Maccabi GB positive start to year shows the community is the real winner

With the present time proving to be a challenging one for the Jewish community, the first quarter of 2026 has provided Maccabi GB the chance to demonstrate something powerful – resilience is not just a response, it’s something they actively build.
And within that context, sport has always been more than just physical activity. It’s a vehicle for connection, confidence and identity and that has been clearly visible in a hugely positive start to the year across Maccabi GB’s programmes.
The launch of the Schools’ Parents Football League has brought together 15 teams, creating a vibrant and competitive environment that balances fitness with social connection. With weekly fixtures building towards finals in June, it has already become a cornerstone of community engagement. Alongside this, the introduction of a Mums’ Netball League reflects a growing demand for inclusive opportunities that allow parents to stay active while strengthening community ties.
At grassroots level, programmes continue to expand. Walking football sessions provide accessible activity for older adults, while basketball, tennis and netball are engaging participants across all age groups. For the youngest members of the community, Mini Maccs has offered toddlers their very first introduction to sport, not only developing coordination and confidence but creating early connections for families.
Highlighting something deeper, sport plays a vital role in supporting both physical and mental wellbeing. Weekly activity, social interaction and shared experiences are helping individuals feel healthier, more connected and more resilient.
New initiatives aimed at early parenthood, including accessible weekly Pilates sessions, have created spaces where individuals can prioritise both physical recovery and social connection. Meanwhile, community events such as wellness mornings – incorporating activities like sound therapy and relaxation sessions – are expanding the definition of what it means to be active and well. Looking ahead, there is much to be excited about. New leagues, expanded programmes and continued national delivery will further strengthen opportunities for engagement. At the same time, the commitment to tackling antisemitism – particularly within sport – will remain a central priority.
Rising antisemitism continues to affect many areas of life – including sport. In response, the Tackling Antisemitism in Sport programme has seen significant expansion in the first quarter of the year.
More than 1,000 individuals across the sporting landscape – from Premier League academies to county governing bodies – have taken part in specialist workshops designed to educate, challenge and empower. Sessions delivered at clubs such as Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest FC have focused on young athletes, ensuring that the next generation of players understand both the impact of antisemitism and their role in addressing it.
Engagement with the Lawn Tennis Association and the International Tennis Federation marks an important step in broadening the conversation across different sports. Similarly, sessions with county cricket clubs and stewarding teams are helping to ensure that environments across sport are safer and more inclusive.