Leeuwen’s assistant, with the goal of developing the Academy’s players.

The Individual Elite Training program runs in conjunction with the regular training program and is designed to suit the individual needs of the players who are part of the project. The program includes additional resources for better living, video, physical and tactical sessions for individual players.

During the course of the week, the next week’s program is already being designed. Some are more individualized while other sessions can be with players at the same specific position or with players that they will play with in the future. The players are under the tutelage of Raymond Atteveld as well as the mental coach, fitness coach, video analyst, technical and tactical coaches who are tasked with working on all of these elements with the individual.

The experts meet prior to every training session in order to make sure that certain elements are worked on in order for the player to continue to improve. The staff lets the players and their coaches know what specific activities need to take place and why. The player receives the necessary information and specifics of where they need to improve while the coach also receives that same information so they can continue with their regular team training session as well.

Raymond Atteveld, the head of the program spoke about the idea behind the project: “In some cases the improvement is in small elements like how to move your foot when you are shooting or passing, or your body stature while defending. Other times it can be working on timing between players, so they would be together during the training session. The players receive plenty of information that will contribute to their progress.”

Atteveld summed up the project to date: “The project has begun well. We will make improvements in places where we feel that is needed but so far the project is very promising based on the players’ reactions and how they have applied it their game. Football is a team sport but personal attention contributes to the how the players think during the individual training plan and in specific elements of that training. At the end of the day the club will benefit from this program and they will gain a lot of knowledge about the game which will ultimately have a positive impact on the progress of the home grown players in the Academy.

Over the past few years, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Avi Cohen Youth ...

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Maccabi Netanya 3:0

The Yellow & Blue took home the 3-points as Eduardo Guerrero recorded a brace and Bar Cohen scored a single marker as each player assisted on the others goals

The Under-19 squad, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv visited Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 26 of the Israel Youth Premier League and began the day in 2nd place just 3 points off table leader Maccabi Petah Tikva while the hosts were in 11th place.

Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Michael Chilaka, Alon Shtrozberg, Yoav Hofmayster, Tomer Mahluf, Tamir Glezer, Omri Ram, Nadav Nidam, Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen, Tal Yagudaev.

First Half
In the 10’ Netanya had the contest’s first chance when Ram Johaja’s Chance from the right of the box went out while ten minutes later Ram found Cohen on the left of the box but his left footed attempt was saved by Netanya keeper Amit Merigin.

Guerrero tried to find Ram in the area in the 28’ but the ball was blocked at the last minute while Cohen’s rebound attempt hit the outside netting of the goal. Four minutes later Guerrero’s opportunity was blocked by a Netanya defender as the score remained as is.

However, in the 35’ Maccabi took a 1:0 lead when Cohen flicked the ball elegantly over a pair of defenders right to Guerrero who found the back of the goal. Three minutes later, Tzarfati’s crew doubled their advantage when Cohen once again sent Guerrero a through ball that he unleashed behind the keeper for a 2:0 lead. Just before the break Yagudaev sent a magnificent cross to Cohen but he missed the target as the Yellow & Blue took a 2:0 advantage into halftime.

Second Half
Netanya had the first chance of the half when Johaja’s shot was blocked by Shtrozberg and in the 65’ they once again threatened to cut the lead when Amit Yakov sent a through ball towards the Maccabi goal but Peretz was able to cut off the play.

Ten minutes later, Tzarfati’s squad added a third goal when Cohen took care of a Guerrero assist for a 3:0 lead. In the 78’ Netanya tried to cut the lead when Eyad Hagi’s attempt went out. Rave Assayag’s 84’ chance came up short as Maccabi wrapped up a 3:0 victory.

The Under-19 squad, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv visited Maccabi Netanya on Matchday ...

Youth Academy Matches – Saturday April 13, 2019

The Under-19 team heads to Netanya, the U17 will try to win the title against Hapoel Haifa, the Under-16’s will host Maccabi Petah Tikva while the U15 side plays Hapoel Ramat Gan

Maccabi Netanya – Maccabi “Shachar “ Tel Aviv, 12:00 Netanya (U19)
After defeating Bnei Yehuda in the Little Derby, the Yellow & Blue head to Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 26 of the Israel Youth Premier League. Last match, the Yellow & Blue won 1:0 thanks to a goal by Gil Ben Shalosh. Guy Tzarfati’s squad are in 2nd place, just 3 points off the table leaders Maccabi Petah Tikva while the host’s are in 11th place.

