There was good news and bad news in the world of Jewish sport this week. The good news is that the future of junior football has been secured by the Maccabi (Southern) Primary Football League after coming up with a rescue package to take in teams from the AJY next season.
The fact that it has taken just a week to put plans into place does not surprise me as I know that there are many key players around who realise the importance of the issue.
Speaking about the demise of AJY football, JC MSFL chairman David Wolff said: “It’s very sad as it has been around for a long while. I know the problems they’re encountering but I don’t believe that it’ll affect the Maccabi League. There’s no direct inputs for the junior leagues to the MSFL.”
However, the bad news is that Brady Maccabi youth club is closing. Although the football side of things will continue, the other sports and social aspect will cease. The club has a wonderful reputation for nurturing young Jewish talent and like many young families across North West London, it appears that I will have to find another venue to entertain my children.
North London Raiders Adam Fegan boss has revealed the secret to his success. Suspicions about him being in touch with his feminine side were confirmed when he revealed that he wears his wife’s thermal underwear to stay warm on the touchline.
Raiders have added defender Elliott Espinoza who joins from London Maccabi Lions.
Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun played the loyalty card when voting for Fifa World Player of the Year. The Israel captain selected Fernando Torres as his first choice followed by Steven Gerrard. Christiano Ronaldo, the eventual winner, only rated third on his list.
FC Team attacking midfielder Lorian Madanes expects to miss the rest of the season due to ligament problems. He had an injection in his knee last week strengthen the area and has been ordered to rest for at least three months.
Southgate Harmen winger Simon Cohen has left the club due to work and travel commitments.
Harmen chairman Simon Lyons has stepped down after eight years at the helm. Citing business and family commitments as his reasons, Lyons has handed over the reins to club secretary Stuart Cohen. Lyons becomes an honorary vice-president.
David Lyons has taken over as Harmen publicity officer.
The JC MSFL has signed up to the FA Respect campaign. A talk will be given at the mid-season council meeting by a Senior Development Officer of the London FA.
The HMH Under 17 supporters club has recognised the efforts of chairman and manager Nick Sonenfield. A spokesman said: “He is a truly inspirational man. Although times are sometimes hard for his teams, he will still give it his all and is in it for the fun. He sees winning as a bonus.”
My condolences go to the family of former Hendon & Finchley Times Sports Editor John Pollard who passed away last week. The 70-year-old died of pneumonia and was the first sports editor to take me under his wing during my days at JFS.
Quadruple-chasing North West Neasden A, the last remaining team in non-Jewish cup competition this season, will be flying the Maccabi League flag on Sunday when they travel to Cypriot side Panthea, looking for a place in the semi-finals of the London FA Sunday Challenge Cup.
They welcome back captain Lee Cash, Daniel Cole and Daniel Stanton. The winner is at home to Kerria Sports or Baldon Sport in the semis.
And finally, I’d like to wish my parents a happy birthday.
To get more from Life, click here to sign up for our free Life newsletter.