Maccabi GB unveil squads for Pan American Games

Masters 35s manager Dan Jacobs heads a management set-up of assistant-boss Rob Glass, former Premier League player Mikele Leigertwood and physio Richard Collinge

Jacobs commented: “Rob, Mikele and myself are really pleased with our selection and whilst we want to be competitive when we play we are equally looking forward to mixing with old and new friends from around the world.

"We are in for a real treat if Mexico replicate the incredible community spirit which we experienced at the last games in Chile and cannot wait to share this experience with the 45s and 55s as well.”

Darryl Lee and Adam Solomons will spearhead the challenge of the over-45 squad. Lee stated: “We are very pleased with the make-up of the squad. There is a good mix of players from London and Manchester, and in addition 50 per cent of the group has limited or no previous International Maccabi Games experience."

Lee is excited about introducing the new crop to the event. "Giving these players an opportunity, even at 45+, was something that we focused on during the selection process. Managing and playing football at 45+ is a privilege and to do so with like-minded Jewish athletes in Mexico City takes some beating."

Ian Leader is excited about the challenges that lie ahead for his 55+ squad. “We are delighted to be taking the first over 55’s football team to compete in an international competition," he said.

"Whilst we are taking it very seriously on the sporting front and our aim is to return with a medal, we are looking forward to engaging with other Jewish people from all over the world.

Team Maccabi GB will also have Mark Norden and Paul Gladstone joining the delegation to compete in the paddle tennis tournament.

MGB Head of Delegation Brian Green said: “I thought I had ticked all the boxes for MGB when I had the honour of carrying the Maccabi GB flag at the opening ceremony at last year’s Maccabiah Games. But to be asked to be Head of Delegation for the Pan American Games in Mexico 2019 is an absolute privilege which I am relishing.

"Not many people can say they have represented their country and we are excited to show this group all what the Maccabi movement has to offer beyond sport by connecting to their Jewish Identity.”

Joining Green as assistant Head of Delegation is the vastly experienced MGB athlete, Samantha Cohen, who will also be playing in the 35+ Tennis tournament. She said: “I am delighted to join Maccabi GB delegation. It is always an honour to represent my country and community and reunite with Maccabi friends from across the Jewish world.

"I look forward to assisting Brian and contributing any way I can to the success of MGB. I have been fortunate to have previously worked with the Jewish community in Mexico City and spent some time there. They have a remarkably strong and hospitable community and I am really looking forward to returning there and participating in what will no doubt be a most successful set of Games.”

MACCABI GB SQUADS

MASTERS 35+ FOOTBALL

Rob Abrahams

Josh Bentley

Daniel Berg

Curtis Bitton-Price

Lee Cash

Saul Conway

Greg Corin

Jon Ellis

Rob Glass

Adam Harvey

Anthony Jacobs

Alex Levack

Guy Morris

Adam Myeroff

Michael Pearson

Daniel Stanton

Manager: Dan Jacobs

Assistant-Manager: Rob Glass

Coach: Mikele Leigertwood

Physio: Richard Collinge

Training with squad are Russell Corin, Craig Ellis, Nathan Ezair, Craig Pearl and David Soutar

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MASTERS 45+ FOOTBALL

Gideon Barnett

Laurence Beck

Richard Buxton

Simon Corney

Tony Gold

Moshe Hasid

Craig Henry

Bradley Lazarus

Bradley Lee

Paul Lenchner

Tim Levene

Mark Mann

Andy Miller

Laurence Newman

James Pincus

Jonathan Rayner

Hadley Silver

Mark Wagman

Nick Yardley

Managers: Darryl Lee and Adam Solomons

Assistant Manager: Jonny Rose

Coach: Adam Fegan

Physio: Matt Jenkinson

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MASTERS 55+ FOOTBALL

Nigel Conway

Arthur Duke

Immanuel Ezekiel

Jonathan Field

Phil Gordon

Jonathan Holman

Malcolm Joseph

Jonathan Kaye

Simon Lawrence

Phil Mayer

David Price

Larry Radiven

Russell Rich

Ian Sassoon

Philip Silver

Philip Turner

Daniel Wolfson

Managers: Brian Donne and Ian Leader

Coach: Barry Silkman

Physio: Bill Songhurst