Academy Keepers End of Season Seminar

Youth Department training sessions for the 2017/18 season have ended for the majority of the Academy. Just before heading to the summer break, a special gathering was held under the auspices of the goalkeeping coaches for over 40 Youth Department keepers

Just ahead of the summer break, the Youth Academy’s goalkeepers held a special session under the guidance of Israel Ainy. Keepers between the ages of 8-19 took part in the seminar where various important materials were reviewed with the objective of giving more information to the aspiring shot stoppers. The Head of the Goalkeeping Department at the Academy Israel Ainy reviewed the season results and saw how the philosophy of the department impacted the keepers. The other coaches also gave their point of view as to the campaign just before the summer vacation.

Ainy summed up the event: “The symposium focused on some of the professional aspects of being a goalkeeper from the technique and tactical side which included, preventing goals, kicking the ball, building the game beginning with the keeper, adjusting and meeting the high professional standards, the mental side of the game, leadership and coping with pressure.”

Ainy continued discussing his work at the Academy:
“I began working at the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Academy a year and three months ago as my philosophy was in line with that of the Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen and we’ve been able to work hand in hand ever since my arrival.”

Looking ahead:
“Due to the success across the Youth Academy this past season, we’ve set our goals very high to continue advancing the keepers both on an individual and club level. We are looking to continue to achieve new heights with an emphasis on stability.”

Just ahead of the summer break, the Youth Academy’s goalkeepers held a ...

After the Success: Summing up the season with van Leeuwen

After leading the Academy clubs to 4 youth league championships, the Performance Director talks about his optimism in integrating the younger players in the First Team: “There are many talented footballers in Israel”

The second season of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department under the direction of Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen has come to a close and we sat down with the Dutchman to discuss some of the highlights of the campaign, the successful season had by the clubs and much more. Van Leeuwen also talks about what chances the players have in advancing to the First Team, the goals ahead and the path to success.

This is your second season at the Club. How would you sum up from your point of view this most successful season that saw each age group winning their league title?
“I would sum this season up as a continuation of building the program via our football philosophy. Our starting point was much higher this season than last. After a full campaign where our players were able to get used to the philosophy, they came into the season much better prepared at the beginning of the year. We had an excellent training camp in the Ukraine which included the Under-19, 17 and 16 teams. They all had the opportunity to play against top level European clubs and the chance to see how our squads stacked up to theirs.”

Van Leeuwen continued: “In terms of results, we had a very successful season and each age group from the U15’s to the U19’s won their respective championship. Of course, this will create expectations for the upcoming season and we will have to live up to those standards. The professional staff and management added new things into the regimen in order to strengthen the clubs. We are very satisfied with the final results and how we continued to advance our philosophy across the department. Many of the teams played at a very high level and at the end of the season took home the league championship. It’s not because we demanded that, but because we continued to play football the whole season. I believe that all of the titles won were because of our football philosophy and we have been working very hard on this specific way in order to be successful as well as enjoying the game itself. We attempted to teach the players as much information as we could for each specific age group. This way gives gives clear results and we’re talking about 4 individual teams that were successful following this methodology. Our way of football is based on a specific philosophy and now we have good fundamentals in order to continue our work next season.”

At the beginning of the season there was criticism leveled at the department, the results proved them wrong:
“There was some “noise” outside of Maccabi Tel Aviv. Every place where I had worked in the past be it in the Ukraine or Kazakstan, when you make changes there will always be some people who won’t be happy. The “noise” came from people within the club, some of them finished their time at the club and some left voluntarily. They were the ones who tried to create a little bit of “noise”. They tried to make my personal and Maccabi’s success more difficult. I believe that the youth department coaches and players said their piece with the results that we achieved at the end of the season. If you look at our internal success, there were plenty of players that were invited to the various different Israel National teams. We all worked well together to suppress the “noise” around us. Of course, today the reviews have changed to a pat on the back, good words and the desire to be even more Yellow & Blue.”

