Eyes on the Prize: Preparing for an Unforgettable Summer of Sport

Maccabiah Games 2025

It’s been a dynamic and energising month for the International Events Department as we continue to build momentum towards the upcoming Games. With less than 100 days to go, preparations are ramping up and our teams are coming together both on and off the field.

• Games Preparations – Israel Update

Preparations for Israel are well underway. We have now confirmed and booked all final flight numbers, and we are actively working on accommodation arrangements and finer logistical details, including team uniforms and playing kits. Everything is on track to ensure a smooth and successful experience for all participants.

• Football Highlights

Our U16 and U18 Girls’ Football teams delivered an impressive performance against Brighton. We were hosted by an incredibly warm and welcoming community club whose hospitality made the day especially memorable.

The Open Men’s Football team took a break from the pitch to focus on mental well-being with a unique team-building experience at Mana and Wak, inspired by an earlier talk from Joey Kolorin. This session allowed the players to reconnect, recharge, and strengthen team dynamics.

Lilleshall Training Weekend

Our U16 and U18 Girls’ Football squads travelled to Lilleshall for an intensive and enriching training weekend. The schedule was packed with sports drills, competitive matches, team-building activities, educational sessions, and a beautiful Shabbat programme. The weekend was a standout example of the holistic experience we strive to deliver — blending athletic development with cultural and personal growth.

• Squad Development & Social Impact

Our U16 Futsal team balanced their training with a relaxed social gathering, highlighting the value of camaraderie off the court. Similarly, our U18 Boys squad demonstrated dedication and teamwork during their latest training session in Uxbridge.

Fundraising & Community Engagement

The U18 Girls Football team hosted a successful Supper Quiz evening at Jewish Care, raising vital funds while strengthening community connections. At the same time, individual sports athletes gathered for a casual meet-up run by our Junior Management Team. These ‘Getting to Know You’ sessions — complete with pizza — were a fantastic opportunity for athletes to connect and share in the team spirit.

• Junior Management Team Leadership

Our Junior Management Team continues to excel, leading with passion and purpose as they plan educational sessions and Jewish identity initiatives. Their creativity and leadership are instrumental in shaping the wider experience for our teams.

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JCC Maccabi Campus Games 2025

Janice and Ian had an incredible experience at the JCC Spring Delegation Head meeting in Pittsburgh at the beginning of the month . The excitement kicked off with a guided tour of the state-of-the-art campus facilities, followed by a visit to all the amazing venues where the action will unfold. Over 2,000 athletes, coaches, managers, and delegation heads will be staying on the stunning Pittsburgh campus, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.

The opening ceremony, set to take place in the impressive basketball stadium, promises to be an electrifying start, and that's just the beginning! A special trip to a thrilling baseball game is on the agenda, offering a sneak peek of all the incredible activities lined up for everyone.

To top off their adventure, Janice and Ian wrapped up the trip with a visit to the Emma Kaufmann Camp Site, where the Maccabi GB team will celebrate the Shabbat weekend. The excitement is building, and there's so much more to come!

All the squads are training hard and this month we finished with our first athletes/parents meeting held last Thursday.  We had over 85 parents and athletes present.  The first hour, the athletes worked together, team building and getting to know each other better.  This was certainly beneficial for the non team sports.  The second hour was the parents/athletes joint meeting when we reported back on our Spring Delegation Head meeting.   Everyone was so excited and can’t wait for the summer!