Division Three looks open of the most open with 10 teams vying for a top two finish. Check out all the runners and riders here.
BLIZZARD STORM
Competitions entered: We have entered all competitions – league, Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein Cup
Hopes for the season: I'm confident we can challenge at the top of the table. We know it’s a very tough league but just like last year, I'm confident we have the ability and character to win hard games.
What will your team will bring to the league this season? Hopefully good football, played in our usual great spirit
New signings: We haven't been too busy in the window. The return of Joe Stolerman, Brett Freeman and Adam Nathan is like three new signings. Stuart Muller will also be playing every week which gives us a superb squad. The big signing is Neasden youngster Shai Revivo who is a quality attacking player and will replace Joel Kutner.
Have any players left? Joel Kutner. We wish him all the best
Who is the captain? Division 4 Player of the Year Adam Speck. His leadership and experience is very important to us.
Main challengers Can't call this one, such a strong league.
‘Ones to watch’: We have lots of ones to watch but I have a feeling Rubin and Revivo with the returning stolerman will be great to watch.
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Dan Vandermolen is a great prospect. He can play all over the park, and is still only 17. Sean Ladier and Dean Shaw and Revivo are all young proven talents.
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? I could still do with one more striker.
Home ground: Mill Hill Park
Sponsors: TBC
Describe your club in one sentence: A credit to Jewish football
What do you love about the MSFL? Danny Caro
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CATFORD & BROMLEY MACCABI
Competitions entered: MSFL Division 3, Anekstein, undecided on the Morrison.
Hopes for the season: Last season was about staying up as we started with about seven players registered. It was about building a team and keeping Catford going as the oldest continuous team in league as we didn’t want to fold. This year is about building on that and maybe challenging towards the top half. It would be nice to think we could go up but it will be difficult.
What will your team will bring to the league this season? We finished high up the fair play league last year, finished second in sportsmanship award, we have young players in our team and some older who come here because they enjoy the atmosphere. It’s not a team where you shout at others for making mistakes. We have been commended by refs for being a sportsmanlike team. Hopefully that will continue. We want to go out and have fun and win, not for a fight or wind up opponents.
New signings: Not yet
Players out Josh Pater, Dan Stone
Who is the captain? Adam Lewis
Main challengers UJIA. I'm sure some of the teams coming up will be strong. We played Blizzard Storm in the cup and won last year but we know they’ll be a decent team. We know it’ll be a difficult division because it always is. Teams come up from the fourth working their way through and will make it hard.
‘Ones to watch’: Central midfielder Ashley Stokes came in last season and has been brilliant since then; it was the first time he played 11-a-side and is now one of the first names on the team sheet. Striker Eli Baraty is extremely quick. He was the top-scorer last season and is another one who is in his late 20s but was new to 11-a-side. He Is so quick and his finishing is so good that he’s very tough to play against.
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Elliot Alexson (full back, wing), 17 year old and is superb. He will get better and better. He’s pacy and strong for his age, composed as well, playing against players twice his age he's never overawed, and always keen to get stuck in. Guy Ben-Aroya, 17, is a brilliant shot stopper and last season was a stand-out player so hopefully will just get better.
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? We’ve got a good core squad, the same as last year, but we’re looking to find players who will improve us, especially in defence, one or two. Maybe a midfielder or two. We don’t need to just bring in anyone, unlike last year. Now we are really looking at improving the squad. Anyone taken on will have to be better than the players we already have.
Home ground: Norsemen Football Club, Edmonton
Sponsors: Furnitubes
Describe your club in one sentence: We’re the oldest club in the league and we want players to be proud of playing for Catford.
What do you love about the MSFL? You can play Sunday football in any league but it is the community and continuation of the tradition.
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GLENTHORNE UNITED B
Competitions entered: Division 3 of the league, Cyril Anekstein Cup and the Morrison. Maybe we can get lucky and get chosen to play in the Minor Cup.
Hopes for the season: We hope to win the division 3 league and build a strong squad that can compete in the higher divisions. A good cup run will be nice for morale and maybe entertain RJC or Chigwell.
What will your team will bring to the league this season? Sexy Football
New signings: Key signings are: Adam Shafron, James Rubin, Craig Sandford, Michael Winehouse, Paul Block, Andy Levy, Lewis Walker and we’re not finished yet
Have any players left? Fabio Riveccio – We wish him well
Who is the captain? TBC
Which teams do you think will be the main challengers in your division? UJIA will be up there if Ben Radstone has left. If he is still playing then they will struggle. Los Blancos need to be watched
‘Ones to watch’: Adam Shafron, James Rubin, Jamie Crawford, Daniel Lassman and Craig Sandford
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Josh Wynne is a very exciting winger and Daniel Jackson can play anywhere on the pitch including in goal. Both teenagers
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? Our defence is very strong but one or two forward players would be a good addition.
