Just like the best players in the world: Ronaldo & Xavi

The Youth Department project is continues. Episode 26 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 ...

Youth Department Action May 5, 2018

Maccabi “Shachar” host’s Hapoel Petah Tikva as they’ll look to remain in first place, the U16 squad will look to continue their fine play and stay at the top of the table while the Under-15’s are also in action

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Petah Tikva, 11:30 Ramle (U19)
The Under-19 squad will look to keep up their positive momentum when the host Hapoel Petah Tikva on Matchday 28 of the Israel Youth Football Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. The young Yellow & Blue enter the contest in first place with a 3-point lead over second place Hapoel Raanana. The visitor’s are in second to last place on the table and have gone winless over their last 5 matches.

Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv (U17)
The Under-17 team is on break until May 16th due to the Israel National Team participating in the European Championships. The side sent 5 representatives to the competition in England.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Ashkelon, 12:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U16)
After a week off, the Under-16 club gets back to action when they face Ashkelon on Matchday 28. Raymond Atteveld’s side are in first place due to a better goal differential than Beitar Jerusalem as they are level on points. The visitor’s are in 14th place with 6 straight losses.

Maccabi “Eldad” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Beer Sheva, 10:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 South)
The young Yellow & Blue Under-15 South will look to wrap up their league title with a win against second place Hapoel Beer Sheva who are two points behind Maccabi on the table.

Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Kfir Saba, 08:30 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U15 North)
The Under-15 North squad will welcome Hapoel Kfar Saba on Matchday 29 of league play. Maccabi “Ilan”are in 3rd place with 6 wins out of their last 7 matches while Kfir Saba are in 4th place with 4 wins in 5 contests.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Petah Tikva, 11:30 Ramle (U19) The Under-19 ...

5 Youth Department Representatives to feature at the U17 European Championship

This coming Friday, the Israel National Team Under-17 side will play in the European Championships. Five players from Club’s Youth Department will feature for the team in the prestigious tournament and will play in a group that includes England, Switzerland and Italy

The Under-17 Israel National Team will head out to the prestigious European Championship Tournament that begins this Friday. 16 teams will be split up into 4 groups with the two best advancing to the quarterfinal round. Israel was drawn into Group A together with Italy, Switzerland and the host country England. The Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Department will have five representatives with the squad including, Dan Lugassi, Ido Shahar, Omri Ram, Nadav Nidam and Rave Assayag.

Group A Schedule:
Israel – England, Friday May 4, 21:00
Israel – Switzerland, Monday May 7, 14:30
Israel – Italy, Thursday May 10, 21:00

Groups:
Group B: Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden
Group C: Belgium, Bosnia, Denmark, Ireland
Group D: Germany, Holland, Serbia, Spain

The Under-17 Israel National Team will head out to the prestigious European ...

The U12 & U11 teams come up short in State Cup Final action

Youth Department State Cup Finals: The Under-12 side fell to Maccabi Petah Tikva at Ramat Gan Stadium while the U11’s lost in a penalty shootout to Maccabi Haifa. Check out the photos

A pair of Youth Department teams both featured in their respective State Cup Finals at Ramat Gan Stadium on Monday evening. The Under-11 North side lost in a penalty shootout to Maccabi while the U12 squad fell to Maccabi Petah Tikva as the two Yellow & Blue clubs finished their respective tournaments in second place. Prior to the games, a special ceremony was held where former players were honored including Ron Nachman, Menashe Shamonov, Moshe Schweitzer and Vicki Peretz as they accompanied the teams onto the pitch.

The pitch was divided into two halves for the competition at this age as both sides featured 7 players plus a keeper for two 35 minute halves.

Maccabi Haifa – Maccabi Tel Aviv North
The Under-11 team came up short against Maccabi Haifa in a penalty shootout after falling behind in the match but came back to draw even at 2:2. The Greens took the lead in the overtime period but the Yellow & Blue were able to tie the contest up as the game went into spot kicks from 11 meters. Maccabi missed twice as the Yellow & Blue ended the tournament in 2nd place.

Maccabi Petah Tikva – Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Under-12 side lost to Maccabi Petah Tikva 4:3. The Yellow & Blue took a 1:0 lead but Petah Tikva came back to take a 3:1 advantage. However, Maccabi showed a lot of character and came back to draw even at 3:3 before giving up the winning goal via a set piece to Petah Tikva.

