Andy Landesberg says Team Maccabi GB Open Futsal have unfinished business ahead of the European Maccabi Games in Berlin.
Landesberg, who led the Open Futsal squad at the 19th Maccabiah Games, has maintained many of the team who did so well in Israel, with England internationals Russell Goldstein and Jon Kurrant both selected. The latter will also act as team coach.
The Open Futsal team won Silver in Vienna at the 2011 EMG and Landesberg’s troops will be aiming to go one better and bring home the gold.
Landesberg said: "I was fortunate to manage a fantastic group of players in Israel at the 2013 Maccabiah Games and we have now built and strengthened that squad.
"We feel confident that we can deliver a medal for Team MGB, so let’s hope it’s the right colour."
Landesberg went on to say that the Games are about much more than just sport for him and his players. "Berlin for me is a unique opportunity to take the team back to a very special place to experience a very special occasion.
"I truly believe that this European Maccabiah Games will be one that nobody will ever forget.
"It is always an honour to represent your country, but this summer will allow myself and my team to return to a country where so many had to leave, and so many never had the chance to defend over 70 years ago.
"The best part of representing Team Maccabi GB will be the fact that we can all go back and represent our country and community with a mind-set that was dramatically different for the Jews of Europe during World War II."
SQUAD:
Alfie Brooks
Alex Elf
Russell Goldstein
Charlie Hyman
Charlie Kasler
Jon Kurrant (player/coach)
Nick Landesberg
Daniel Lipman
Liron Mannie
Jamie Nagioff
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