Age is no barrier to success, say two young Jewish boys

Like many young boys, Adam Legerman grew up dreaming of becoming a professional footballer. He was making good strides playing in Toronto, Canada, and he played at the Maccabiah Games in Detroit in 2019.

Sadly, his dreams were shattered by a sudden knee injury, but Adam was determined to make a life for himself in football. He explains: “From the very first time I kicked a ball, I knew that the football field was where I belonged. My dreams were filled with images of representing top clubs on the global stage. Football was more than just a sport to me, it was a way of life, and I was not prepared to turn my back on it. In the face of adversity, I refused to let my passion for football wane. I realised that my love for the sport extended beyond playing on the field and my determination to explore the business side of football led me to my true calling.

“I started watching games and realised there were so many talents of a similar age who dreamt of becoming professionals, and I knew I had to find a way of helping them advance their career and fulfil their dreams.

Adam founded FootballEscalate, and sent hundreds of emails to football clubs, agents, and scouts. He grew a portfolio of connections and started introducing clubs to new players.

“My family grew up in Israel and I had lived there, and I was able to send Jewish players for trials at clubs such as Maccabi Netanya and Maccabi Haifa. I help players see what a beautiful country Israel is, and how amazing Israeli football is.” He had intended to travel to Israel in October to meet with clubs and agents but the war and subsequent suspension of football activities in the country have hindered his networking efforts. However, he says that “Israeli football is on a steady rise, gaining momentum each day. I strongly believe that Jewish players, now more than ever, will feel a heightened sense of pride in representing Israel and joining Israeli clubs.”

Adam isn’t just focusing on improving athletic skills; he’s also creating a platform for personal growth and cultural enrichment. By helping Jewish players navigate the intricacies of playing in Israel, he strives to provide them with an avenue to connect with their heritage in a tangible and impactful way. He is determined to provide opportunities for fellow Jewish players to thrive in the sport they love on the very soil that holds deep meaning for them.

Adam believes his venture enables him to give back to his community and honour his family’s journey, while forging meaningful connections, celebrating cultural roots, and nurturing a sense of belonging that goes beyond borders and fields.

Canada-based Adam’s portfolio of players continues to grow. He has more than 30 who he works with, and he continues to dream big. “I am too young to be considered an agent, so I promote players by creating videos for them and reaching out to clubs throughout Europe,” he says. “My dream is to create the biggest football agency in world, and I am studying sports management so that I can learn all about the business side of the game. It has been a struggle to be taken seriously because I am only 18, but that only makes me more determined. People see my passion and then they support me. Things are going well, I am getting noticed and gaining more players.”

Adam plans to organise a major Jewish event for soccer players in Canada and the USA next year with scouts from Israel and other countries coming to help players boost their careers. “It’s about creating a safe hub where Jewish players, coaches, and enthusiasts can gather, feel supported, and enjoy playing the game they’re passionate about,” he says.

Another young Jewish boy who is proving that age is no barrier is Eitan Black, 11, from Hendon.

Eitan, who goes to Hasmonean Boys’ School, was trying to find something interesting do during a half-term break. His mum, Shari, writes and edits books and suggested that, as he liked football so much, he should write a book.

Eitan, a member of Hendon United Synagogue, jumped at the idea and, with the help of his mum, created and self-published The Ultimate Football Quiz & Trivia Book, using Amazon’s print-on-demand publishing service.

Eitan researched all the questions for the book himself, while Shari helped with the design, and although it was a lot of work it didn’t cost them anything to use the platform.

Eitan decided that he wanted the book to include questions and activities that wouldn’t go out of date, so most of them don’t focus on specific players or stats. Instead, the book challenges readers to do tasks such as naming one player from each team in the Premier League, or to list ten teams who wear a red kit.

“I’m really proud, and hopefully people will like it when they buy it,” said Eitan. It was really fun working on the book. It wasn’t too easy but it was a good challenge. My friends and family are all really proud and have bought copies. Maybe I’ll write another book – not necessarily about football, but about other things!”

There are also quizzes about club crests, stadiums, and international tournaments in the book, which has a cover price of only £4.99. Every time a copy of the book is sold, Eitan makes a small amount of profit, which he hopes will build up over time. He’s even inspired his younger brothers, Joshy, Jacob, and Ilan, to start writing their own books, They plan to follow his lead and write about football.