Ever since he can remember, Orel, 12, has dreamed of being a professional athlete. On the soccer field Orel and his friends would mimic the movements of their sports idols, members of the perennial Israeli champion team, Hapoel Beersheva. But Orel stood out from his peers as a gifted soccer player. Though his friends eventually dropped aspirations of playing professional sports, Orel’s passion held strong. “I’ve always wanted to play soccer for my career,” he said. “I’ve been practicing hard my entire life to try to reach my dream.”
Orel joined Negba’s Franck Levy after-school Home in Beersheva two years ago, following in the footsteps of his two older sisters. “When I first joined Negba, I was a little afraid of how I’d fit in,” he reflected. “Over time I felt more comfortable. I also improved in school because of the private educational lessons I get at Negba. At Negba we played soccer every week on a real soccer field, which is my real love.”
Negba’s staff quickly took notice of Orel’s talent, and helped him explore it further through Negba’s “Dreams” Career Discovery Project. “The project encourages Negba’s children to pursue their aspirations and interests, and provides them with actual experiences in the fields of their dreams,” said Yehuda Dan, Project Coordinator. “The central idea is to build the child’s trust in his ambitions and abilities.”
Negba’s staff arranged a meeting at the offices of the Hapoel Beersheva Soccer Team. They went with Orel to speak with Eran, a coach in charge of special projects, and they met some of the players. Orel came prepared with a detailed list of questions. But what resonated most from Eran’s remarks was that, first and foremost, Orel should strive to be a good kid and a good student.
Orel impressed the coaches at the ensuing tryouts, and made the cut for one of the youth teams. Seeing his potential, the Hapoel Beersheva Soccer Club generously waived the annual membership fees. Orel’s team is winning thanks in part to his abilities, and he continues to pursue his goal.
“The Dreams project is incredible,” he said. Thanks to Negba, my dream is coming true.”
