Under-18 girls dream of another podium finish

The bulk of the squad heading to Israel already have a taste for reaching the podium, having won bronze last July at the European Maccabi Games in London. Adam Myeroff, who is chairman of girls football and one of four members of the managerial team, says: “We want to win a medal and carry on the success from last summer but also give the girls a great Maccabiah experience.”

Reflecting on the 19 girls selected, Myeroff says: “We’re delighted with the squad we have. We’re extremely lucky to have such an amazing group of girls, both on and off the pitch and this has made our job as managers very easy.”

Myeroff will take the reins alongside Katie Icklow, Tash Kingsley, and Ethan Myers.

Believing that last summer’s triumph for the U18 girls football team at the European Maccabi Youth Games can help the side secure another medal, he adds: “That success and everything they went through created bonds that have only made them more excited to represent Team Maccabi GB this summer. Other members of our squad took part in the JCC Games in Fort Lauderdale in 2023 and were managed by Tash and two played in the U18 football team at the Maccabiah in 2022.”

The pedigree of the squad is evident, with players on the books of clubs such as Watford Ladies and Luton Town, while several others are part of the set-up at London Lions. One player is heading to university in the US on a football (soccer) scholarship. Myeroff says: “All of our squad have the ability to do something special on the pitch.”

In preparation, the team have been training regularly since January and had a weekend away at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre. “All of that has been great for the squad to gel and improve on the pitch, and we’ve had multiple friendlies against quality opposition, including an away game at Brighton & Hove Albion,” says Myers. Not leaving any stone unturned, he adds: “We’ve also had tactical sessions with our coach Tony Gold, where we’ve watched our games back, and we took a trip to St George’s Park to see how the England national teams prepare.”

Looking to increase the frequency of training in May and June, the squad recently claimed an ‘amazing’ last-minute 3-2 win against St Albans, with more friendlies scheduled as the Games approach.

With heightened expectations around the squad, Myers says: “The girls and management team can’t wait to get on the plane, especially after the success in London and our recent trips to Lilleshall and Brighton. Ultimately, nothing matches representing GB in international games and creating memories that last a lifetime.”

On what she hopes the girls will take from the experience, Kingsley says: “We hope they come away from the Maccabiah Games with an incredible experience both on and off the pitch—whether it’s making friendships and memories that last a lifetime with both GB and international athletes, becoming better footballers, or connecting with their Jewish identity, we hope they take something home that they’ll never forget.”

As for being part of the management team, Kingsley says: “It’s amazing to be working with this group of girls. They throw themselves into everything and are always willing to listen and learn. Watching them grow as a team has been extremely special, and the way they’ve taken the U16 girls under their wing shows what an amazing group they are.”

Echoing her thoughts, Myers says: “Having watched my father play at the Maccabiah Games in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017, it’s been a dream of mine to walk out at the opening ceremony alongside him. I know it’s the same for Adam with his daughter Jess in the squad, for Katie who is managing her daughter Ruby, and it will be a full-circle moment for Tash, who competed as a player in the U18 Girls’ Football team in 2017 alongside U16 Assistant Manager Libby Poster.”

Looking to complete a unique double within 12 months, Myeroff adds: “Giving our players the chance to compete alongside and against fellow Jewish athletes from around the world and experience the magic of the Maccabiah Games is what means the most to us.

“We’re aiming to create an experience for the girls that they will never forget—both on and off the pitch—and hope they can build relationships that last a lifetime.”

Team Maccabi GB U18 Girls football squad:

Sophie Cohen, Toni Cruise, Sasha Cudner, Evie Estrin, Gabi Fernandes, Libby Frenkel, Sophia Godfrey, Ella Hammond, Ruby Icklow, Talia Jaffe, Tamar John, Lola Leibovitch, Jess Myeroff, Allegra Orkin, Talia Rosen, Goldie Rubinoff, Chloe Shelley, Nili Shmuel, Sophie Tabor

Management Team:

Adam Myeroff, Katie Icklow, Tash Kingsley, Ethan Myers.