Israel Launches Football League for Wounded IDF Veterans and Security Forces

The Israel Football Association and the Disabled IDF Veterans Organization launched a pioneering football league on Wednesday dedicated to wounded soldiers and security forces.

The project, named "Kicking Forward", was unveiled at a special event in Shefayim. It features six teams representing major Israeli clubs: Hapoel Beersheba, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Maccabi Haifa, Beitar Jerusalem, and Ashdod. The squads comprise wounded veterans and security personnel, including many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder from events before and after October 7.

Participating clubs and the football association will provide full logistical support, training facilities, uniforms, and equipment. The initiative aims to integrate the veterans into a structured sporting framework tied to their favorite teams.

The launch event featured an exhibition match bringing together former Israel national team legends—including Moshe Sinai, Omri Afek, Liran Strauber, Ravid Gazal, and Shuli Gilardi—alongside members of Israel's artists' national team and the newly formed league players. High-ranking officials from the Israel Football Association, including Chairman Shino Zuares, attorney Moran Meiri, and CEO Yariv Teper, attended the ceremony.