“We want to increase the professionalism of women’s football in Israel”

International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to take a look at one of the exciting elements at the club: Women’s Academy that began with one team this past season and has become one of the most important projects at Maccabi

International Women’s Day is being marked around the world this week and is being recognized across the globe. It’s also the perfect day to take a look at how Maccabi Tel Aviv has joined some of the greatest clubs in the world in the development of women’s football and its importance.

This past year the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy also opened a women’s division. The decision to do so was the result of the development of women’s football throughout the world over the past few years and the desire to lead the way in this area as well.

The development of women’s football in Israel is of the utmost importance to the club. Over the next few months coaches will be recruiting players between the ages of 5-15 with the goal of having various teams at different age levels. The teams will operate under the club’s football philosophy.

On Friday March 15th there will be an Open Tryout Day at the PenguinPickup Training Facility at Kiryat Shalom beginning at 15:00. Players who impress the professional staff will be invited to join the Women’s Academy at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Heading the project is Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen who understands the importance and “wants to be able to offer girls the opportunity to be a part of the club. That they will be able to have the same conditions as the boys at the youth academy in all parameters.”

Youth Academy Director Guy Zukerman spoke about the desire to join the biggest clubs in the world: “Women’s football is being developed at all of the biggest academies. The decision to begin this project at Maccabi was due to the fact that we wanted to add yet another element to the club and the Youth Academy as we are always looking for ways to expand and extend our projects and programs.”

The advancement across the ocean and the desire to be a part of the action
Women’s football is the most popular team sport for women around the world and it’s one of the few disciplines that have professional leagues. There are 177 countries that participate and are part of the international community.

In Israel, the sport is still behind but has been developing nicely explained Dana Nissenboim the women’s coach at Hadar Yosef: “In Israel women’s football is considered as an amateur sport and it’s not professional enough. There has been an awakening in this area and there are more teams, but it’s so far away from the potential that can be reached.”

Mor Shaked the women’s coach at Kiryat Shalom can feel the changes happening throughout the country: “There has been a positive increase in the amount of players signing up to play on football teams which has allowed girls from across the country the ability to play for a team at their age level.”

The vision: A strong women’s team for Maccabi and the Israel National Team
The club’s goal for the project is to build a foundation that will allow for the girls to train with other girls of the same age with the best possible conditions, just like those of the boys Academy.

Van Leeuwen concurred: “The goal of the project is to create proper teams for girls ages 8-15 with 12-14 players who can train and play together. The long term goal is to be able to play friendlies with other girls teams of the same age in order for them to improve both at Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Israel National Team.”

The Youth Academy will provide the best conditions for the girls teams explained Zukerman: “The goal is for the girls to train with the same standards that the Youth Academy provides. Coaches, analysts, fitness coaches and goalkeeper coaches. We want to create a very professional environment for women’s football in the country and hopefully other clubs will follow in our path.” 

“The founding of a girls team is the realization of a dream for me”
The youth academy will be very active during the month of March with the goal of recruiting girls for various teams. Mor Shaked and Dana Nissenboim, the coaches of the girls teams spoke about their feelings of being involved in the project: “The founding of a girls team is the realization of a dream for me,” explained Shaked. “As a girl, football was my whole life but there wasn’t a team for me to play at as a youngster. Thankfully today that isn’t the case and young players can receive the best professional tools and advice at the highest level. There’s no question that over the next few years the level of professionalism in the country will continue to increase in the world of women’s football.”

Nissenboim also spoke about her feelings on the matter, “It’s a great feeling to be able to take part in this project as it was just a dream when I was a little girl. Today I help other girls in order for them to reach their dreams and the satisfaction is just amazing.”

International Women’s Day is being marked around the world this week and ...

Youth Academy ID Card: Eliezer Ben Aharon

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 Eliezer Ben Aharon, the Under-17 Head 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 Eliezer Ben Aharon, the Under-17 Head Coach who tells us about his time to date in the world of football and the work he does at the Youth Academy.

