Hapoel Haifa Holds Open Training and Dedicates Field to Fallen Soldier Gilad Rozenblit
Hapoel Haifa will conduct an open training session for fans on Wednesday ahead of their first match of the 2026/27 season against Hapoel Tel Aviv, following the postponement of their game against Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The club hopes that William Agada and Wahib Habiballah will complete full training and be included in the squad for the upcoming match.
In a significant community event, Hapoel Haifa inaugurated a football field named after Staff Sergeant Gilad Rozenblit, who was killed during Operation Iron Swords. Rozenblit was a member of the operational team at Hapoel Ahuzat Haifa football club and was known for operating the club's mascot puppet. A nearly identical mascot puppet is displayed at the entrance to the field.
The dedication ceremony took place at Kibbutz Ganigar on August 24, Rozenblit's birthday, with family, friends, and a match between Hapoel Robi Haifa veterans and Ganigar youth. The field was funded through a crowdfunding campaign led by Rozenblit's family and supported by the football club where he volunteered. "Gilad's Field" is a community football pitch in the Jezreel Valley intended to provide children and youth with a sense of belonging, security, and empowerment through sport. The field reflects Rozenblit's spirit and love for football. Last year, a fan tournament in his memory featured 20 supporter teams.
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