Philadelphia, PA, December 12, 2007 – Al Albert, of Williamsburg, VA, is the Assistant Coach for the USA Open Men’s Soccer Team at the 11th Pan American Maccabi Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His son, Graham, is a member for the Open Men’s Soccer Team. The Games will take place from December 26, 2007 through January 2, 2008.
Albert (Sr.) brings years of experience to the position. He has participated in three Maccabiah World Games in Israel, the world’s third largest sporting event, as Head Coach for the USA Open Men’s Soccer Team twice and once for the Junior Boy’s Soccer Team. He has over 30 years of collegiate experience, coaching Men’s Soccer at The College of William & Mary where he currently is working as the Associate Director of Athletic Development.
Joining his dad for the first time at a Maccabi Games will be Graham Albert of New York, NY. Graham, an alumnus of The College of William & Mary will compete as a member of the Open Men’s Soccer Team at the Games. He was a Midfielder with the Soccer Team at the College where he was All Conference, an Academic All-American and participated in the NCAA Sweet 16. He currently works as a financial analyst, but stays on top of his game as a Midfielder with the Soccer League at the New York Athletic Club/First Team. When asked about his expectations for the Games Graham responded, “I think we’re going to have a great team. I am very excited to compete on a team that my dad is coaching – it has always been a dream of mine to play for Team USA at an International Maccabi Games.”
Al and Graham Albert will join 50 families with two or more members competing for the USA at the Games. They will have the opportunity to experience international athletic competition, cultural and educational experiences with other members of Team USA and as a family.
“Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel will send a contingent of close to 500 to the 11th Pan American Maccabi Games, in the Open, Youth, Juniors and Masters categories, joining an estimated 3,000 athletes from more than 20 countries,” said Phyllis Magerman, General Chair of the U.S. 11th Pan American Maccabi Games Organizing Committee.
Since 1948, Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel has sought to enrich the lives of Jewish youth in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the sponsor of the U.S. Team to the World Maccabiah Games in Israel, the world’s third largest international sporting event. It also sponsors U.S. participation in Maccabi competitions in Pan America, Europe and Australia and supports Jewish youth through the JCC Maccabi Games.