The Maccabi Tel Aviv “Avi Cohen” Youth Academy began training sessions today for the 2018/19 season as the Under-21 side Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv was the first team to start preparations for the upcoming campaign. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati, assistant coach Nissim Dvash and new goalkeeping coach Shura Uvarov were all on hand as the squad will head to their training camp in Bulgaria next Monday.

The Under-21 team who won the league title last season, will be comprised of veterans from that squad along with players from the Under-17 side who also won their respective league championship. The session was attended by Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen, together with assistants Raymond Atteveld and Robin Verheul. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati who is entering his third season with the team led today’s session and spoke about his feelings as the new campaign begins: “It’s great to get back to the Penguin Pickup Training Ground at Kiryat Shalom to see the guys and the staff. Today is the start of our journey to put together a team that will battle and that’s also intelligent on the pitch. Of course, the goal is to put an emphasis on developing the players and prepare them to make it to the next level, the first team.”

The Maccabi Tel Aviv “Avi Cohen” Youth Academy has a wide range of departments whose goal is to promote and streamline the development of young players. Just before the Academy teams open up training, the staff is already preparing for the upcoming season. Let’s meet the medical and sport science departments whose responsibilities include the continuous evolvement as per the philosophy of Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen.

Medical Department
The Youth Academy Medical Department staff aims to give optimal attention to each and every player that requires it, from health, rehabilitation, anthropometric monitoring and medical-sport education whether they are in the South or North Branches or if they are players on the Under-19 or Under-10 or any other team at Maccabi.

As far as the staff is concerned there is no difference between players and they will do their utmost to get them back on the pitch if injured. The Club has given the coaches and players a mandate that training sessions must be as close as possible to match conditions as the role of the department is to make sure that injured or ill players return to action as strong and as healthy as possible in order to minimize the risk of future injuries.

Youth Academy Medical Staff:
Snir Konik – Director of the Medical Department
Ben Mor – Physiotherapist at Kiryat Shalom
Tomer Tabib-Rabinowitz – Physiotherapist at the University and Hadar Yosef.
Ze’ev Miller – Sports therapist and medic in Kiryat Shalom.
Nir Neuman – Medic at the University and Hadar Yosef.

Sport Science Department
The Sport Science Department features five fitness trainers and four analysts, who are in essence the operational arm of the department. The staff analyzes everything that happens on the pitch by using a variety of technologies such as GPS and video. They also gather information that is put into a database in order to keep track of the content that has been used in each training session. The ultimate goal is to give the coaches guidelines so they can properly plan training sessions, to analyze what they are doing via the bigger picture, when to do certain sessions during the week and on which day, all the way to analyzing methodology, sets, rest times and conditions.

In addition, there is a staff that helps manage video analysis. The staff films both matches and training sessions in order to build individual or team video clips according to the philosophy of Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen. The goal is to provide the coaches with material and video information for group or individual meetings. The video is also used to test match play according to the predefined specifications which can analyze both quantitatively and qualitatively what occurred during the game itself. This will allow the ability to give both positive and negative feedback in order to make corrections where needed.

Youth Academy Sport Science Department:
Antonio Dello Iacono – Director of the Sport Science Department
Gal Vaknin – Fitness Trainer
Ilan Richardson – Fitness Trainer
Zlil Shushan – Fitness Trainer
Yair Illouz – Fitness Trainer
Asaf Chava – Fitness Trainer
Liran Gindi – Analyst
Shlomi Tubul – Analyst
Nir Sharkuka – Analyst
Dor Hassid – Analyst

Training sessions for the Maccabi Tel Aviv “Avi Cohen” Youth Academy 2018/19 season will get underway this coming Saturday as the Under-19 and Under-17 teams will be the first representatives to get back onto the pitches. The Maccabi “Shachar” keeper, Daniel Peretz began training a few weeks ago when he went with the First Team to their preseason camp in Poland. After returning to Israel, Peretz spoke about the experience from the hard work, to the terrific conditions and the opportunity to train with the First Team as he looks to help the Under-19’s win the League Championship for the second straight season.

