In the latest of our articles previewing Team Maccabi GB’s Maccabiah squad for this summer’s Games, this week’s focus is on the Men’s 55+ football team. Arthur Duke and Jon Yantin will be co-managing the squad and both are thinking beyond the pitch as to what they hope to achieve in Israel. Duke says: “I think this Maccabiah Games is potentially the most important one ever to take place, bearing in mind the post 7th October world we now live in. “Now, more than ever, it is important to show our support for Israel and our religion and in my opinion there is no better way of doing that than playing football in Israel against fellow Jews from all over the world.” Echoing his sentiments, Yantin says: “For many sports people, a Maccabiah is their primary connection to their Jewish roots. For others it’s the first chance to visit Israel at an extremely emotional time. It’s not just about the matches themselves, but the culture, the bonding and the experience of joining the journey through all aspects before we get on the plane. The Masters also have a responsibility to set an example to the younger members of the Team Maccabi GB squad.” As to the players who have been selected for the squad, Duke says: “We ran an open trial process over several months throughout last summer to ensure everyone had a fair opportunity. Unfortunately, with the decline in Masters Jewish football in the North, there are very few players still competing in the age group, therefore all of our squad are London-based. We do, however, have several players who have Northern roots from Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and, of course, a few customary South Africans.” Delighted with those they have assembled, he says: “We’ve taken our time over a detailed process of training, friendlies and competitive games to give us a balanced and blended squad.” The squad have a set routine in terms of their preparations. They are training twice a week, have coached sessions in midweek and play friendlies on a Sunday. Of the 20 footballers who have been selected, this will be a first Maccabiah Games experience for a third of them. Duke says: “With these Maccabiah Games expected to be an inspirational event as Israel rebuilds itself, we’re proud to be guardians of the boys’ experience.” Both men have a rich history with the Maccabiah Games. This will be Duke’s seventh tournament, either as a player or manager. Yantin is being guided by him as he takes the co-manager’s reins for the first time following two tournaments as a player. Expectations are high. Duke says: “With the squad we have, one which combines experience and “youth”, we’d be disappointed not to reach the stage where we’ll be playing in a medal game.” Squad: Michael Abraham, Gideon Barnett, Alistair Daly, Lee Dicker, Brian Donne, Darren Dryer, Daniel Forman, Mark Kingston, Peter Lazard, Bradley Lazarus (c), Kevin Lotzof, Andrew Miller, Joel Nathan, Trevor Racke, Jason Rich, Russell Rich, Rob Rosenthal, Danny Schindler, David Simmons