Our Community
Where It All Comes Together
Basketball is about far more than what happens on the court. At Hapoel Emek Hefer, community is at the heart of everything we do — children from different branches becoming friends, parents stepping up, coaches and players volunteering, and programs that make the game accessible to everyone. Here, on and off the court, it all comes together.
“The club will foster a close-knit, family atmosphere and serve as a home for the entire basketball community in Emek Hefer.”
— From the club’s vision
Equal Play
Because Everyone Deserves a Shot
Shavim BaSport — Hebrew for “Equal Through Sports” — is a unique program operated by the club under the Association for the Advancement of Sports in Emek Hefer. It brings young people with disabilities together through basketball, promoting equality, inclusion, and teamwork. At its core is the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and succeed through the game.
The program is led by coach Rotem Eyal, alongside volunteers from across the valley. Club players take part throughout the year — bringing our values off the wall and onto the court.
The And One Project
A morning of basketball, friends, and skill work
Once a week at Ruppin Gym, children in grades 3–7 from across the valley come together for the And One Project. The small-group practices focus on each player’s individual development, including basketball fundamentals, one-on-one play, and overall skill development. Coaches from all of the club’s branches lead the sessions, each bringing their own knowledge and experience.
But And One is about more than basketball. Now in its second year, the project has created a close-knit community of young players — children from different branches who meet, make new friends, and feel part of something bigger: the club as a whole.
Basketball Camps
Even on break, the doors stay open
During Hanukkah, Passover, and summer breaks, the club runs basketball camps for Basketball School players from every branch. The camps combine professional coaching with a variety of activities in a fun, encouraging environment — with one clear focus: a love of the game.
The club also holds a joint camp for players in grades 5–6, bringing together children from every branch to play, practice, and get to know one another. It is another way to strengthen the connection between the branches and deepen the players’ sense of belonging.
A professional summer training camp is also offered for players in grades 7–12.
Beyond the Court
Building Character Doesn’t Stop at the Buzzer
Social events, team-building days, and volunteer activities are an integral part of the club year. Our players volunteer with Shavim BaSport, take part in service projects throughout the community, and come together for team-building events — both at the club and beyond.
This is how we teach values even when the ball is not in their hands, while strengthening the bond among our players, the club, and the wider community.
Our Volunteers
The club thrives thanks to the many volunteers who fill key roles behind the scenes. Eyal Green serves as club chairman, alongside Itai Aharon, who oversees the budget, and Yoni Schertzer, who manages operations. The club's direction is set by the basketball board — Danny Aloush, Elinor Eshel, Yossi Bacharten, and Agur Teichman. Our league teams are supported by their managers — Erez Wallerstein, Duvik Henkin, Eli Mor Yosef, and Dror Levanon — and alongside the players are Iri First, our mental coach, together with Anat Dahan and Eli Nahir, who look after the children of The Residence. A special thank-you also goes to those who gave their time in the past — Eran Apori, Erez Orion, and Shahar Eyal. Our door is always open to new volunteers, because giving is one of the finest values there is — and everyone comes away better for it.