A pair of Youth Department teams both featured in their respective State ...

Yellow & Blue Saturday Results April 28, 2018

Maccabi "Shachar" Tel Aviv recorded an important win at Netanya, the U17's picked up another win and the Under-15 North side win their Derby 4:0

Maccabi Netanya 1:3 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv (U19)
The Under-19 side defeated Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 27 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al as Guy Tzarfati’s squad came back from a 1:0 deficit to pick up a 3:1 win. William Agada, Eylon Almog and Eyal Hen scored for the Yellow & Blue as they remain 3 points ahead of 2nd place Hapoel Raanana. For the Full Match Report Click Here.

Maccabi Netanya 1:5 Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv (U17)
After locking up the league title a couple of weeks ago, the Under-17 side also defeated Netanya on Matchday 27. The young Yellow & Blue increased their lead to 18 points atop the table with 3 games remaining. Rave Assayag scored a hat-trick while Dor Dego and Shaked Navon also scored. Head Coach Eliezer Ben Aharon summed up the win: “We played a very high quality game which was a pleasure to watch that was also very aggressive. Netanya scored in the opening minute due to our mistake. We got back into the contest and scored some gorgeous goals by the half and took the lead. We scored another goal at the beginning of the second half which for all intents and purposes finished off the game as Netanya stopped believing and then we scored two more goals. People are asking us what are we playing for at this point? You won the championship so where is the motivation coming from? Our answer is that we are trying to turn the season into something extra special. Our lead is sitting at 18 points from second place Maccabi Haifa. We want to continue on. We are now going on a National Team break and will return to play on May 16th against Kiryat Shemona and our goal will be to continue to play quality football. I want to wish good luck to the National Team players who are heading to the tournament in England. We have 5 players who will be representing Israel.”

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv (U16)
Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv 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 4:0 Beitar Jerusalem
The Under-15 South team fell to Jerusalem at home on Matchday 28. The Yellow & Blue are in first place but their lead was cut to only 2 points. Next week, Ori David’s side will host Hapoel Beer Sheva in a Match of the Season that may determine the league champion.

Hapoel Tel Aviv North 0:4 Maccabi “Ilan” Tel Aviv
After advancing to the State Cup Final, the Under-15 North squad took care of Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Derby on Matchday 28. The Yellow & Blue are in 3rd place with 6 wins out of their last 7 games. Or Roizman, Nair Amda, Yonatan Paz and Ben Lineker scored for Asaf Heber’s side who said following the contest: “After advancing to the State Cup Final we had to face Hapoel Tel Aviv and there’s nothing like a Derby to keep the motivation high. We began the match very well and we scored an early goal. We controlled the pace of play for the most part and we scored three more goals later on in the contest.”

Maccabi Netanya 1:3 Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv (U19) The Under-19 side defeated Maccabi ...

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

The Under-19 side picked up the victory at Netanya on Matchday 27 of the Israel Youth Football League. Goals by William Agada, Eylon Almog and Eyal Hen helped the team to win as they remain 3 points ahead at the top of the table

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.

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.

The Under-19 club visited Maccabi Netanya on Matchday 27 of the Israel ...

Just like the best players in the world: Zidane & Vidal

The Youth Department project is continues. Episode 25 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 ...

Youth Department Action, Saturday April 28, 2018

Maccabi "Shachar" visit Netanya for a top of the table clash as they'll look to remain in 1st place. The U17's also play away at Netanya while the Under-15 South team can wrap up the league title against Beitar Jerusalem. All of the Saturday action are inside

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.

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.

Maccabi “Shlomi” Netanya – Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv, 11:30 Beit Maccabi Netanya ...

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

The Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al is very tight atop the table with only 4 Matchdays remaining. Let’s check out what games the young Yellow & Blue have left in the Under-19 campaign

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)

The Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al is heading into the final ...

ID Card: Meet the Youth Department Coaches

Behind every first team player there’s a youth department where he honed his skills. At the club’s Academy there are plenty of staff who work around the clock to help the players develop into the best players that they can be. Let’s meet some of the coaches

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.”

One of the Youth Academy’s goals is to help players grow and ...