The second of our previews of the Team Maccabi GB squad who will be competing at next month’s JCC Maccabi Games in Toronto focuses on the “Lionesses” – the girl’s U17 football team.
Managing the players are Talia Rich and Dani Elias, who “are absolutely delighted with the squad they’ve assembled”.
With the majority of the players hailing from London, Rich said: “Some of the girls go to school and play at club level together, so we had no worries with them bonding. In addition to the nine players who were selected at the start of the process, we’re very lucky to have recently recruited three girls who were due to play at the Maccabiah Games and are really excited to have them on board. The squad has come together so nicely, and Dani and I are thrilled with what they have already achieved.”
None of the players have any previous experience of competing in any form of Games, but Rich says this adds an extra special dimension to proceedings. “It makes it even more special for them and us,” she says. “As a management team, we’re really looking forward to giving the players the best first experience of an international Maccabi tournament, which will hopefully inspire them to get even more involved in the future.”
Training has been taking place on a monthly basis since December, though the regularity has increased over the last couple of months.
“A lot of the girls play regular club and school football and have been training hard with these, so preparations have been strong,” Rich continues. “Training with the boys has also helped to push the girls and prepare them even more, and with only a few weeks to go, they are definitely ready for the challenge.” It will be Rich’s second time managing at a Maccabi Games, but her first JCC tournament.
She says: “I feel very privileged to have been asked to lead the squad and am so excited for the week in Toronto. Dani and I have both taken part in international Games so know how incredible the opportunity is to represent your country, and we can’t wait to give the girls this experience. I’m obviously devastated not to be leading my delegation out in Israel, but I’m equally as proud to be part of such an amazing group going to Canada.”
As to what she’s hoping the squad can achieve – both on and off the pitch – she adds: “Winning the tournament would of course be the cherry on top, but that is not my priority heading into the Games.
“I want the team to make the best memories both on and off the pitch, whether that’s by connecting with other Jewish athletes from around the world, enjoying the activities we have planned, or giving their all during the matches.
“Taking part in these Games is such a special feeling, and I want the girls to fully appreciate it. Having said that, I know they are super-excited to go and represent Team GB, and we are obviously hoping to come home with a medal!”
Squad: Zoe Toberman, Sophie Kanter, Ella Wilson, Maya George, Georgia Dias, Libby Marco, Izzy Clement, Talia Dar-el, Amelie Teacher, Ariella Carroll, Tamara Levy, Issy Myers, Talia Rich & Dani Elias (joint-managers)
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