They usually say that the Hebrew month of Tishrei is the beginning of the new year, however, according to the football calendar the real beginning is in the month of August and WOW what month we have ahead. Get your day planners ready and let’s go:

August 4: Second leg of Europa League third round qualifying: Maccabi Tel Aviv – Pandurii (3:1 Maccabi in the First leg)

After a victory in the first leg away in Romania, Shota Arveldaze’s players will look to finish the job and punch their ticket to the Europa League playoffs. Just like Captain Gal Alberman said, we all want another European campaign. If you were thinking about skipping the match, then think again. Don’t miss out. Ticket sales are underway, purchase your tickets now.

August 5: Europa League Playoff Round Draw: Hamsa, Hamsa, Hamsa
We don’t like to jinx things but should the players do what they need to on Thursday night and only if that happens, then on Friday afternoon the Europa League playoff round draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland. We really want to be there.

August 7: Matchday Three Toto Cup: Bnei Yehuda – Maccabi Tel Aviv
After an off day on Matchday Two and a little over a week before the Derby, Maccabi will visit Bnei Yehuda for the “Little” Derby against new head coach Arik Benado. This will be the first of two matches in the Toto Cup during the same week.

August 10: Matchday Four Toto Cup: Maccabi Tel Aviv – Hapoel Raanana
Shots Arveladze’s squad will face Raanana under the guidance of Haim Silvas. This will be a chance for more players to show the coach what they can do.

August 12: Maccabi “Shachar” leaves for their Holland training camp
Let’s take a break from the First Team and focus on the Youth Club. Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv will leave for their Holland training camp that will begin with their participation in the three day Heemskerk Tournament.

August 15: Matchday Five Toto Cup: Hapoel Tel Aviv – Maccabi Tel Aviv
This may be the first of two matches in the same week and not because of the Ligat Ha’Al season opener. Should Maccabi advance to the Europa League Playoff Round the first leg will take place on Thursday August 18th. Will this have affect the Starting XI? Let’s first take care of Pandurii.

August 20 (not final): Matchday One Ligat Ha’Al: Maccabi Tel Aviv – Hapoel Kfar Saba
Here it is. The Israel Football League begins with Matchday One of the Ligat Ha’Al 2016/17 Season. Maccabi will host the first match of the year when they kick off against Hapoel Kfar Saba. The Sharon club has caused the Yellow & Blue some headaches in the past during the clubs’ first encounter of previous seasons and Maccabi won’t want to break their opening match of the season winning streak. Should Maccabi advance to the Europa League Playoff Round then the second leg will take place the same week on August 25th.

August 27 (not final): Matchday Two Ligat Ha’Al: S.C. Ashdod – Maccabi Tel Aviv
The Yellow & Blue will head out to an away tilt against the newly promoted Ashdod side. After a season in the Leumit League, the port city side is back in the top division and will want to take center stage once again.

But wait we’re not finished yet.

Beginning on August 1st you can get all of your Back-to-School supplies at the Pop-Up Shop at the Ayalon Shopping Center.

And don’t worry we have plenty more surprises in store for you, this is one month that you won’t want to miss out on.