Lacrosse squad looking for net gains in Israel

The group will be led by Amy Ansell, who represented Great Britain in medal-winning sides netball in 2005 and 2009 at the Games, and she says they will arrive in Israel as something of a surprise package.

Carrie Goldstein and Jessica Tray will assist Ansell who said: "These Juniors are super excited to be a part of something so special.

“They are the first GB lacrosse team at the event and Carrie, Jessica and I are equally excited be part of this unique experience with them."

Ansell went on to say: "The number of Jewish girls playing lacrosse has certainly increased since 2011 when I helped with recruitment for the JCC Maccabi Games. We have a fantastic group of 14 girls ranging from Year 9 to 11."

Ansell fondly recalls a conversation with with the then European Maccabi Confederation chairman Stuart Lustigman about her ambitions to get a GB lacrosse team to the Maccabiah. 12 years on and she has finally got her wish.

“They are a young squad but we make up for that in enthusiasm and volume, on and off the pitch. Many of the team have competed at the JCC Maccabi Games but they'll soon learn that Maccabiah is on a whole different level.

“I can't wait for them to walk out with the GB squad at the opening ceremony - that’s one of my all-time favourite moments.

On the management team, Ansell said: “Our coach Carrie Goldstein has a plethora of experience as an American lacrosse player and coach and is helping the team realise their potential.

“Our incredible manager Jessica Tray is a Maccabi GB legend who is currently studying at Cambridge University.

“She is super organised and helping to keep us all in check. Sadly I won't be joining the group in Israel as I've just had my third child. I can't believe I'll be missing out on the first lacrosse competition at the Maccabiah. I think secretly I'm hoping to sneak out onto a flight. Don't tell my husband!”

SQUAD:

Jessica Bloom

Chloe Cresswell

Isabella Davis

Daisy Gershon

Lara Hugh

Jenna Jacobs

Georgia Koopman

Natasha Leek

Kezia Levy

Charlotte Morley

Taryn Onnie