A 13-year-old JFS pupil’s tricks with a football have led him to become part of an international initiative to promote sporting diversity among young people.

Itai Lichtenstein, from East Finchley, has been chosen as the youngest ambassador for the Eleven Campaign, which is active  in 15 countries.

Other ambassadors include former Chelsea soccer star Didier Drogba and Olympic gold medallist with the USA women’s football team Carli Lloyd.

“He’s always had a ball at his feet,” said father Daniel. “As soon as he could walk, he was kicking a ball.”

He has honed his skills in freestyle (keeping the ball in the air) and in ground moves (weaving it with his feet). Last year he finished in the top eight of the under-16 Pannahouse Invitationals in Copenhagen,  a one -to-one challenge where players had to outscore or nutmeg their opponent.

The Eleven Campaign spotted his talent when he won a contest at a fanzone it ran in London last year during Euro 2020.

He managed to keep a tennis ball in the air, using all parts of his body, for 687 times.

“The Eleven Campaign gives me an opportunity to combine my passion for football and other sport with promoting diversity,” Itai said. “I enjoy working with and interacting with people from different backgrounds.”

Itai Lichtentstein

He recently made his first appearance as an ambassador co-hosting a football skills event at the Salmon Youth Club in South London. “It was great to meet the kids there and bond through a sport we are all passionate about. I am looking forward to next time and participating in other Eleven Campaign events,” he said.

He plays soccer for Impact FC in Hackney and is trialling with Middlesex. He will also be offering a one-to-one challenge at the Maccabi Fun Run, which takes place on Sunday week.