Foundations of a remarkable team
On a modest field near Tel Aviv, a group of men gathers not just to play soccer but to rewrite the narrative of loss. The Israeli amputee soccer side, built around players from Jewish, Arab and immigrant backgrounds, illustrates how sport can rebuild lives after trauma, while earning a place among Europe’s top ten.
Founded by Tzach Shichrur, a former software engineer who chose amputation to improve his quality of life, the team quickly became a sanctuary for those confronting physical and emotional scars.
Among them is Ben Maman, once a promising midfielder whose career was halted by a motorcycle crash that forced the removal of his dominant leg; he now channels his tactical insight as the team’s coach.
Yanir, a 20‑year‑old veteran of the Paratroopers Brigade, returned from the front lines with a wound that ended his military service, only to find a new purpose on the pitch.
Eight‑year‑old Michael, who joined the squad after a long rehabilitation, has seen his confidence soar as he dribbles past opponents, his progress a testament to the team’s supportive environment.
Tigram, who arrived in Israel from Georgia as a child and lost his hand in a childhood accident, guards the goal with a reflex honed by years of adaptation.
The partnership of Ben Binyamin and his fiancée Gali, both amputees who survived a terrorist attack, exemplifies the team’s blend of personal resilience and mutual encouragement.
A legacy in the making
Through regular visits to wounded soldiers, the squad spreads a simple message: life does not end with amputation; it can take on a new, competitive form.
Their efforts have paid off, with the team climbing into the top ten of European amputee leagues, attracting sponsorship from Altshuler Shaham, the Elron family and the Israel Football Association.
Beyond medals, the group cultivates a community where diversity — Jewish, Arab, new immigrants — coexists, proving that shared struggle can forge unexpected camaraderie.
As the team prepares for upcoming international tournaments, its story continues to inspire both on and off the field, reminding observers that perseverance can turn adversity into achievement.