Phil Caplin and Adam Lustigman have been appointed joint-managers of the Maccabi GB under-18 Futsal squad looking to defend their title at the 2019 European Maccabi Games (EMG) in Budapest, Hungary.
July 17, 2018 10:22
Lustigman and Caplin led MGB at the Maccabiah Games in Israel last summer and they have drafted in National League futsal player Tamas Gyenei to assist them.
Caplin described his appointment as “a great honour” and added that “it will be an amazing experience to represent MGB once again.” He continued “Our objectives are to prepare a squad competing to its optimum level and capable of winning a gold medal.
"We believe the equal importance of ensuring the squad enjoy the cultural, educational and social elements as well as the sporting experience from the event – we know representing your country and community will be an experience every player will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Lustigman led the MGB squad to futsal gold in Berlin in 2015. “We hope to replicate the amazing experience from the last Maccabiah Games and give this group of boys life-long memories whilst defending our Under 18 EMG title," he commented.
"We are equally looking forward to seeing the players and parents enhance their Jewish Identity on and off the court by taking part in the unique Maccabi-spirit these Games have to offer.
“We are fortunate to have Tamas coaching our squad and his vast knowledge and experience will help massively in our preparation for the Games as well as in Budapest itself.
"Many young players are already playing futsal at a good level which adds to the excitement and optimism as well as the competition for selection.”
Gyenei, who is looking forward to showing MGB his home city, kicked off his futsal career in the first U19 league in Hungary aged 17. Now playing for ProFutsal London, who finished second in the National League and reached the quarter-finals of the Futsal FA Cup, Gyenei will also coach MGB U16 Futsal squad.
“This will be my first time coaching with MGB and I am honoured to not just coach two squads but to also experience this in my home country as well," said Gyenei.
"Budapest has a lot to offer culturally so I am looking forward to the whole experience together on and off the court.”