JCBGC Penpics: UJIA

Simon Sokel – Club Coach - Simon Sokel aged 57 managed Athletico Stanmore and Brixton in the Maccabi Leagues. He then went on to coach Southall Football Club in the Combined Counties League and then Ashford Town Football Club in the Ryman League. He has been with us at UJIA for two years and was instrumental in UJIA winning the 4th Division title last year.

Bradley Cohen – Midfield – very dynamic player who can play anywhere in the Midfield and can turn a game in a split second. Brad was a key player in the UJIA winning squad last year.

Ben Sokel – Midfield – consistently good player who never lets us down. Ben sits in front of the back four mopping up pressure and then gives the ball for a counter attack. Ben will chip in with a goal or two but a real team player who works his socks off. Ben has made good progress this season and gets himself on the team sheet week in week out with his good attitude and hard work.

Dan Roth – Midfield – Simply having the best season this year, he is up and down the park. If he isn’t scoring goals he is setting them up and if he isn’t doing that he is working tirelessly to defend his goal. He is the heartbeat of UJIA, he makes things tick.

Nick Russell – Midfield – great signing from Carefree Athletic in the Watford league. Nick is another dynamic midfielder who can play anywhere on the park let alone midfield. An unbelievable engine and will run all day. Nick also chips in with some vital goals, he has won honours with Kenton and NLJ FC.

Paul Shamplina – Full back/midfield – new addition to the UJIA squad and a very welcomed one. Paul has been around the MSFL for years now and has won many honours in his career. Cyril Anekstein (2), runner-up in the Peter Morrison, Premier League twice, Division one, Israel Maccabiah 2001, 2005, European Games 2003, 2007, Men’s futsal and Vienna European games 2011. Paul now plays for Brady in the Masters. Let’s hope he can add the Barry Goldstein Cup to his list of honours.

Alex Seligman – Defender - the most consistent player UJIA has in our squad. Alex has been with the club for 15years and has seen many ups and downs. He is a loyal character who enjoys pulling on the UJIA jersey every Sunday morning. Alex was also instrumental in last year’s squad that won Division 4. He scored some vital goals and loves getting forward taking on a player or 2,3,4........

Gavin Rhodes – Defender - new signing from Brixton who has really settled into the squad well. Can play anywhere on the back four and is a real tidy player.

Elliot Norman – Defender – Has been a UJIA player for seven years now, even though he has played for our opponents today in Faithfold. You know what you’re going to get on a Sunday morning with Elliot, he is solid and has a trusty left foot, great member of our squad.

Ben Radstone – Defender – joined UJIA three years ago with his brother Matt and has been a key player in getting us here to Wingate and winning last year’s Division 4 title. Ben who has won Division 3 and 5 titles with Southgate Harmen is now an established member of the UJIA set up. Ben is also key in getting our team ready for most games with a pre-match story from his spiritual advisors!. A great guy to have in our squad.

Gavin Sherman – Defender – Since Gavin joined UJIA we have looked far more solid at the back. Gavin is a no nonsense player that brings real experience to our side. Gavin was awesome last season and helped UJIA not only to winning the league but also having the best defence in the league last season. Gavin likes to get forward and scores some vital goals including his back heel lob to equalise against the Raiders in the semi final. Gavin has lots in his trophy cabinet including two premier league titles with Brady, last year’s title with UJIA, runner up in the Cyril Anekstein and a runner up in Baltimore representing Maccabi GB.

Jeremy Leigh – Defender – the vocalist that gets UJIA’S dressing room going before the game. Having played in the Minor Cup final of the Under 12’s with Jerry I’m hoping lightening can strike twice today! Jerry still has bags of pace and has been a huge player since his move from Brixton last season. Jerry has played across the back four all season and has done exceptionally well. His pace will be required on such a huge pitch at Wingate today.

Jack Selt – Midfielder – joined UJIA this terms and has proven to be a great asset to our team. Jack is young, dynamic and has a sweet left peg on him. The good thing about Jack is that he is keen and willing to learn.

Adam Rosenfeld – Midfield – new member to the UJIA squad and has contributed greatly. He can play on either flank and is lightening fast, he has chipped in with four goals in five appearances to date. We signed Adam from FC Team B and he has been a revelation.

John Cohen – Midfield – joined UJIA half way through this campaign and has settled in well to the squad. Jon can play up top or on either flank. He was a master in his day winning many trophies with Hendon but still going at 38yrs old he offers great experience to the squad and will chip in with a goal or two.

Oliver Henry – Midfield – UJIA fledgling that has been so dynamic in UJIA’S success. Oli can play on either flank and has even represented GB at right back in the Maccabi games. He’s skilful and scores lots of goals. Oli has recently ruptured his cruciate ligament and won’t be available for selection today. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

Gary Chajet – Striker – has been part of the UJIA squad for three years and standing at 6ft 4" I wouldn’t want to mark Gaz. However, it was his quick thinking and quick feet that UJIA are here today. Scoring the winning goal in the 118 minute to send us into today’s final.

Assi Avital – Striker – joined UJIA half way through this season, a great signing from Harmen. Assi is a warhorse and doesn’t stop, he holds the ball so well being big and strong. He has also scored 14 goals coming into today’s game. A key player in the transformation of UJIA’S season.

Ben Nassim – Striker - brings everything to the table, pace, strength, holding the ball up, he will defence like a king from the front. Since Ben joined UJIA he has won player of the week in the JC twice. Ben was also named as player of the month for March in Division 3. He is a humble character off the pitch but so focused and energetic on it. Ben has won many honours in his career to date including Division titles in division 2, 3 and 4. AJY under 18 cup winner and has played for the rep team.

Jake Green – Midfield/Attack – sadly won’t be involved today having broken his leg earlier on this campaign. When he did play on either flanks or up top he gave the opposition a torrid time as he was a master at holding the ball to his feet. We all at UJIA wish him well and look forward to seeing him next season.

Tony Plaskow – Striker – was key in UJIA’S winning squad last year but has only played a handful of games this term. Tony has a history of honours as a Faithfold player, playing for their A’s in his 20’s. Tony signed for the U’s two season ago and has tremendous quick feet and a fantastic eye for goal.