Eliezer Ben Aharon, the Under-17 Head Coach
Ben Aharon has served as a football coach for 13 years, 8 at Maccabi Tel Aviv and today he serves as the Head Coach of the Under-17 team.

Born to Coach
“When my smallest child began playing football I was very interested in the development of young players which led me to take a coaching course. When I went to see my son train some people asks me advice since I was a former player. After I offered my thoughts or following a discussion many times they would say that I should coach and that I would be a natural.”

Working under a certain philosophy
“I believe that with this style and philosophy we are approaching the highest level of coaching and developing players that hasn’t been seen in the country in the past. Personally I believe that I am a better coach than I was previously.”

Developing younger player
“The most important elements in developing footballers is hard work and patience. ‘Hard work will defeat the talent of the talent doesn’t work hard.’ I have seen many talented players who didn’t work hard and at the end of the day they didn’t succeed but on the flip side I was able to work with players who were less talented but worked hard whhhd paid off in the end.”

Players he’s trained
“There are a number of players that I worked with who are now in the Premier League including Or Dasa, Yakov Brihen, Gaby Kanichowsky, Haviv Ohayon and others.”

Role Model
“There isn’t anyone specific but I like to take things from others that fit my personality both from coaches and other individuals. I try to be original as much as possible.”

Something from outside of the football world
“When I was young I used to go surfing and live the life around the sea. I’ll get back to that,I promised myself.”

The future
“At present I have no interest in being the head coach of a senior team. I try to be the best coach that I can be in the country at the youth level. I believe that satisfaction comes from the development of seeing players who have succeeded in advancing to the top league. To know that there is a player that you helped mold that gets to the top division – gives one a huge amount of pride. I believe that I have the ability, desire and the passion to reach this goal.”

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

Maccabi “Shachar” and Beitar Tubruk draw 2:2

Goals by Eyal Hen and Gil Ben Shalosh weren’t enough to take the win as the visitor’s scored a late tying strike to split the points

The Under-19 side faced Beitar Tubruk on Matchday 22 of the Israel Youth Premier League. Last time the squad’s met, the Yellow & Blue recorded a 2:0 away win thanks to goals by Rave Assayag and Tal Yagudaev. Maccabi is currently in 2nd place, 3 points off the top of the table leaders Maccabi Petah Tikva.

Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Omer Itzhaki, Amit Glezer, Dan Lugassi, Yoav Hofmayster, Ido Shahar, Mufleh Shalata, Nadav Nidam, Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen, Eyal Hen.

First Half
Tubruk had the first chance of the contest in the 3’ when Torai Siahu crossed the ball from the left to Ari Itzhak but his header went out while two minutes later Hen almost gave Maccabi the lead when he found Cohen in the middle of the box but his shot just skipped by the post.

In the 13’ Shalata tried his luck from outside of the area but his chance went off the Tubruk defense, however, 9 minutes later the visitor’s took a 1:0 lead when Anz Kizailiku scored from close in. The Yellow & Blue took control of the match but couldn’t find the equalizer as the half ended with Maccabi down by a goal.

Second Half
In the 49’ Guerrero received the ball to the left of the box, moved to a more central position and took a shot but the Tubruk keeper was up to the task. Shahar’s 51’ opportunity via a free kick hit the outside netting but 2 minutes later the Yellow & Blue evened up the contest. Itzhak began the play on the left side and crossed a beauty of a ball to Hen who slammed it home, 1:1.

Maccabi continued to control the pace of play over the next quarter hour but couldn’t produce any scoring opportunities. In the 83’ Guerrero sent a through ball to Assayag and tried to hit the far corner of the goal but just missed by inches. The Yellow & Blue took the lead in the 85’ when Dan Lugassi sent a cross from the left to Gil Beh Shalosh who headed it behind the Tubruk keeper for a 2:1 advantage.

However, the visitor’s drew even just two minutes off a header as the match came to an end at 2:2 with each side taking a point.

The Under-19 side faced Beitar Tubruk on Matchday 22 of the Israel ...

