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:
Ori David
Coach: Under-15 South
Years as football coach: 10 years all at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “Passion for the game”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “The change has been great with a good and clear philosophy. I believe we will see that the players who will come out of the Youth Department will be at a vey high level.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “Training, character, quality and continuation.”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “I live in the world of football 24/7. Books, matches, stats, video and more. It’s never ending.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “There have been a number including Dan Glazer, Matan Hozez, Yonatan Cohen and others.”
Role Model: “Nelson Mandela”
Favorite club in the world: “Barcelona”
Unforgettable match: “Liverpool vs Milan, Champions League Final.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “Amateur aviator.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Head coach in the Israel Premier League or even better than that.”
Adi Somekh
Coach: Under-13 Nouth
Years as football coach: 20 years, 15 at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “The love of the game and working with youth. I also was able to be close to the game through my brothers who played.”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “It’s very professional and professional up to the smallest details. It’s very interesting and challenging.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “Hard work!!!”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “Learn and soak in they information from professional education.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “Dor Micha.”
Role Model: “Dor Micha because of his hard work”
Favorite club in the world: “Frieburg. I was in the city and saw a number of matches that turned me on. A small club with an incredible atmosphere in the stands.”
Unforgettable match: “Manchester United vs Bayern Munich, Champions League Final 1999. 3 minutes and it turned into a 2:1 win for United.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “I love to travel throughout the country and around the world where I can see new places and culture.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Maccabi Tel Aviv youth department.”
David Etzioni
Coach: Under-10 North
Years as football coach: 4 years, 1st at Maccabi
Why did you decide to become a coach: “My father needed an heir”
What are your thoughts about the changes in the Youth Department? The new philosophy and the use of technology: “The introduction of professionalism and a work ethic that had never been here before. You’ll only be able to see the fruits of our labor a few years down the road and not just yet as we implement the philosophy.”
What do you think is the most important thing to impart in young players in order for them to develop into professionals? “The joy of the game and personal habits.”
How do you work on improving both yourself and your training ability? “Reading, watching and trying new things from various people in sports.”
Is there a player that trained under you who has succeeded in Israeli football? “You’ll hear about them in 5 years.”
Role Model: “David Beckham”
Favorite club in the world: “Barcelona”
Unforgettable match: “3:3 Classico with a hat-trick from Messi. 1:1 Barcelona vs Chelsea in the Champions League quarterfinals with the equalizer from Iniesta.”
Something that we don’t know that’s untreated to football: “I never leave my house without making sure my hair is perfect.”
Where do you see yourself in 10 years: “Doctor working in brain research.”
