Simon Zamet says he has unfinished business after being appointed manager of the Team GB U18 Boys Football team at the 20th Maccabiah Games.
Zamet, who will be assisted by Ricky Lawrence, steered the Team GB U18 Boys Football team to Silver medal at the European Maccabi Games 2015 (EMG2015) in Berlin last summer, where the side were agonisingly beaten on penalties in the final against hosts, Germany.
Lawrence was coach alongside Daren Nathan and Scott Ansher in Berlin and helped their U16 Boys Football team to the gold, beating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Both Simon Zamet and Ricky Lawrence have vast managerial and coaching experience at multiple levels of Jewish football and will be aiming to take their side far in the Maccabiah Games in 2017.
Zamet said: "I am delighted, excited and very proud to be given the opportunity of leading Team GB’s U18 footballers in Israel next summer, at what is undoubtedly the biggest Jewish sporting event in the world.
"The European Maccabi Games in Berlin was an amazing experience, the most significant returning of Jews to Germany since the war and, as a Jew and manager the experience will live forever in my memory – both on and off the pitch.
"Nevertheless, I feel that I have unfinished business after our painful penalty loss to Germany in the final. With Ricky on board, I feel we have got a great management team with a good blend of coaching and managerial experience and, crucially, recent international tournament experience.
"Of course, gold is our aim and in Israel it will be that much more difficult.
"Ricky and I are going to put in place the very best journey to Israel for the [players] that we can with high profile friendlies, guest professional coaches and a pre-tournament stay at St George's Park, home of the England national team."
Ricky Lawrence recalled: "The final whistle to confirm [the Team GB U16 Boys] gold medal was such a fantastic moment and I'm sure it will come up quite a lot between the trials starting and the big kick off in Israel.
"Berlin was an incredible experience and our team spirit was no doubt one of the reasons we went all the way.
"The hard work starts from the first trial and it's that hard work that I'm sure Simon and I will be looking out for."
Simon finished with a call to arms for players, saying: "We are looking for as many boys as possible to get registered and get involved. Trials will be in May and June.
"My message to anyone thinking of applying is this - if you believe you have got something to offer then make sure you register. We already have some established players but every tournament throws up new, fantastic talent that seems to come out of nowhere. It could be you.
"Technical capability and fitness are a given but, most importantly, we are looking for boys with the right attitude who we can build a squad around to challenge for gold.
"Representing your country is like nothing you’ve ever done or seen before - we can guarantee an unforgettable experience. Make sure you are part of it."