Home ground: Fairlop Playing fields
Sponsors: Garry Green Stone Masons
Describe your club in one sentence, what would it be? One big family with ambition to get back to where we belong
What do you love about the MSFL? The media coverage, David Wolf, commitment from volunteers and Steve Summers
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HENDON UNITED SPORTS CLUB C
Competitions entered: League and two cups
Hopes for the season: Promotion
What will your team will bring to the league this season? Joie de Vivre
New signings: Yes
Have any players left? Josh Gertner
Who is the captain? Still secret
Main challengers: Unsure
‘One to watch’: Chaim Gothold
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Not really
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? We need a goalkeeper
Home ground: West Hendon
Sponsors: We wear the name of a charity on our shirts (Kisharon), Barca style
What do you love about the MSFL? The fact that nobody ever argues with the referees decisions
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LOS BLANCOS
Competitions entered: Cyril Anekstein Cup, as well as the league of course.
Hopes for the season: Promotion to Division 2, and hopefully going one step further in the CA Cup this year and making it to the Final.
What will your team will bring to the league this season?Unlike last year, hopefully a sustained challenge for the title, as opposed to seemingly giving up come March. Generally though, we are a team of mates who just want to play football together. We never take ourselves or our football too seriously, and that means we are always playing the game in the right spirit.
New signings: Joel Kutner (Blizzard Storm), Dan Cohen, Josh Colman (Raiders C), Trevor Silverman to name a few. One or two more yet to be confirmed as well.
Players out Dany Kon (Hendon A), James Joseph, Joel Holder
Who is the captain?Adam Hersh. Vice-Captain: Yosh Radomsky
Main challengers The seven of us promoted all pretty much beat each other over the course of last season, so I reckon it will be equally tight this year again. I think it is a question of commitment, and whichever team is able to put out its strongest XI week in week out will have the best crack at the title. Having won Division 4 last year though, Inter Borehamwood will naturally be the team to beat this time round.
‘Ones to watch’: The starting XI on September 4. Honestly I am currently very happy with the balance of our squad, and as the saying goes, it’s a team game.
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? In Josh Hirschowitz I genuinely believe we have one of, if not the best young centre back currently in MSFL. At 19, he is already the complete defender, and most importantly for a centre back has a calming influence on all those around him. Unfortunately he starts at Cambridge Uni this year, but we’ll make sure to make the most of him when he’s back home. Other relative youngsters Julian Gertner, Daniel Sher, Sami Birnbaum and Ariel Weinstein all made large contributions last season, and we hope to see them go from strength to strength..
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? No.
Home ground: South Oxhey Playing Fields
Sponsor: Minsky – Investing In Property
Describe your club in one sentence: Ambition with the ability to back it up.
What do you love about the MSFL? Danny Caro
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NORTH WEST NEASDEN C
Competitions entered: League and usual cups
Hopes for the season: After being promoted in fourth place last season after a fantastic end to the season, we are hoping to progress this year in Division 3. We have a strong squad and we hope to be competitive in every game.
What will your team will bring to the league this season? We will once again be a team that plays football the right way – we’re there on a Sunday morning because we want to play football, not because we want to have an argument amongst ourselves.
New signings: We have made some key signings this summer and continue to do so. Matthew Davies, Callum Stein and Mark Engel on a free from Southgate Harmen B are amongst them.
Have any players left? We have lost Alex Lewis to year course in Israel, and a number of our players will be available on a semi regular basis due to University.
Who is the captain? Ed Bloom is our captain – we are building a team around him as he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the league.
Main challengers Blizzard Storm, Glenthorne B and Inter Borehamwood were strong last season and I see no reason for them not to be this year.
‘Ones to watch’: Adam Levene is a player well above this level and he reminds me of that on a regular basis! Also keep an eye on our Player of the Year from last season Richard Braham, and of course captain fantastic Ed Bloom.
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Having lost our Young Player of the Year to year course in Israel, I’m looking for the likes of Joel Kanutin and Simon Cohen to step up to the mark when they are back from Uni.
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? We are really happy with our squad, and other than a last minute deal for want away striker Carlos Tevez, we are not looking for anyone in particular.
Home ground: Our home games this season are at Barnet Copthall.
Sponsors: We are delighted to be sponsored by Genium Creative. As a full service creative agency Genium creates content for all media including; interactive films and digital marketing, web design and web development, graphic design, online games, direct mail, exhibitions and television and radio commercials. http://www.geniumcreative.com
Describe your club in one sentence: A team intent on success, competitiveness and enjoying their Sunday mornings.
What do you love about the MSFL? I love the chance for the community to come together. The league is an excellent way for Jewish people to come together in a spirit of competition.
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SHIRLEY PARK
Competitions entered: MSFL, Peter Morrison Trophy and Cyril Anekstein Cup
Hopes for the season: We go into the new season with high expectations. Let the games begin!
