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 ...

Under-19 State Cup Derby

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will meet Hapoel Tel Aviv on Tuesday, 15:00 in an Under-19 State Cup Round of 16 clash at the Wolfson Training Ground

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in a Round of 16 matchup in the Under-19 State Cup on Tuesday at 15:00. The Yellow & Blue will visit Wolfson for this knockout Derby contest as the team held their final training session this evening under the direction of head coach Guy Tzarfati.

Tzarfati: “This match has a number of interesting factors associated with it. The first thing is that it’s an away match, the second it’s a Derby and the third it’s a knockout State Cup clash which are always difficult as we will have just one chance to advance to the next stage.”

Derby:
“Derby matches are always tough battles and our opponent is a quality one with national team players. We have a difficult match in front of us.”

Motivation:
“We don’t have to take about being motivated for a match like this and the players who have grown up through the Maccabi ranks know exactly what type of energy is needed when you get to play a Derby. We have to be cool, calm and collected while bringing our best effort to the pitch. I believe we will be able to do that and advance to the next stage.”

The Under-19 squad entered the State Cup competition last round against Maccabi Petah Tikva who took a 1:0 lead in the 61’ thanks to a penalty. Playing with only ten men, Maccabi was able to draw even five minutes later as Ido Shahar scored for the Yellow & Blue and eventually won via penalty shootout 4:1.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in a Round ...

Maccabi “Shachar” and Hapoel Beer Sheva draw 2:2

Guy Tzarfati’s squad went down by two goals but markers by Ido Shahar in the 80’ and Tal Yagudaev in the 90’ gave the Yellow & Blue a split of the points

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv hosted Hapoel Beer Sheva on Matchday 24 of the Israel Youth Premier League and entered the contest 4 points off the top of the table while the visitor’s found themselves in 4th place.

Starting XI: Or Itzhak, Michael Chilaka, Alon Shtrozberg, Amit Glezer (Tal Yagudaev 84’), Tomer Mahluf, Ido Shahar, Omri Ram (Gil Ben Shalosh 60’), Yoav Hofmayster (Nadav Nidam 46’), Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen (Rave Assayag 69’) Eyal Hen (Mufleh Shalata 46’).

First Half
Maccabi’s first chance came in the 8’ but Ram’s header went out but 4 minutes later Beer Sheva found the back of the goal following a corner as Daniel Karadi gave the visitors a 1:0 lead.

In the 18’ Beer Sheva grabbed a 2:0 advantage when Nir Itzkovic scored via a header. Maccabi had a chance to cut the lead in the 29’ but Hen’s attempt was saved by the keeper.

Second Half
Tzarfati made 3 substitutions at the break to freshen up the attic and in the 52’ Chilaka’s header missed the target and 11 minutes later Gil Ben Shalosh’s opportunity came up short.

In the 66’ Shalata’s attempt missed and in the 73’ Ben Shalosh’s chance went out. Finally in the 80’ Maccabi pulled a goal back via a 20’ shot from Shahar that skipped into the goal, 2:1 Beer Sheva.

The Yellow & Blue pressed for the equalizer and in the 87’ Ben Shalosh’s chance was saved by the keeper. However in the 90’ Yagudaev pounced on a rebound and scored from 8 meters out to draw even and split the points.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv hosted Hapoel Beer Sheva on Matchday 24 of ...

Youth Academy ID Card: Ron Partok

Behind every first team player there is an entire youth department. At Maccabi, the Youth Academy has a wide variety of coaches and staff members that make it a priority to give the best education and support to the players as they navigate their way to the top. Let’s get to know Ron Partok, the Under-9 South Coach

One of the goals of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Avi Cohen Youth Academy is to help the young players improve and advance to the first team. Behind the scenes are many coaches, assistants and staff that are there to provide the next education along the way. One of those people is Ron Partok, the Under-9 South Coach who tells us about his time to date in the world of football and the work he does at the Youth Academy.

Ron Partok (24) – Under-9 South
Ron Partok began at the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy last season and was an Assistant Coach for a variety of teams. Currently he’s the Head Coach for the Under-9 south squad.

“I began to coach due to my love for sports and football and I’m very interested in the tactical and mental side of the game. My start in the area was a bit different than others because I wasn’t an active player at a youth department but I’m continuing to improve, develop and learn thanks to the Academy staff. My goal of to help the players to develop both on a personal and professional level.”

Arrival at Maccabi
“A few months ago I receive pd the chance to coach the Under-9 tea at the Maccabi Youth Academy and it’s a very challenging position. I’m able to implement the Academy philosophy while helping the players learn the Maccabi mentality.”

Connection to Maccabi
“As a Maccabi fan I’m very proud to wear the training uniform. It’s a great feeling and in that gives me motivation to keep working hard in order to reach both personal and team goals.”

Continuing education
“I am finishing a training course about athletes mentality. It’s a course that has given me a lot personally and one that will help advance my career.”