Maccabi Tel Aviv is looking for the next Girl’s Star

Do you want to join the best football club in the country? Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Girls Team is holding an Open Day to find the next women’s footballing star. All the details are inside

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Girls Team is searching for the next star and this is your chance to join the Yellow & Blue family.

On Friday March 15th an Open Day will be held beginning at 15:00. All you have to do is come by and score your place on the Girls Team.

This special day is for girls aged 5-15 and for regular players and keepers.

In the meantime, check out the Maccabi Tel Aviv Girls Team by clicking here.

For more information and to register please call 03-680-6163 or email: lbenaharon@mtafc.com.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Girls Team is searching for the next star and ...

Maccabi bounces Ashdod 2:0. Watch the highlights

Maccabi Tel Aviv visited Ashdod on Matchday 25 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika and took the 3-points thanks to an Omer Atzili brace

Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Ashdod 2:0 thanks to an Omer Atzili brace at the Yud Alef Stadium on Matchday 25 of the Israel Premier League Ligat Japanika. Atzili scored two tremendous second half goals, the first off a Dor Micha assist and the second deep into injury time from an 18 meter free kick. The Yellow & Blue collected the 3 points and will now ready themselves for the State Cup semifinal draw on Sunday while next week they’ll host Bnei Yehuda on the final Matchday of the regular season.

Head Coach Vladimir Ivic’s Starting XI included Predrag Rajkovic, Enric Saborit, Shahar Piven, Sheran Yeini, Eli Dasa, Dor Micha, Dor Peretz, Avi Rikan, Omer Atzili, Eliran Atar, Chico Ofoedu.

Available on the bench: Daniel Tenenbaum, Jair Amador, Ophir Davidzada, Maor Kandil, Ruslan Barsky, Itay Shechter and Aron Schoenfeld.

First Half
Nir Bardea had the first chance for Ashdod but his attempt just went by the post in the 2’ and just a minute later Atzili’s opportunity was blocked by the host keeper Yoav Gerafi. Saborit left the ball for Rikan in the 5’ but his shot went over the goal and two minutes later Ofoedu’s chance from 17 meters was caught by the keeper.

Atar’s 10 attempt was parried by an active Gerafi and 15 minutes later Saborit again left the ball for Rikan but his opportunity went over the bar. In the 37’ Chico sent Atar the ball but his one on one attempt was taken care of by Gerafi who went out to grab the ball.

Rikan’s 45’ shot was again saved by Gerafi while Atar’s chance went off the outside netting of the goal as it looks like it will just be a matter of time before Maccabi will break through the Ashdod keeper as the side’s went into the break deadlocked at 0:0.

Second Half
In the 48’ Atzili’s attempt from a sharp angle went out and his second chance in two minutes from 20 meters was caught by Gerafi. Chico’s 52’ opportunity went over the bar and finally eight minutes later Atzili found the back of the goal thanks to a Micha assist.

#15 found Atzili at the top of the box as he turned and with his right foot he sent a scorcher into the far corner for a 1:0 Yellow & Blue lead. Rikan was issued a yellow card in the 62’ and Dan Bitton’s ensuing free kick was beautifully blocked by Rajkovic to keep the score as is. Ivic made a pair of substitutions in the 72’ as Ruslan Barsky and Itay Shechter came on for Eliran Atar and Avi Rikan.

In the 76’ Atzili’s corner was headed by Ofoedu but just missed the target while Aron Schoenfeld entered the match in the 87’ as Maccabi’s third substitute. A minute later Dasa was issued a yellow card and Bitton’s free kick was taken care of by Rajkovic.

However, Maccabi wasn’t finished yet as Atzili scored his second of the contest deep into injury time off a gorgeous 18 meter free kick as the Yellow & Blue wrapped up a 2:0 win at the Yud Alef Stadium.

Maccabi Tel Aviv defeated Ashdod 2:0 thanks to an Omer Atzili brace ...

