In the latest of our previews of the Team Maccabi GB squad heading to this summer’s Maccabiah Games, this week we switch our focus on to the junior tennis squad.
Hopes are high that the players assembled in this category will return from Israel with medals in their suitcases.
The squad are being managed by Adam Bolchover, Mimzi Greenberg and Anya Myers, and this trio are “beyond thrilled” with the selections made in a squad featuring large contingencies from London and Manchester.
Most players will be regularly training either with their coaches or at their local clubs at least twice a week until the Games but formal squad training sessions are held at least twice a month before the actions begins.
These bonding get-togethers, Kelly Worth, chair of the tennis squad, says, are “an essential part of the Maccabiah Games experience”, adding: “While tennis is played individually, we go out as one team.”
Most of those chosen have previously competed in either the last Maccabiah Games, European Maccabi Games or the JCC games in America.
“But for a few, the Maccabiah Games will be not only their first international sporting fixture, but their first trip to Israel,” says Worth. “For this, we are most excited and feel privileged to be able to afford this opportunity to them.
“The slogan for Maccabiah 2025 is ‘Now more than ever’. The players are so excited to be able to go out to Israel, play the sport they excel at, and show total solidarity with Israel throughout such difficult times.
“Of course, our aim is to win in as many categories as possible, and to bring home the medals for Team Maccabi GB. However, we don’t lose sight of the fact that the purpose of the Games is to unite Jews through sport.”
Worth says that the extreme heat they will face at the Kfar Maccabiah Tennis Centre in Ramat Gan will be an issue, but the squad will “just get on with it as best they can”.
With participants competing from 18 different countries in one of the largest categories at the Maccabiah Games, Worth is expecting tough opposition, particularly from Israel and the USA. But she says: “We too are sending out our best and we’re not just ready, but excited for the challenge.”
As to what it means to her to manage the squad, she says: “It’s been a privilege.
“From the selection process which began in May 2024 to now, I’ve grown to know each child individually both on and off court, and I’m left with nothing but pride for the squad we have selected. Not only are they outstanding at their sport, they’ve proven themselves to be dedicated, hard-working and competitive players.
“Many kids have sacrificed other holidays and commitments to be at the Maccabiah Games because they feel such a strong allegiance to Israel.
“The only place they want to be in July is on court, in Israel, representing Team Maccabi GB in the special country we all also call home, and this fills me with joy.
“I absolutely hope and expect the squad to bring home some medals.
“However, we won’t measure our wins with our medals.
“The wins we are guaranteed will be our unequivocal show of support to Israel, the countless friendships that will be made, the fun that will be had both on and off court and the overall Maccabiah Games experience, which will foster a growing love and appreciation for Israel and create memories which will last a lifetime.”
The Team Maccabi GB Junior tennis squad going to Israel:
Sophie Permutt, Hollie Teacher, Kaya Kirschel, Freya Feddy, Olivia Cohen, Libbi Alexenicer, Eliana Elton, Sasha Zlotnik, Ariel Nevies, Sam Saron, Max Menton, Guy Levison, Josh Van Dellen, Sam Zlotnik, David Gluhovsky, Theo Pitceathly, James Bolchover, Dylan Goldsmith, Max Silverman, Zeb Imber, Rafi Zackheim, Daniel Ben-Yair, Matan Ben-Yair, Josh Goodman.