In the center of Israel, in the city of Lod, another football season is almost complete. Lod’s “Train Station Neighborhood” was once completely overrun by crime and poverty. In 2005, the neighborhood’s football field underwent renovations and reconstruction.

Today, Maccabim’s “Train Station Neighborhood” program has served over 1,200 children, providing them with football practice and tournaments, educational reinforcement, social development, and hot meals. The field continues to undergo further improvement thanks to the help of the Municipality of Lod, the B’nai Lod Soccer Club and the Foundation for Construction.

As we close out the program’s fifth season, we are happy to report that our “Train Station neighborhood” program continues to improve the lives of its participants. As the only structured after-school activity available, the “Train Station neighborhood” program provides Lod’s youth with a safe, cohesive environment in which they may develop their social and athletic abilities.

On June 27, 2009, we will host an evening of celebration for the program’s accomplishments for participants and their families. Honored guests include Ilan Harari, Mayor of Lod, Ms. Donna Woolf, U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, and Yossi Kedem, Lod Police Chief Superintendent. The event will bring together the program participants, the B’nai Lod Soccer Club, program coaches, and the Lod Police to play together in a football match.

Afterwards program participants will perform, followed by distribution of certificates and trophies to the players. The “Train Station Neighborhood” program and the soccer field provide a glimmer of hope and opportunity to the community. From its conception to its implementation, this event marks another occasion to show how football has the power to transcend socioeconomic, cultural and religious barriers.