While the Maccabiah Games is a sporting extravaganza in its own right, participants of next month’s Jewish Olympics are in for a treat with two other major events taking place in Israel at the same time.
The Davis Cup quarter-final against Russia will feature the leading lights of tennis at the Nokia Arena from July 11-12.
A few days later, Maccabi Haifa host Glentoran in a Champions League qualifier. The Team GB football squads will be staying just a few blocks away and I expect to see a large number of fans kitted out in official team gear.
With the Games fast approaching, Maccabi GB and the Village Elstree will have a live screening of the opening ceremony on July 13. Admission will be for those with pre-booked tickets only. For details, email Jessica@maccabigb.org.
I advise you to get down to the Team GB Maccabiah squad’s send-off party at the Maze Inn Bar in Cockfosters on July 2.
It is a very sad state of affairs that some papers are describing Ben Sahar as a Chelsea flop when in truth, he was never given a chance. Signed by Jose Mourinho, the Israeli marksman impressed in the reserves and with the exception of QPR, did well when loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday and De Graafschap. He was given even less of a chance at Portsmouth when, having been signed on loan by former boss Harry Redknapp, he had no minutes on the pitch under Tony Adams’ regime.
Having scored a 90th minute winner for Israel’s Under 21s in their second 2011 European Championship qualifier in Bulgaria, it is clear that he is not the finished article but Chelsea’s policy to spend millions on experienced internationals rather than plan long-term and give youth a chance sticks two fingers up to investment in youth.
FC Team have lined up eight pre-season friendlies ahead of their second season in the Middlesex County Junior League. They start against Hanworth Villa on July 18. This will be followed by Greens United (July 25), London Lions (August 2), Sandgate (August 9), Stedfast United (August 16), North West Neasden A (August 19), Kentish Town (August 22), Feltham (August 29).
Keeper Ben Law capped a memorable week by winning Montana Boca United Player of the Season. The stopper also won the JC MSFL Safe Hands award. Simon Hecker won the club’s goal-of-the-season for his stunning free-kick against Brady. Andrew Binstock is the most improved player while player-chairman Raymond Harrod and captain Adam Osper are managers’ players of the year.
Lynne Kyte has stepped down after 17 years as general secretary at Temple Fortune.
Try out the kosher food stall at Victoria Drive near Wimbledon. Run by Rabbi Dovid Cohen, along with his wife Sora, of Chabad South London Campus.
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