Yellow & Blue Youth Academy State Cup action – Saturday February 23, 2019

The Avi Cohen Youth Academy was in action with State Cup matches this past weekend. The U19 side defeated Maccabi Petah Tikva on penalties and the U16 squad advanced with a win over Ashdod

Maccabi Petah Tikva 1:1 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv (1:4 on penalties) (U19)
The Under-19 side advanced to the 4th round of State Cup action with a victory over Maccabi Petah Tikva. Despite playing with only ten men for a good portion of the match, the young Yellow & Blue were able to end 120 minutes of football knotted up at 1:1 thanks to a tying goal by Ido Shahar. Maccabi then went on to win via a penalty shootout. For the full Match Report Click Here.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 4:3 Ashdod (U16)
After a win over Beitar Jerusalem last Matchday, the Under-16 squad fell behind Ashdod 2:0 by the 6’. However, Eran Sassi’s team scored 4 unanswered goals by the 58’ thanks to a Aviv Peles hat-trick and a lone strike by Dor Turgeman. In the 68’ Maccabi were reduced to ten men but Ashdod was only able to pull one goal back as the Yellow & Blue advanced to the next stage of the tournament.

Maccabi Petah Tikva 1:1 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv (1:4 on penalties) (U19) The ...

Maccabi “Shachar” advances in Cup action; defeats Petah Tikva 5:2 on penalties

Despite playing for a good portion of the game with 10 players, the Under-19 side defeated Petah Tikva in a penalty shoot out after ending 120 minutes even at 1:1

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv faced Maccabi Petah Tikva in the 4th round of State Cup play. The two sides had already met twice in league play with the first encounter ending 3:3 in Petah Tikva and the second a Yellow & Blue 3:1 win just two weeks ago.

Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Michael Chilaka, Alon Shtrozberg, Amit Glezer, Tomer Mahluf, Tamir Glezer, Mufleh Shalata, Ido Shahar, Edurado Guerrero, Bar Cohen, Rave Assayag.

First Half
Maccabi had the first chance of the match in the 7’ when Chilaka’s attempt went off of the Petah Tikva defense and the rebound chance by Cohen was caught by keeper Matan Galanti. In the 23’ Peretz made a fine save while at the other end of the pitch, a Shalata through ball to Assayag but Galanti again was up to the task.

In the 29’ Guy Kaufman’s chance from 25’ went by Peretz’s goal and a minute later Arad Bar’s header went over the bar. Guerrero gave Assayag a through ball in the 32’ but his chance was cleared off the line and just before the break Ilay Hen’s attempt was saved by Peretz as the sides went into halftime goalless.

Second Half
Guerrero sent Assayag nice ball in the 56’ but the striker’s attempt from midair just missed the goal. In the 61’ Petah Tikva took a 1:0 lead when Chilaka was issued a red card for pulling down a striker and Arad Bar converted the spot kick. But five minutes later the Yellow & Blue drew even at 1:1 when Shahar took the ball outside of the box and slammed it behind the Petah Tikva keeper.

Omri Ram who came on as a substitute almost gave Maccabi the lead in the 72’ but Galanti made the stop while 7 minutes later Liel Avda’s chance for the host’s was caught by Peretz. Eyal Hen and Nadav Nidam teamed up in the 85’ for a quality chance to take the lead but the latter’s chance went over the goal as the score after 90 minutes remained 1:1.

Overtime
Both sides looked to control the ball and in the 99’ Petah Tikva’s chance went over the goal while in the 117’ Maccabi’s opportunity was caught by the keeper as the contest headed into penalties after 120 minutes.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv faced Maccabi Petah Tikva in the 4th round ...

Maccabi “Oded” U17 defeats Beitar Jerusalem 4:3

The Under-17 side defeated Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 21in league play. Or Roizman scored a brace, Yali Lazar and Tal Torgman also found the back of the goal in the victory

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv 4:3 Beitar Jerusalem (U17)
The Under-17 team hosted Beitar Jerusalem as Eliezer Ben Aharon’s squad recorded the win. Goals by Or Roizman x2, Yali Lazar and Tal Torgman helped the Yellow & Blue to the victory as the side remain at the top of the table with a 9-point lead.