One of the goals of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Avi Cohen Youth ...

Yellow & Blue Youth Academy Results – March 23, 2019

The Under-16 squad advanced to the State Cup Quarterfinals while the U15 side picked up a big win against Gadna Tel Aviv in league play

Beitar Jerusalem 0:3 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv (U16)
The Under-16 team continued on their journey to the State Cup. The young Yellow & Blue defeated Beitar Jerusalem thanks to goals by Rom Gross, Aner Ashmandi and Dor Turgeman to advance to the quarterfinals.

Head Coach Eran Sassi summed up the win: “We played on a small pitch and it was difficult to control the ball the way we wanted to. Despite that we were able to have full control of the long balls that Beitar sent downfield and we knew how to push forward in the first half. Our fine team play was able to give us plenty of chances to score the second half began a bit differently and Beitar wanted to press more but our players did a good job handling the pressure and kept a clean sheet.”

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv 8:1 Gadna Tel Aviv (U15)
The U15 squad hosted Gadna on Matchday 24 of league play and moved back into first place with a match in hand. Oral Bahia scored a brace while Oskar Gloch, Ido Mizrahi, Liad Ramot, Ido Nataf, Tai Abed and Bar Lin all found the back of the goal. Coach Ori David spoke about the win: “We played against a team that wanted to defend the entire match. We had many clear chances near the goal and we scored some nice goals.”

Beitar Jerusalem 0:3 Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv (U16) The Under-16 team continued ...

Youth Academy ID Card: Asaf Heber

Behind every first team player there is an entire youth department. At Maccabi, the Youth Academy has a wide variety of coaches and staff members that make it a priority to give the best education and support to the players as they navigate their way to the top. Let’s get to know Asaf Heber, the Under-14 Coach

One of the goals of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Avi Cohen Youth Academy is to help the young players improve and advance to the first team. Behind the scenes are many coaches, assistants and staff that are there to provide the next education along the way. One of those people is Asaf Heber, the Under-14 Coach who tells us about his time to date in the world of football and the work he does at the Youth Academy.

Asaf Heber – Coach Under-14 North
Asaf has been working in the field of football for 11 years, 3 of which at the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy. He is the head coach of the Under-14 North team that plays at the University branch of the academy.

“Football is my love and I did my coaching degree years before I actually began to coach. When my oldest son began playing at the Hapoel Petah Tikva Youth Department a friend of mine who was coaching asked if I could help out twice a week. From just aiding a friend I ended up becoming a full fledged coach.”

The Academy philosophy
“I arrived at the club when changes started to happen at the youth department so I can’t compare to other places I had worked for in the past. On a personal level I enjoy every minute and the philosophy is such that it translates exactly to the style of play that we work on during our training sessions. The technology helps everyone learn and improve before, during and after training sessions and matches. We can show the players various different pays that occurred during training or in a match from various angles and we can discuss if the decision that was made was the best possible one. Everything is done by questions and answers in order to help the players and support them when they have to make decisions during play in the future.”

Developing younger players
“It’s important to imbue in the young players the desire and hard work both on and off of the pitch. It’s like a long marathon so they can learn and continue to develop throughout the year. Unfortunately there is a limit to training hours and the youngsters rarely play football or any other sport in their free time. In order for them to be the best that they can be they must invest many more hours outside of regular training times.”

Improving as a coach
“What separates other youth departments in the country from what we are doing with Patrick van Leeuwen, the club’s Performance Director, it’s the philosophy that coaches need to continuously develop from presentations, lectures, discussions, visits to academies outside of Israel and working directly with the rest of the staff. I also read books and also watch videos of other training sessions.”

One of the goals of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Avi Cohen Youth ...

Youth Academy Staff visit top European Clubs

The Maccabi Tel Aviv youth department staff is taking advantage of the international break by continuing their education at Ajax, Alkmaar and Paris Saint Germain

The Youth Academy is on break due to National Team matches. Some of the coaches are using the time to visit some of the top clubs in Europe including Ajax, Alkmaar and Paris Saint Germain.

The group that went to Holland included the Under-19 Coach Guy Tzarfati, his assistant Nissim Dvash along with U17 assistant coach Jeffrey Yishai and Academy Scout Ran Elias. The coaches visited Ajax Amsterdam where they were impressed by the training facilities and attended training sessions for both the First Team and the youth clubs as well as meeting Ajax Head Coach Erik ten Hag.

Following the trip to Ajax, the group also visited Alkmaar and saw the training facilities as well as First Team and youth club sessions.

At the same time, Under-15 Head Coach Ori David headed to Paris Saint Germain where he attended their league match against Marseille. David also saw their youth team train under the direction of coach Thiago Motta.

The goal of these continuing education visits is to increase connections with some of the Europe’s top clubs while also learning from them as well.

The Youth Academy is on break due to National Team matches. Some ...