In the Maccabi Youth Division's latest community service activity, some fifty youngster from Israel's Ethiopian community were guests at Kiryat Shalom
As Israel continues its celebration of the Jewish Passover with school and work holidays, the Maccabi Tel Aviv Youth Division are taking no time off from their community service programme. As an outcome of the growing and ever warmer ties and collaboration between the Division and the Immigrant Absorption Centre in nearby Or Yehuda, some 50 youngsters aged twelve to seventeen from the town's Ethiopian community today came to visit Maccabi's Kiryat Shalom training ground at the Youth Division's expense.
Highlight of the visit was a showcase match played against the Division's Under-13 Team South, but the young visitors were treated to an exceptional experience both before and after the game as well. They were first given a guided tour of the Kiryat Shalom facilities before donning proper kit and making their way to the complex's eastern playing field for their match against Maccabi's Under-13s. The game was divided into three parts and proved to be a competitive but sportsmanlike affair, with the Ethiopian youngsters demonstrating a considerable level of footballing skill. When it was over the lads all shook hands and after recovering from their efforts, the visitors were treated to refreshments that awaited them in the touchline. The day brought smiles to all involved and was rounded off with a special ceremony during which the youngsters were presented with gifts on behalf of the club before boarding their coaches for the return trip to Or Yehuda.
