For included in the U-18 squad is teen actor Gregg Sulkin, star of hit film Sixty Six, in which he played a boy whose barmitzvah is ruined by England playing Germany in the final of the World Cup on the same day.

Also included in the squad is Jake Furman, brother of Glasgow Rangers footballer Dean Furman. Dean is currently on loan at Bradford City.

The U-18 management team of Andy Zeller and Aron Barnes are hoping to improve on the silver medal won at last year's European Maccabi Games in Rome.

Aron said: "We have formulated a strong squad and are putting in place an intense training schedule that ensures the squad is fully prepared ahead of the Games in the summer.

"It is a very exciting time for these young athletes and one that they should all be able to look back on in years to come as a lifetime highlight of theirs - both on and off the pitch."

Starting with almost 100 applications from across the country, the U-16 management team of Neil Collins, Joel Nathan and Johnny Davis have whittled the numbers down to a squad of 17 players.

Manager Neil said: "The 2009 squad has been chosen based on balance and flexibility.

"It is a squad chosen for its all-round team play and has players from many different backgrounds and clubs.

"The success of the squad will be determined by various factors, namely the pre-Games friendlies and training sessions and the ability of the squad to cope with the extreme temperature conditions they will face in Israel."

He added: "Maccabi GB has produced an extensive programme for all managers and coaches to ensure that each and every boy has the same opportunity as the next person.

"The management structure of myself, Joel, Johnny and Brian is experienced and has the knowledge of the boys chosen to deliver - we believe we will."

The Maccabi GB U-18 football squad is George Firestone, Jackson Franks, Harrison Franks, Jake Furman, Jason Goldstein, Declan Green, Elliott Green, Harry Hatchwell, David Herman, Max Martin, Alexander Nadler, Ross Pincus, Shai Revivo, Aaron Salamon, Ryan Silvester, Gregg Sulkin, Samuel Taylor and Stefan Zone.

The Maccabi GB U-16 football squad is Louie Basso, Sam Cantor, David Castle, David Cohen, Harry Davis, Bradley Gayer, Charlie Gould, Jamie Jackson, Reiss Kashket, Joseph Lever, Liron Mannie, Jordan Nathan, David Nezri, David Smouha, Declan Spiro, Sam Turner and Matt Warner.

Maccabi GB is still after participants for badminton, gymnastics, junior boys and girls basketball and martial arts.

Details from Beverley Jones on 020 8457 2338, email bevjones@maccabigb.org or visit www.maccabigb.org