Head Coach Ben Aharon summed up the win: “Only in football can a game turn 180 degrees from the first 60 minutes to the last 30. We controlled the pace of play over the first 60 with good football plays as we created numerous chances. The last 30 were a totally different story as Beitar came back into the game and swung the momentum in their favor and almost drew even. This has happened a number of times recently which means we have to think about what we are doing and make improvements. Next week we play in Sakhnin who are a tough club and we will do our utmost to come back with the win and improve our late match minutes.”

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv 4:3 Beitar Jerusalem (U17) The Under-17 team hosted Beitar ...

The Under-15 team defeats Beitar Jerusalem 3:0

The Under-16 team defeated Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 20 of league action thanks to goals by Aviv Pelles, Elad Kaplan and Rom Gross as they moved into 2nd place, just 2 points off of the table

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 3:0 Beitar Jerusalem (U16)
The Under-16 team hosted Beitar Jerusalem on Matchday 20 of league play and recorded the victory as Aviv Pelles, Elad Kaplan and Rom Gross all scores to moved into 2nd place, just 2 points off of the table.

Head Coach Eran Sassi summed up the win: “We began the match well with a quick goal in the first minute. We continued to control the match and were able to create more chances but couldn’t find the back of the goal. We started the second half by pressing te opponent and wanted to score another quick goal but we weren’t able to. However, we continued to have many good chances but we also ave to correct some of our defensive issues. We allowed Beitar a number of good chances and could have paid a high price for that. Finally, we were able to score a couple of goals near the end of the match.”

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

ID Card: Youth Academy Staff – Ben Kaplan

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 Ben Kaplan, the Under-16 Assistant 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 Ben Kaplan, the Under-16 Assistant Coach who tells us about his time to date in the world of football and the work he does at the Youth Academy.

Ben Kaplan, 32 – Assistant Coach Under-16

Love of the game
“It began just like every other child who loved playing with a ball and then expanded in the 2000’s with my love of Ronaldo, the original Ronaldo. But it was my true love for Guardiola’s Barcelona.”

Entering the world of football
“I had a restaurant, I studied law, managed bars but as time passed by I knew what my dream was and that was to be a football coach of the highest level.”

Investment
“I put a tremendous amount of time into football including reading coaching manuals and books including those of Cruyff and Guradiola who is my role model. I have learnt a tremendous amount from them. It’s amazing to see how the small details make a huge difference.

In addition, I watch a lot of football and not just matches but also tactics on video and YouTube or on other websites that deal with the subject matter. You can learn a lot and in my opinion the world of football continues to change all the time and there is an endless amount to learn. There’s also an unlimited amount of people from who you can learn from.”

Role model
“I really respect and am a fan of Guardiola’s football who takes chances all over the pitch. I also like Maurizio Sarri’s style of play and I have begun really enjoying Klopp’s tactics as well although there seems to be chaotic and tough for me to totally understand his methodology.”

Working at Maccabi Tel Aviv
“Things are different at Maccabi Tel Aviv. Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen’s philosophy is very clear and the whole department plays the same style which is terrific and helps the coaches out a lot. If you get a new team, they are already prepared to play and that makes things move faster along. I work with Eran Sassi who is an excellent coach and we get along really well. I have the freedom to offer my thoughts and opinions but ultimately he has the final word.”

His role
“As an assistant I get the pitch ready for training, work with Eran to prepare the content of the sessions, review match videos, work with the players during the practice and do almost everything that a head coach does. We have a lot of responsibility as we help develop the best players in the country.”

Being part of the Yellow & Blue family
“Maccabi is like a home and that’s how I have felt over the past two years. There’s nothing more than I’d like to do than to be on the pitch, I can’t describe the love I have for my job. I can’t wait for every training session to begin and I never want them to end.

We are group of coaches who work with the youngsters and invest a tremendous amount of time into every single training session. We are all working towards the same goal and I hope that each and every player can go as far as possible and reach for their dreams. We have a terrific connection with them and we talk about all different types of things not just football. They know that I am here for their every need and they are no different than my family.”

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