WORLD CUP 2004

Israel has entered a Men's and a Women's team to compete in the World Cup of Flag Football, which takes place in the Dominican Republic on February 26-27. This is the second time that Israel  has taken part in the annual championship  tournament, which brings together the top Flag Football players in the World. Last year Israel-Men finished tied for third place before losing to the tournament champion United States in the semi-finals.  The World Cup is run under the auspices of the International Federation of Flag Football, and the men's competition is considered the premiere tournament in international Contact 9-man Flag Football.
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This is the first time Israel will be entering a team in the Women's competition. The 12 member team began learning the game for the first time in October. Since that time they have been training intensively and hope to make a respectable showing at their first international competition. The Mexican women are the reigning Champions and leading competition will come from the United States, Canada, France, England and Venezuela. The women's competition is 7-on-7 non-contact flag football.
 
This year some 20  countries are expected to take part this years World Cup and Israel is optimistic that it will finish near the top. The Men's team is coached by leading AFI coach Danny Tarrigan. Tarrigan has put together a strong 15-man squad which local pundits say is the Israel's strongest team ever. "We had an impressive run last year," says Tarrigan. "We beat England, Venezuela and France.  Now lets see if we are ready to take on the powers like the Team USA and Canada. Based on the rules of American football, in flag football, players wear belts that have plastic flags attached to each side of the waist by suction. The idea is to detach one of the flags from the ball carrier's belt, instead of tackling the opponent. The coach of the woman's team is Yona Mishaan.
 

 As part of its "Giving Back" program, JDate.com is sponsoring the Israel Flag Football team for the second year in a row. Assisting Jewish singles to meet, date and marry within the faith is just one way JDate has been helping to strengthening the Jewish community over the last six years. Launched in 2002, "Giving Back" leverages the strength of JDate's 700,000 members to support non-profit organizations through volunteerism. In addition,  JDate helps to support community building initiatives such as Israel's Flag Football team.

"JDate is committed to strengthening Jewish identity and community," stated Alon Carmel, co-founder of JDate and president of MatchNet plc, JDate's parent company. "Sponsoring Israel's Flag Football team is the ideal opportunity for JDate to help create a sense of community." Other sponsors include Big Blue Travel, www.diamonds.com and the Kraft Family.

Top players traveling to the Dominican Republic include Captain Yona Mishan, defensive specialist Aryeh "the Animal" Bauman, and quarterback Ron Dermer. The team members are selected from the best players in the 54 team AFI (American Football in Israel). The 15th season of the 800 player AFI is about to be completed. The Championship Holyland Bowl game is on February 14th.  The league is based in Jerusalem, with all league games played at Kraft Family Stadium, which was donated by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

Team Israel - Men