September 9. That date has been in my diary for several months as it marks the football league debut of Caro junior. I’m not sure which one of us is more nervous.
I’ve given up my role as a Maccabi League manager to ensure I’m there by the side of my son, Jacob, who turned seven last week.
I will do my best to ensure I don’t try to live my dreams through him, as any football-fanatic-proud father will tell you, but it’s not easy. I’m desperate for him to enjoy himself, and get off to a good start.
Many families introduce their children to competitive junior football in Year 2, but I didn’t want to push mine and wanted to wait until I felt both he and I were ready. He’s champing at the bit now.
A sell-out crowd is expected, including members of the Goldstone, Baron and Binke households.
* Realistically, Israel must take four points from their first two 2014 World Cup qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Russia.
Yet to register a victory under manager Eli Guttman, preparations have been far from perfect with captain Yossi Benayoun not having played this season, while defender Tal Ben Haim is still without a club.
On the flipside, striker Tomer Hemed has been in top form for Real Mallorca in La Liga and it’s vital they turn the Ramat Gan Stadium into a fortress after finishing the last campaign with a whimper.
* Premier Division champions Hendon United Sports Club A are ready to unleash new signing Jacob Gold when they tackle newly-promoted Brixton Old Boys A in the JC MSFL on Sunday. Another match to keep an eye on sees the teams who finished first and second in Division Four last season, Brady B and Athletic Bilbaum, go head-to-head.
* Jeffrey Permutt has helped Hertfordshire over-60’s reach the playoffs of the Spitfire County Championships for the first time. The London Maccabi Vale all-rounder has scored more than 300 runs and taken 21 wickets for the county. He said: “The standard is very high, with many ex-county players involved.”
* Win, lose or draw, there will be a party at London Lions’ Rowley Lane ground after their FA Cup match on Sunday. The Arkley base will be used as the venue for a Team GB Open football fundraiser where the title of poker king is up for grabs. It promises to be a great night with some top prizes.
For details, email andyglynne26@hotmail.com.