Is there a specific model throughout the world or a club that you aspire to be similar to?
“The model which we are using has been put together specifically for Maccabi Tel Aviv. We take advantage of the opportunities we have in training to do the maximum. The advantage we give the coaches is that they receive a tremendous amount of both theoretical and practical information. When our coaches went to educational seminars abroad they were able to see that we are similar to some of the best academies in Europe. However, in terms of our facilities we still have a way to go. In addition, during the two years that I’ve been here, one of the positive things that I’ve seen is that there are many talented footballers in the country, not just at Maccabi Tel Aviv but at other clubs as well.”

In terms of the players in the youth department, there were a number of them from the U19 to the U16 level who trained with the First Team. Do you feel that the homegrown players have a place in the top team?
“At the start of the season, players from the Under-19 squad trained with the First Team as per the coach’s request. During the second half of the season, there were players who were consistently training with the First Team like Tomer Altman. There were additional players from the Under-17 and Under-16 sides that also had the opportunity to train with the First Team for a variety of reasons. I believe that these chances definitely gave the feeling that there is a connection with the First Team and that it’s possible to train with them. The feedback we received about the players was of course very positive, about their passion and desire that they saw. The older players who are closer to the First Team in terms of age, were able to see where they need to improve. At the end of the day, this whole process helps show that there is a path from the youth department to the First Team and that there are opportunities.”

The owner says that his desire is to see the First Team made up of home grown players, how do you see this challenge?
“I believe that every talent deserves a chance. The Under-19 team players showed their quality and deserved the opportunity to train with the First Team. Once they receive that chance, the responsibility is upon themselves to prove that they deserve playing time. I think that it’s possible to have a high percentage of youth department players with the First Team over the next few years. It’s a challenge and I believe that it’s within reach. As a club, it’s important to give these players the opportunity. We must create a culture that there are candidates every season so that they can get a chance. If they don’t succeed, there should be an alternative in the second division, where a number of players can have the opportunity to take the next step together.”

What are the short term and long term goals for the youth department?
“For the foreseeable future, the goal is reinvigorate our football philosophy each season and that should be part of our culture. In the long term, we want to create candidates for the First Team from the Academy and be able to give the coach a number of players who he can test out. Another goal which I hope to be a part of is the whole issue of developing the facilities that we have in the department which can be done in parallel to the football development. If we don’t have the right tools to give that extra football development, then other clubs will be able to close the gap due to better facilities and their football advancement as well. So it’s important for the club, the youth players and coaches that we improve our facilities.”

There have been discussions about developing young players through an Under-21 league or an option for teams to register players up to the age of 21 in the lower leagues. Van Leeuwen believes that this should become reality: “There are examples from Germany, Portugal and Spain that there are other teams that play in the second or third division. For example last season in Portugal, Porto’s second team won the second division championship. There was a similar case in Holland when Ajax won the second league title and there isn’t an option for them to be promoted a league, but they are playing at the highest possible level. This is a wonderful chance for players between the age of 18-21 to play at a high level against professional adult teams.”

About the National Teams:
“The National Teams are good for our players. We have many players who are playing with various age National Teams. The Under-17 team was in the European Championship which is the top of the top. They showed that they have ability but I think that the methodology should be more like a team. The players can’t be influenced just through a week or month of training. The preparations need to be very specific because there is potential and quality in the Israel National Teams and you have to make sure that it’s reflected in this type of tournament. It’s different at a football club as there are more opportunities with the players. I think the Football Association needs to look at how to properly prepare a team for these types of important tournaments.”

The second season of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department under the ...

Open Trials at the Youth Department

The Club’s Youth Academy held open tryouts for youngsters between the ages of 7-12 who came from all across the country. Over 100 children participated in the special day held at Kiryat Shalom with the department’s professional staff

The Club’s Youth Department held a special day at Kiryat Shalom for aspiring footballers. The professional staff were able to work with over 100 children who came from across the country for the open tryouts that was headed by the Academy’s lead scout Ran Elias.

Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen stressed the importance of holding these days with the goal of hosting additional trials throughout the year for various age groups.