Summing up the experience of attending the First Team training camp in Poland:
“From a professional point of view it was a very challenging experience and the level of the training sessions were very high. The professional conditions at the camp were excellent from the schedule, nutrition, workout room, ice baths etc…I felt as if I advanced and improved.”

About being an Under-19 player and the youngest in the camp:
“This was actually my second camp where I was the youngest and last season I was trying to figure out how I would fit in. This year, I came into camp much more confident and from a professional standpoint I improved tremendously from last year. On a social level I also felt much more a part of the team and that was due to the players.”

The advantages of having the opportunity to be a part of the training camp:
“I didn’t take it for granted and personally it was very important for me to train with the First Team as it gives me an indication as to how I am compared to the other players at this level. It gives me a taste as to what it’s like to be a professional with conditions that aren’t available anywhere else, along with a professional staff and facilities at a very high level. Every little thing was an experience in itself at the camp.”

Being more prepared for the upcoming campaign:
“I feel that I am well prepared for the new season. Firstly, I am coming with more experience than last season as we went through a lot last year with the Youth team. I also feel that I have improved physically, mentally and professionally. In my opinion, the fact that I started the season a month ago is an advantage.”

Expectations for the new season:
“As a Club we are part of Maccabi Tel Aviv and that means we strive for every available title. The first expectation is to win the league championship again that we won last season. Also, this year we will begin playing Champions League qualification matches and we want to go as far as we can. We want to take the State Cup this season after we were eliminated early on last year and we are very motivated to bring the trophy back home. On a personal level, I’d like to continue to be a part of the First Team and to also let in fewer goals.”

The Maccabi Tel Aviv “Avi Cohen” Youth Academy will get back to business during the month of July as they begin to prepare for the 2018/19 campaign as all of the age groups will begin training for the new season. The coaching staff is complete as veterans and new faces alike will help take the youth teams to new heights this coming season under the direction of Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen.

Youth Academy Training Dates:
July 14 – Under-19 & Under-17
July 23 – Under-16
August 1 – Under-15 & Under-14
August 13 – Under-13 through Under-8

Training Camp in Bulgaria:
Under-19 – July 23-29
Under-17 – July 24-30

After winning the league title last season, the Under-19 side will continue to be led by Head Coach Guy Tzarfati and his assistant Nissim Dvash. The Under-17 squad will again be headed by Eliezer Ben Aharon and Jeffery Yishai who will be in is second season with the club as the team will look to keep the league championship at Kiryat Shalom. Eran Sassi will be the new Head Coach of the Under-16 side in his first season with the club while Ben Kaplan will be his assistant coming from the ranks of the Under-15 teams. Ori David will continue with the Under-15 side while Eliran Mizrachi will join him after spending last season with the younger age groups.

Performance Director Patrick van Leeuwen spoke about the upcoming season: “We made a number of coaching changes in the Academy. Not so much changing coaches but changes in which the coaches will have new challenges to cope with. For example, there are some coaches who will now be head coaches for the first time and others will be assistants for older age groups. We will continue to move forward in the Academy and will give the maximum to the kids as there will be two coaches on the pitch at all times. This is how we will work at the Academy including with the younger age groups, both at Kiryat Shalom and at the University. This way we will be able to continue to develop players both on team and individual levels.

Performance Staff:
Raymond Atteveld – Assistant to Patrick van Leeuwen and will also be the Professional Director of the Under-15, Under-14 and Under-13 age groups at Kiryat Shalom.
Robin Verheul – Assistant to Patrick van Leeuwen and will also be the Professional Director of the Academy teams at the University Location (North Tel Aviv)

