IFA opens its doors to fans

For the third successive year, the Israel Football Association (IFA) has hosted an open day, inviting children, parents and anyone else interested to take a look behind the scenes of the Israeli football world, including the pitches and dressing rooms.

Throughout the day, children's cup final matches were played, trophies and medals awarded, and emotional farewell ceremonies held for retiring national team staff. Different contests were also organised, such as free-kick competitions and who could kick the ball hardest. Professional footballers took part in autograph sessions, and an exhibition match was staged between former national team players and an all-star team featuring some of Israel's top actors and singers.

More than 10,000 football fans came and enjoyed the event, which took place at the national stadium in Ramat Gan. The open day is considered the pinnacle of the IFA's community-based activities. The association will continue to invest in resources and means to conduct similar projects and activities in the future.

The IFA was also awarded its second star in the UEFA Grassroots Charter in June following a meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee in Nyon. This upgrade came little over a year since the IFA joined the charter in March 2010.