We are looking for Philadelphia-area athletes to represent and compete with the Philadelphia delegation at the JCC Maccabi Games® on Aug. 1–6, 2027. Athletes can take part in a team sport or an individual one.
Who can take part
- Jewish teens who turn 13 by Aug. 1, 2027, and are 17 as of Aug. 5, 2027.
- Teens who are 12 by Aug. 1, 2027, may take part in individual sports as part of the local delegation.
- Athletes must be Jewish, defined as follows: one of the athlete's parents is Jewish and the athlete is being raised Jewish, or the athlete is a Jew by choice and is being raised Jewish.
Local families host as well
Every local athlete's family is required to be a host family and to house two or more visiting athletes from another delegation. The Maccabi housing committee assigns those athletes closer to the Games.
It is worth knowing this up front: competing here and opening your home are one commitment, not two.
Team sports
Team sports require a tryout.
- Baseball — boys 15U, boys 17U
- Basketball, 5v5 — boys 15U, boys 17U, girls 15U, girls 17U
- Basketball, 3v3 — boys 15U
- Ice hockey — boys 15U, boys 17U, girls 17U
- Soccer — boys 15U, boys 17U, girls 17U
- Softball — girls 17U
- Volleyball — girls 15U, girls 17U
Individual sports
Individual sports do not require a tryout. Each needs eight participants to go ahead.
- Dance — 15U and 17U, boys and girls
- Golf
- Star Reporter — sports journalism or sports broadcasting
- Swimming — 15U and 17U, boys and girls
- Tennis — 15U and 17U, boys and girls
- Track and field — 15U and 17U, boys and girls
Questions athletes and families ask
When are tryouts, and when are teams announced?
Team sports require a tryout, and more than one team may be formed in a given sport or division. The tryout schedule is announced and sent to everyone who has registered by the end of October. Teams are announced on a rolling basis.
What happens after making a team?
Teens attend practices and team gatherings. Coaches set practice schedules from the spring onward, built around team members' availability as far as possible. Families also complete a series of registration and medical forms, each with its own deadline. Every JCC Maccabi athlete must host at least two visiting teens at home during the week of the Games.
What if my teen does not make their preferred team?
They will be offered a place as an individual athlete, or encouraged to try out for a different team sport.
What if my teen is not a star athlete?
There is room for every teenager here. Alongside the team sports there are individual sports and the Star Reporter program.
Do individual sports need a tryout?
No. Individual sports do not require a tryout, though evaluations are held for everyone taking part.
Can an athlete play more than one sport?
No—athletes take part in one sport only. Every sport competes Monday–Wednesday, with medal rounds on Thursday. Athletes who are not in a medal round can try a second sport for fun on Thursday.
Can we take part without being there all week?
No. Taking part means committing to the whole week.
Where do the teens sleep?
Local athletes stay in their own homes, and their families host at least two visiting athletes. Each athlete needs a mattress of their own. Becoming a host family covers this in more detail.
Who provides security?
The host community works with local, state, and federal agencies to set the security arrangements for the Games. There is security at every venue, and every venue requires a Games-issued credential to enter.
What are credentials, and why are they needed?
A credential is a visible identification badge worn by everyone involved in any aspect of the Games. It is how the security team manages access, and it must be worn at all times, with no exceptions. Replacements are available at Maccabi Central. Spectators need a spectator pass, which admits them to Games venues and the opening ceremony only.
Ready when you are
The form takes a couple of minutes. It reaches the Philadelphia JCC Maccabi team directly.
Count me in