The day was split into two halves as footballers born between 2009-2011 arrived first as the staff held a training session that was set up specifically for their age group. Later on, those born between 2007-2008 held a separate session as well.

Players who impressed the staff will be contacted in the near future. The open day provided an excellent chance for youngsters from across the country to get a taste of Maccabi Tel Aviv and its values.

The Club’s Youth Department held a special day at Kiryat Shalom for ...

MICHAEL CHILAKA JOINS MACCABI

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC reached an agreement with Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa for the sale of Michael Chilaka and signed a three-year-deal with the Club having an option to extend by a further two more seasons

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC reached an agreement with Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa for the sale of Michael Chilaka and signed a three-year-deal with the Club having an option to extend by a further two more seasons.

The 18-year-old defender, who successfully underwent a medical at the club, made 20 appearances for Kabilio’s first team in the third division, and 27 appearances for the their U-19’s last season. 

Maccabi’s Performance Director Patrick Van Leeuwen, told the club’s official website: “Michael is a player we identified playing senior football as a 17-year-old in the third division and our scouting department has monitored his progress since. We invited him over for trials and he also played a practice match for the U-19’s and impressed. He is a player with good physique and the right mentality who wants to progress his footballing career. We all believe that Michael can do so at Maccabi and play an important role as of next season”.

Maccabi’s CEO Ben Mansford added: “I am delighted that Michael has decided to join Maccabi. Not only is the Youth Department developing our own young talent but continuing to identify the best young players in Israel. Michael spent some time training with us earlier this season and we have continued to monitor his progress. Michael had an excellent season at Kabilio Jaffa and narrowly missed achieving promotion with them. I would like to thank Kabilio Jaffa for their professionalism in the way they conducted the negotiations over Michael and his transfer to us. Welcome to Maccabi Michael!”

Maccabi Tel Aviv FC reached an agreement with Maccabi Kabilio ...

Just like the best players in the world: Iniesta & Willian

The Youth Department project is continues. Episode 29 of the video series presents a new technical exercise which is taught at the club’s Academy. Watch the next special movement

Just like the best players in the world: The Brand New Youth Department Project

Just like the best players in the world: The Brand ...

Under-16’s Capture the Champions Cup

After winning their league championship, the Under-16 side also took home the Champions Cup in the 6 team Northern and Southern district tournament as they won all 3 of their matches

The regular season ended a few weeks ago and the Under-19 squad, Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv won the Southern District Championship earning them a place in the Champions Cup which included 3 teams from each of the country’s districts, Northern and Southern.

Matchday 1 saw the young Yellow & Blue hosting Ironi Nesher who finished the season in 3 place in the Northern District. Raymond Atteveld’s side took home a 6:3 win as Nehorai Bitton scored 4 goals and Tal Torjman added a brace. On Matchday 2, Maccabi faced Maccabi Netanya who ended their campaign in 2nd place but once again the Yellow & Blue won, this time by a 5:0 scoreline. Tal Torjman again found the back of the goal twice as did Or Roizman while Niv Berkowitz added a lone marker. Matchday 3 pitted Maccabi against the Northern District Champions, Maccabi Haifa and came away with a 3:1 victory thanks to Torjman, Bitton and Yali Lazar. The win handed Maccabi Tel Aviv the Champions Cup and ended a fantastic season for Atteveld and his squad.

The regular season ended a few weeks ago and the Under-19 squad, ...

Under-15’s end Vienna Tournament in 4th place

After a pair of wins yesterday over Schalke and Ferencvárosi, the Yellow & Blue fell today to Rapid Wien, 2:1 in the 3rd place match. Admira Wacker defeated Red Star Belgrade to win the tournament

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Under-15 team ended the International Tournament in 4th place after finishing the group stage in 2nd place thanks to a pair of victories over Schalke 04 and Ferencvárosi Budapest while falling on the first day to Admira Wacker. The 2nd place group play finish set up a 3rd place match against the competition’s host Rapid Wien. However, Yonatan Paz’s lone goal wasn’t enough in a 2:1 defeat for the Yellow & Blue as they ended in 4th place.
Admira Wacker won the tournament defeating Red Star Belgrade as Schalke 04, Ferencvárosi, AIK Stockholm and Lokomotiv Moscow all participated in the competition.

