GB women opt for experience in Israel
FOOTBALL TREVOR Racke and Arthur Duke are confident Team Maccabi GB’s Open Women’s football squad will make their mark at the 20th Maccabiah Games this summer.
Co-managers Racke and Duke have selected a squad featuring players who have represented GB at previous Maccabiahs as well as the JCC Maccabi Games in America.
Racke said: “It’s been a long journey so far, but we have achieved our goal of selecting a strong squad who are super passionate, talented and dedicated.
“We all share the same dream to make our mark in Israel this summer and with the experience of some of our ladies who have already competed at other Maccabiah Games, we firmly believe we have a real chance of challenging against the best Jewish footballers from across the globe and come home with a medal.”
Duke recently led Maccabi Lions Masters to the double and he believes the “input” of coaches Chris Ramsay (QPR and formerly Tottenham) and Scott Bloom (Arsenal Development squad), together with the fitness work of Phil Turner, will benefit the players.
Duke said: “We know we are in great shape leading up to the tournament and look forward to what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for all of us.”
GB travels to Israel at the beginning of July and Racke remarked: “We cannot wait to represent Team Maccabi GB at the Jewish Olympics. This is a dream come true for us and we intend to go all out in our efforts to make our journey with the Open Women’s team a memorable and life-changing experience for everyone involved.”
SQUAD: Emma Altmann-Richer, Lauren Besser, Zoe Cohen, Danielle Crawshaw, Hollie Geey, Sarah Goodman, Sophie Joseph, Charlotte Lebetkin, Dana Lucas, Noga Meyer, Samantha Miller, Ruth Morris, Sarah Newman, Goldie Orenstein, Rachel Rabin, Sophie Statman, Nicola Waxler, Juliette Westbrook. Managers: Trevor Racke, Arthur Duke