Youth Academy Coaching Staff at Kiryat Shalom:
Under-19 – Guy Tzarfati and Nissim Dvash
Under-17 – Eliezer Ben Aharon and Jeffrey Yishai
Under-16 – Eran Sasssi and Ben Kaplan
Under-15 – Ori David and Eliran Mizrachi
Under-14 – Dedi Ben Dayan
Under-13 – Elad Ben Aharon
Under-12 – Boaz Bracha
Under-11 – Tamir Tubul
Under-10 – Hamda Mari
Under-9 – Eliel Horovitz
Under-8 – Idan Bitton
*Leon Asraf will be responsible for the activities of the Under-8 – Under-12 teams at Kiryat Shalom

Assistant coaches at Kiryat Shalom:
Yehuda Livni, Tomer Rosenboim, Aviad Mashiach, Ron Partok.
Mor Shaked – Responsible for the Women’s Project at Kiryat Shalom

Youth Academy Goalkeeper Coaches:
Israel Ainy – Head of the Goalkeeper Department
Shura Uvarov
Shay Hess
Eliad Graf

Youth Academy Coaching Staff at the University Tel Aviv:
Under-14 – Asaf Heber
Under-13 – Alon Peleg
Under-12 – Adi Somekh
Under-11 – Asaf Propeta
Under-10 – David Etzioni
Under-9 – Idan Kazinitz
Under-8 – Menashe Zinder

Assistant coaches at the University:
Tal Elisha, Dana Nissenboim is also responsible for the Women’s Project at Football School

The club’s Under-19 side, Maccabi “Shachar” celebrated their dream season in style as they lifted the championship plate after the win over Kiryat Shemona. Brothers Amit and Tamir spoke about the title:

“It’s an amazing feeling. We worked very hard for this and we’re very happy that we reached our goal. We had some tough moments during the course of the season but at the end, the hard work we put in paid off and there is no one happier than us right now.”

Amit added: “We had a bit of a bumpy start but as the season progressed we showed our worth and I’m very happy that we took the championship.”

Last season the pair took the Double with the Under-17 and this season the league title with the U19:
Amit: “Maccabi taught us that we go into every match to win, take the 3 points no matter when or where. We showed everyone that we were the best team in the league.”

Next season’s goal:
Tamir: “The goal is to be the same type of team like this season and continue to improve while also showing that we can battle for the title until the end of the campaign just like we did now.”

About brother Dan Glazer:
Amit: “Dan always supports us. He knows exactly what we are going through every match and every training session. He gives us tips and advice as to what to do and what not to do and he’s very happy for us that we took this championship.”

Potentially 3 Glazer brothers in the first team?
They all answered together: “That’s our dream. It won’t be easy but we will work hard to accomplish this dream.”

The Maccabi Tel Aviv Under-19 team, Maccabi “Shachar” celebrated the league championship following their 3:0 win over Kiryat Shemona at Kiryat Shalom. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s spoke at the celebrations:
“Behind every coach there are parents and children and this is a good opportunity to acknowledge my family’s support. We are a family of Maccabists, from my father to my brother who were here, it’s very exciting to bring the title back to Kiryat Shalom.”

The season:
“There were some rough times at the start of the season but we all had faith. We knew that we had some good players. It was very challenging and I am happy that we had to work hard for the title as it turned the club into something very special. On a very hot day like today against Kiryat Shemona we could win 3:0 after scoring 5 at Maccabi Petah Tikva that tells us that there are players here that are ready for the next level and can play with the first team.”

About the young players:
“One of my tasks other than on the professional and physical side is the mental preparation which I also did as a player. We had many discussions this season and other than the good work they did all year, they had to also show that they can make the jump up a level to the first team at Maccabi Tel Aviv. I believe that if they can do it then they can really make it to the next level.

The Youth Department’s professional staff:
“I think that many people had to eat their hats after this championship. I remember that from the first day I arrived here there was criticism leveled at us. From the way we would do things that came from outside of Israel. The championships won by the Youth Department teams shows that we have a roadmap and patience that is worth a lot. I’m very happy that I came to Maccabi at this moment. They are the ones who are mentoring me and helping me improve as a coach and I think Patrick and Raymond deserve a lot of credit for what’s happening here. I hope this will continue on.”