Raymond Atteveld, the Club’s Assistant to the Performance Director summed up the match and the tournament as a whole: “We played well despite losing. We had created plenty of chances but unfortunately we couldn’t score enough goals. As for the football that we played over the course of the tournament, we played well and surprised a lot of people due to the quality and quickness of our play. For that we received many compliments. The main thing was the experience that the young players were able to gain and that was the ultimate goal. This was our second season participating in the tournament and we were able to surprise people once again which means that we are continuing to improve and advance while working properly. I am proud of the guys.”

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Under-15 team ended the International Tournament in 4th place ...

Succesful Saturday: Two wins for the U15’s in Austria

The Under-15 side defeated Schalke 04 4:0 and beat Ferencvárosi 3:2 on day 2 of the International competition. On Sunday the team will play in the 3rd place match

It was a very successful Saturday for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Under-15 side at the International Tournament taking place in Vienna, Austria. Coaches Ori David and Asaf Heber squad won their two matches, beating Germany’s Schalke 04 by a 4:0 score and defeated Ferencvárosi Budapest of Hungary 3:2.

Yonatan Paz, Ori HaLevi, Elad Kaplan and Roie Revivo all scored for the young Yellow & Blue in the first match while Kaplan recorded unbrace and Itay Peles added a lone marker in the second game of the day.

Thanks to the two victories, Maccabi’s U15 squad will face Rapid Wien in the 3rd place match on Sunday.

It was a very successful Saturday for Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Under-15 side ...

Vienna Tournament: The Maccabi U15’s fall 4:2 to Admira Wacker

The Under-15 team opened the International Tournament with a loss to their Vienna counterpart

The Club’s Under-15 side played their opening match in the International U15 Tournament being held in Vienna, Austria and fell to Admira Wacker 4:2.

The young Yellow & Blue took a 1:0 lead but the Austrian outfit drew even and then took a 2:1 lead which increased to 4:1. Just before the end of the contest Maccabi scored their second goal of the match as the game ended 4:2 in favor of Admira Wacker.

Raymond Atteveld, the Club’s Assistant to the Performance Director spoke about the match: “The players learned that their European counterparts will punish them immediately following a mistake on the pitch. This is a good lesson for the future.”

The team will face Schalke 04 of Germany and Ferencvárosi Budapest on Saturday.

The Club’s Under-15 side played their opening match in the International U15 ...

The Under-15 Team heads to Austria Tournament

The Club’s Under-15 will be heading to an international tournament that will be taking place in Austria. Other teams that will be taking part include Schalke 04, Rapid Wien, Lokomotiv Moscow and Red Star Belgrade

The Club’s Under-15 team will be traveling to Austria and will take part in an international tournament in Vienna with the goal of giving teams the opportunity to play against sides that are similar in level with the chance to also learn and meet new friends from across Europe. This is considered to be one of the most important competitions for the Under-15 teams and will begin on May 25 until May 27th with the squads being split up into two groups of 4. The top team in each group will then play in the final on Sunday May 27th.

Participating clubs:
Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
Rapid Wien (Austria)
Admira Wacker (Austria)
Lokomotiv Moscow (Russia)
Schalke 04 (Germany)
Ferencvárosi Budapest (Hungary)
Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
AIK Fotboll Solna (Sweden)

Maccabi Tel Aviv was drawn into Group B with Admira, Schalke and Ferencvarosi with the fixtures as follows:

Friday May 25 – Maccabi Tel Aviv – Admira Wacker (17:05)
Saturday May 26 – Maccabi Tel Aviv – Schalke 04 (11:05)
Saturday May 26 – Maccabi Tel Aviv – Ferencvárosi Budapest (18:35)
Sunday May 27 – Final rankings matches

This is a prestigious tournament for the team and the players, which helps the preparations for next season. The Yellow & Blue will look to return home with positive results and extraordinary experiences.

The Club’s Under-15 team will be traveling to Austria and will take ...