Maccabi GB has launched a national drive to recruit new talent to what they hope will be the strongest water polo team they have ever sent to the Maccabiah Games.
With both current and ex-international players amongst the line-up, the team is considered to be one of the most exciting prospects for the 19th Maccabiah in Israel next year.
Having integrated on a home level with Watford Water Polo Club over the past 12 months, the team were promoted in their first season of National League play and now compete in the Middlesex, Hertfordshire, London and National Leagues.
Adam Waltzer, a former Maccabean and current Maccabi GB and Watford team coach, said: “It is a regeneration. There is an enormous pool of talent coming through.
“With former GB international players James Kattan and goalkeeper Marc Shirman making themselves available for selection in Israel next year, combined with current GB players Jared Baker and student international Josh Brown, the team looks exceptionally strong this time around.”
But the hunt is still on. Steve Behr, the Team GB water polo chair, said: “There is a concentration of Jewish water polo players in north London and at Watford Waterpolo Club specifically, but we are looking for the best Jewish players throughout Great Britain to apply and participate in the games.”
Neil Haftel, the most senior team member, says: “In 1989 we set up a local Maccabi team in London in order to build for future Maccabiah. We have successfully participated in most Games since and now have a team with a real chance of making waves.”
Trials for the GB Water Polo squad take place in Barnet on the afternoon of July 15.
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