William Agada, the club’s striker was a mainstay with the team:
“This is an amazing accomplishment. We did great work and we battled. This was a good season. It wasn’t easy but we were able to translate what we did in the training sessions to the matches themselves.”

About his relationship with Tzarfati:
He is like a father to me. He taught me everything and he helped me so much, I’m very satisfied as are my family. I explained to them what is happening here and they are very happy.”

On his future:
“This is an amazing accomplishment but I am not stopping here. I hope I can play even better and continue to improve as a player at the next level.”

After securing the league title last week, Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv hosted Kiryat Shemona on Matchday 30 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al. Head Coach Guy Tzarfati’s Starting XI included: Daniel Peretz, Noam Cohen, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Amit Glazer, Tomer Altman, Netanel Peretz, Mufleh Shalata, Eylon Almog and William Agada.

First Half
The Yellow & Blue took control of the contest from the get go as Almog and Peretz each had chances early on to no avail. In the 15’ the visitor’s had a free kick from 25’ meters that missed the target while five minutes later, Shalata took the ball from the right wing and sent it to the middle of the pitch where Altman’s 20’ meter chance whistled by the post.

In the 25’ Itzhak Danan tried his luck for Kiryat Shemona from 18’ meters but Peretz was in place to parry the ball and in the 40’ Agada sent a through ball down the right side but Almog’s opportunity was stopped by the the visiting keeper Daniel Banish as Altman’s rebound attempt was cleared off the line. Just before the break Maccabi took a 1:0 lead as Peretz led the attack and sent the ball to Shalata who beat Banish for the one goal advantage after 45 minutes of action.

Second Half
Maccabi continued to control the flow of the game and Tzarfati made his first substitute in the 55’ when he inserted keeper Roie Man in place of Daniel Peretz while 4 minutes later Tomer Mahlof replaced Alon Shtrozberg and in the 63’ Shalata came off for Eyal Hen.

After the substitutions it didn’t take long for Maccabi to double their lead as Altman and Hen’s give and go resulted in the former finding the back of the goal for a 2:0 advantage. Kiryat Shemona had a pair of chances to cut into the Yellow & Blue lead but Guy Ben Lulu’s attempt was cleared by Fadi Najar and in the 68’ Rotem Hatuel’s opportunity was saved by Man.

Netanel Peretz joined the goalscoring party when a give and go with Altman resulted in an 88’ strike handing the Yellow & Blue a 3:0 win to end the 2017/18 campaign on a high note.

Maccabi “Shachar” Tel Aviv – Hapoel Kiryat Shemona, 11:00 Kiryat Shalom (U19)
After securing the league title last week, the Club’s Under-19 team will host the northern side on the final Matchday of the 2017/18 season. The match will take place at the Kiryat Shalom Training Facility and following the game the Championship Plate will be presented. During halftime there will be a ceremony for all of the Youth Department teams that won their league championships. Guy Tzarfati’s side has won 7 matches in a row while Kiryat Shemona is in 8th place with a single victory in their lat 6 contests.

* There are a limited amount of tickets for this match and it’s recommended to arrive early. (Tickets are free)

Here are last week’s highlights from the Youth Department:

Maccabi “Kalfo” Petah Tikva – Maccabi “Oded” Tel Aviv, Monday May 21st at 8:30 Petah Tikva Synthetic (U17)
The Under-17 side will be back in action after the National Team break as the team has already won the league title last month when they defeated Kiryat Shemona 7:2 at Kiryat Shalom. The Yellow & Blue will look to continue their positive momentum with 2 Matchdays remaining and a 21 point lead over second place. Petah Tikva are in 4th place with one win in their last 4 matches.

Maccabi “Eli Fuchs” Tel Aviv – Ironi Nesher, Monday May 21st at 17:25 Kiryat Shalom Synthetic (U16)
After taking the league championship last week, the Under-16 Club will enter the Champions Cup Competition. The Top 3 teams in North & South Districts will face each other in a mini-league where the Champion will be crowned. Nesher finished their North District season in 3rd place.