What will your team will bring to the league this season? A team of entertainers
New signings: We’ve signed two Premiership players to add to are ranks both quality, all we be revealed within the next few weeks. The Bean bothers, lan and Paul, are also new additions adding strength and depth to the squad. Simon Shelley, rather than an every now and then player due to commitment of the field for park, has committed his services for the whole season so good news for park.
Players out We’ve maintained our squad with no departures, although Aron Jackson’s gone AWOL and there our only uncertainty is weather Mr Lindsey will be putting pen to paper as Neasden A are “trying to poach him”. We won’t stand in his way as his dream has always been to play at a higher level not only for club but also for country. For those who don’t know, Jason’s path though the world of football has been eventful. Rumour has it Jason was in talks with Sir Bobby Robson before he passed away to discuss football possibilities who knows what it would of lead to we will never know as Robson failed to turn up for the meeting, much to Jason’s dismay.
Who is the captain? Dan Mitman
Main challengers I expect the quality of teams in Division 3 will be very good we hope to challenge for promotion, as I’m sure everyone else in the division has set their sights on. We probably have one of the strongest teams in the division on paper, especially with our new additions, as we did last season in Division 4 but that means nothing taking into consideration the Sunday morning hangovers. However, we have high hopes Lets see how it pans out.
‘Ones to watch’: Nicky Plotnek will be staying put running tings in the midfield, as well as the Bushell brothers. Xbox, Howard Yuchatelr will still be crucial even thought he’s unable to return to the field after his serious leg break last season. However Dan Oade - one of the best keepers second to Box -will be the man filling Xbox’s boots in the middle of the sticks. He early carrier back in the days was with SPEC back in the 90’s who I understand have reformed in Division Four. Dan has been described as a real showman one for the cameras in goal. He’s been bought a new pair of expensive gloves which he believes will improve his game, and has been given the role of taking penalties. He’s going to be the goal-scoring Heurelho Gomes of the Jewish league, so there is much to look forward to. Park’s players to watch out for will be Plotnek, the former West Brom man, Gideon ‘thumb’ Gold, Ilan Shaki, joint player-manager Dan Oade, in his new role in-between the sticks, Si Shelly and our two mystery summer signings. Roundhouse, Sacha Benfredj, Dan Mitman, joint player-manger Dave Lusman (joint player manger), the Bushell and Bean bothers, ‘Disco’ Sam Gold make up the rest of the squad to date. Aron Jackson’s gone AWOL and Jason as usual can’t make up his mind as to where his future lies, only time will tell …
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Depends what you class as young!
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions?
Home ground: Gladstone Park
Sponsors: N/A
Describe your club in one sentence: A Premier Division team in the making
What do you love about the MSFL? Everything
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TEAM JLGB
Competitions entered: Just the League and Cyril Anekstein Cup
Hopes for the season: To do better than last yea., not to leak so many goals and to score a few more would be nice too!
What will your team will bring to the league this season? A lot of new players that haven’t played MSFL before. We might just have a few surprises in store/
New signings: We have signed four new players: Dan Levy, David Mitchell, Ryan Kissin and Rob Freedman, but I am expecting another seven new players to sign before the season starts; a couple of which might ruffle some feathers.
Players out Joe Cullum has joined a club outside MSFL and will be our biggest miss. Jonny Reid, Stephen Howard, Adam Greenberg, Alex Skinner and Adam Capal have all been given free transfers. Neil Lux may make the odd appearance. Paul Rich won’t be available until the end of the season and will also be a big miss.
Who is the captain? Captaincy goes to Dan Curtis who demonstrated last year that he has composure on the pitch, passion for the club and a consistency that other players look up to.
Main challengers I think it will be a very close league this year, too hard to call.
‘Ones to watch’: Of the new signings, I would say David Mitchell, off existing players, Barry Green. I have two other players close to signing who I expect to be the stars of the team.
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? No
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? We have a good mix of players, the one thing I think we still lack is a natural goal-scorer.
Home ground: Peter May Sports Centre
Sponsors: No sponsor
Describe your club in one sentence: We just want to play football, unfortunately, we can’t!
What do you love about the MSFL? What’s not to love?
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UJIA
Competitions entered: the league, Cyril Anekstein Cup, and hopefully, the Barry Goldstein Cup
Hopes for the season: To improve on last season
What will your team will bring to the league this season? Another day at Wingate or some silverware.
New signings: Not yet
Players out No
Who is the captain? Matt Radstone
Main challengers Not sure
Ones to watch: Assi Avital and Ben Nassim
Do you have any outstanding youngsters in the squad? Brad Cohen and Oli Henry
Are you still looking to strengthen? If so, in which positions? Yes, left midfield
Home ground: Chase Lodge
Sponsors: PCP Perry Clayman Project
Describe your club in one sentence: UJIA, been around for many years and your team will know we are not a walk over under any stretch of the imagination.
What do you love about the MSFL? Jewish lads gathering together on a Sunday morning, good unity.