Hapoel Haifa – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, 11:00 Kiryat Haim (U17)
The Under-17 side plays at the Carmel Reds on Matchday 26. Eliezer Ben Aharon’s squad is in first place with an 11 point lead while the host’s are in 10th. Last match between the two saw Shaked Navon and Nehorai Bitton score in a 2:0 win for the Yellow & Blue. Should Maccabi win and their rivals for the league title they will secure the title.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Maccabi Petah Tikva, 9:30 Kiryat Shalom 1 (U16)
The Under-16 team host’s Petah Tikva on Matchday 26 of league play as they find themselves in 2nd place just two points off the top of the table. The visitor’s are in 4th place just two points away from the Yellow & Blue. Last match Eran Sassi’s squad win by the score of 2:1 on goals by Ariel Belhassen and Orel Azarzar.

Hapoel Ramat Gan – Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv, 8:30 Ramat Gan Safari Asi (U15)
The Under-15 squad faces Ramat Gan on Matchday 27 of league action, the young Yellow & Blue are in first place with a 5 point lead while the host’s are in 10th. Last match Maccabi won 2:0 on goals by Oskar Gluch and Nir Levi.

Maccabi Netanya – Maccabi “Shachar “ Tel Aviv, 12:00 Netanya (U19) After defeating ...

Yellow & Blue Youth Academy Results – April 6, 2019

The U19 side defeated Bnei Yehuda, the Under-17 squad and Rishon Le’Zion drew, the U16’s scarped 5 goals while the Under-15 team dropped Katamon. Watch the goals

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 2:0 Bnei Yehuda (U19)
The Under-19 squad took the Little Derby by the score of 2:0 on Matchday 25 of the Israel Youth Premier League. Bar Cohen and Eduardo Guerrero scored for Guy Tzarfati’s team who remain in 2nd place just 3 points out of first place. For the Full Match Report Click Here.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv 1:1 Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion
The U19 side split the points in a match that they had controlled the pace of play in but are still in first place with a double digit lead. Rotem Itzkar scored the lone marker for the Yellow & Blue. Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon summed up the match: “It was a good match with good pace with pressure for 90 minutes. We played as per the club’s book and we had the upper hand with plenty of chances to score. Somedays the ball just doesn’t go in. All in all we’re content with the match despite the result. Next week we play Hapoel Haifa and hopefully we will play just a s we did today and finish our chances.”

Maccabi Ahi Nazareth 0:5 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv (U16)
The Under-16 squad continued their fine play from last week’s win over Ramat Hasharon and scores 5 goals to take the win over Ahi Nazareth. Goal scorers included: Dor Turgeman, Aner Ushmandi, Ziv Shalata x2, Amit Kodman. The club stays in 2nd place but the gap to first place Ashdod narrowed to just two points.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv 5:0 Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem (U15)
After recording a midweek win over Ironi Modiin, the Under-15 team defeated Katamon 5:0 thanks to goals by Ofek Sasson, Nir Levi, Liad Ramat x2, Bar Enosh Lin. The win keeps the squad in first place with a 5 point lead. Head Coach Ori David spoke about the win, “This was a good match for the team and we played at a high pace from the first minute. We performed quality football plays that brought us to many clear chances near the goal. We scored 5 goals and the players have to get credit for that. I’m proud of the team.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 2:0 Bnei Yehuda (U19) The Under-19 squad took the ...

Youth Academy Bar Mitzvah Ceremony

The tradition continued this season as the Under-13 squad visited Jerusalem for their Bar Mitzvah celebration as they put on Tefillin at the Kotel and had a festive meal at a local Jerusalem restaurant

The Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department continued its long standing tradition with a Bar Mitzvah celebration for the Under-13 team. Together with Academy Staff, the squad visited the Time Machine and also went to the Kotel where they put on Tefillin which was followed by a festive meal at a local Jerusalem restaurant.

The Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department continued its long standing tradition with ...

Maccabi “Shachar” defeats Bnei Yehuda 2:0

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv won the Little Derby on Matchday 25 as Eduardo Guerrero and Bar Cohen scores first half goals to take the win

The Under-19 squad, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv defeated Bnei Yehuda 2:0 on Matchday 25 of the Israel Youth Premier League at the Ramle Stadium. Eduardo Guerrero opened the scoring in the 21’ while Bar Cohen doubled the advantage two minutes later to take the victory. The young Yellow & Blue remain 3-points behind first place Maccabi Petah Tikva.

Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Michael Chilaka, Alon Shtrozberg, Yoav Hofmayster, Tomer Mahluf, Tamir Glezer, Omri Ram, Ido Shahar, Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen, Tal Yagudaev.

First Half
Maccabi had the first chance of the match in the 6’ when Ram stole the ball on the right side and sent a through ball to Guerrero but he just missed the ball. Three minutes later Bnei Yehuda’s Roie Bar Shimon took the ball on the left side but his shot went over the bar. Cohen had an opportunity in the 10’ but the visiting keeper Omer Niron made the save and his 16’ chance missed the target.

Finally in the 21’ Yagudaev sent a cross to Guerrero in the box who scored from close in to take a 1:0 lead. Two minutes later, Maccabi doubled their advantage when Guerrero left a ball for Cohen who sent it behind the Bnei Yehuda keeper. The visitor’s tried to cut the lead in the 38’ but Bar Shimon’s chance went out as Guy Tzarfati’s side took a 2:0 advantage into the break.

Second Half
Maccabi continued to press and control the pace of play and in the 52’ Yagudaev took the ball on the left side and cut into the box, but his terrific shot was saved by Niron to keep the score as is. 13 minutes later Yagudaev again was dangerous but Niron was in place once again and in the 69’ Bar Shimon from Bnei Yehuda tried his luck from long distance but his attempt went over the bar.

In the 71’ Daniel Peretz kept his clean sheet intact with a great save for Maccabi as the level of play began to drop over the final quarter hour of the game. Peretz once again was in place as Bnei Yehuda tried in vain to break the shutout in extra time as Maccabi took the 2:0 win.

The Under-19 squad, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv defeated Bnei Yehuda 2:0 on ...

Youth Academy Action – Saturday April 6, 2019

The Under-19 squad hosts Bnei Yehuda at Ramle, the U17 can secure the championship against Rishon Le’Zion, the Under-16 side heads to Nazareth while the Under-15 play Katamon

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Bnei Yehuda, 12:00 Ramle (U19)
The Under-19 side hosts the Little Derby against Bnei Yehuda on Matchday 25. The last time they faced each other Maccabi won 2:0 away on goals by Bar Cohen and an own goal. The Yellow & Blue are in 2nd place and the gap to first place Maccabi Petah Tikva is only 3 points.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion, 9:30 Kiryat Shalom 1 (U17)
The Yellow & Blue are in first place with a 13 point lead as they face the 12th place team on Matchday 25. Maccabi fell to Rishon the first time they played this season by the score of 3:1. Should the U17 squad win and the 2nd place side lose they will secure the league championship.

Maccabi Ahi Nazareth – Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv, 17:15 Eliot Stadium Nazareth (U16)
Following last week’s win over Ramat HaSharon, the Under-16 side heads to an away contest on Matchday 25. Eran Sassi’s squad is in 2nd place and the host’s are in 14th. The last time the club’s met, Maccabi won 2:0.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem, 8:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15)
After recording a midweek win over Modiin the Under-15 squad host Katamon on Matchday 26. The Yellow & Blue are in first place with a 5 point lead while the visitor’s are in 11th place. The last time the two sides met in Jerusalem, Maccabi won 5:1.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Bnei Yehuda, 12:00 Ramle (U19) The Under-19 side ...

Maccabi “Shachar” eliminated from State Cup play

The young Yellow & Blue’s State Cup journey came to an end after falling to Hapoel Tel Aviv away at the Wolfson training ground

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv fell to Hapoel Tel Aviv 1:0 in the Round of 16 of the State Cup at the Wolfson training ground.

Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Michael Chilaka, Alon Shtrozberg, Yoav Hofmayster, Tomer Mahluf, Tamir Glezer (Nadav Nidam 68’), Mufleh Shalata (Omri Ram 81’), Ido Shahar, Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen (Tal Yagudaev 81’), Eyal Hen (Gil Ben Shalosh 62’)

First Half
Both sides played cautious football to begin and Maccabi’s first chance was on a long ball to Guerrero but his chance missed the target. In the 40’ Shalata’s corner found Mahluf but his ball was blocked by a defender an just before the break Hen tried his luck from 18 meters but his shot went by the post.

Second Half
Cohen’s 57’ chance went off the bar and ten minutes later Hapoel almost took the lead but their opportunity missed the target. However, in the 79’ a Maccabi handball led to a Hapoel penalty which Tomer Gever converted for a 1:0 lead.

The Yellow & Blue’s 87’ attempt by Shahar just missed the goal as they continued to press for an equalizer but couldn’t find it and were eliminated from Cup play.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv fell to Hapoel Tel Aviv 1:0 in the ...

Schoenfeld speaks to children at Gymnasia Herzliya in Tel Aviv

After scoring the championship winning goal against Maccabi Haifa, Aron Schoenfeld spent time on Good Deeds Day to speak to 300 children about violence and racism in sports

After scoring the championship winning goal against Maccabi Haifa on Saturday, Aron Schoenfeld spent time with 300 children at Gymnasia Herzliya in Tel Aviv as part of Maccabi Foundation programming on Good Deeds Day.

Schoenfeld spoke about violence and racism in sports and also discussed how they effect the players themselves on the field of play.

At the end of the event, Schoenfeld summed up the programing to the Official Website: “I’m very happy to have visited the Gymnasia Herzliya in Tel Aviv and to have met these wonderful children. Once we were all kids and now as adults and professional athletes we understand the importance of helping educate the younger generation about good deeds and morals. This was a great event and it’s wonderful to be a part of the Maccabi Foundation activities which gives us an opportunity to give back and really be role models for the next generation.”

After scoring the championship winning goal against Maccabi Haifa on Saturday, Aron ...

Yellow & Blue Youth Results – March 30, 2019

The U19’s drew with Beer Sheva, the Under-16 squad won while the U15 squad picked up a victory over Rishon Le’Zion

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 2:2 Hapoel Beer Sheva
After the international break the Under-19 side returned to the pitch and drew 2:2 against Hapoel Beer Sheva on Matchday 24 of the Israel Youth Premier League. Beer Sheva took a 2:0 lead but the Yellow & Blue were able to comeback to draw even late in the match thanks to goals by Ido Hagar has Tal Yagudaev. Guy Tzarfati’s squad currently sits in 2nd place, 3 points off the top of the table side, Maccabi Petah Tikva. For the full Match Report click here.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 3:0 Hapoel Nir Ramat HaSharon
After defeating Beitar Jerusalem in the State Cup last week, the Under-16 squad continued their positive momentum as they defeated Ramat Hasharon on Matchday 24 of league action. Head Coach Eran Sassi’s side recorded an important home win as Jan Shalata, Rotem Grama and Yonatan Paz all scored. Head Coach Eran Sassi summed up the win: “We played well right from the get go and we showed a lot of patience knowing that our opponent would play defensive football. However, we were still able to get to a number of chances to score because we sent quick balls forward and long balls throughout the match. We slowed down the pace a bit in the second half but we were a of to play well defensively and not concede a goal.”

Hapoel Rishon Le’Zion 0:1 Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv
The Under-15 squad took home the win over Rishon Le’Zion thanks to Oral Bahia’s goal and increased their lead atop the table to two points. Head Coach Ori David spoke about the match that was: “This was a well played game by the team despite the poor weather conditions. We had many chances from the first minutes and thankfully we were able to score near the end of the contest. I’m proud of the guys.”

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv 2:2 Hapoel Beer Sheva After the international break the ...