Israel Liga Alef North
Teams
Hapoel Migdal Haemeq
Sport Club Tira
Hapoel Ironi Baqa Al Gharbiyye
Hapoel Bnei Zalafa
Maccabi Kiryat Ata Bialik
Hapoel Kafr Kanna
Ironi Nesher
Maccabi Tzur Shalom
SC Haifa Robbie Shapiro
Hapoel Kaukab
Hapoel Herzliya
Hapoel Bueine
Tzeirei Kfar Kanna
Ironi Tiberias
SC Tzeirey Taibe
Hapoel Asi Gilboa
Maccabi Tamra
Maccabi Nujeidat Ahmed
Hapoel Iksal Imad
Hapoel Bnei Arrara Ara
Tzeirey Umm al-Fahm
Hapoel Beit Shean
SC Kiryat Yam
Maccabi Achi Nazareth
Ihud Bnei Shfaram
Hapoel Raanana
Hapoel Jerusalem
Hapoel Umm al-Fahm
Hapoel Kfar Kana
Hapoel Ironi Arraba
Hapoel Bnei Musmus
Maccabi Daliyat Al Karmel
Hapoel Bnei Fureidis
MS Daburiya Osama
Hapoel Shfaram
Maccabi Bnei Raina
Hapoel Qalansawe
Hapoel Hadera
Ihud Bnei Mejdel Krum
Hapoel Ironi Karmiel
SC Kfar Kana
AS Ashdod
MS Kfar Kama
Maccabi Kabilio Jaffa
Wikipedia - Liga Alef
Liga Alef (Hebrew: ליגה א', lit. 'League A') is the third tier of the Israeli football league system. It is divided into two regional divisions, north and south.
History
League football began in Israel in 1949–50, a year after the Israeli Declaration of Independence. However, the financial and security crises gripping the young nation caused the 1950–51 season to be abandoned before it had started. When football resumed in 1951–52, the new top division went by the name of Liga Alef. The 1952–53 season was also not played, and Liga Alef resumed in 1953–54.
In the 1955–56 season, Liga Leumit came into existence as the new top division, with Liga Alef becoming the second division. In the summer of 1976, restructuring saw the creation of Liga Artzit as a new second tier, and the second demotion of Liga Alef, as it became the third division. Further restructuring to create the Israeli Premier League in the summer of 1999 saw Liga Alef demoted again, this time to the fourth tier. At the end of the 2008–09 season, Liga Artzit was scrapped as the Premier League and Liga Leumit were expanded to 16 clubs each, with Liga Alef becoming the third tier once more.
The Israel Liga Alef North is a prominent football tournament that serves as one of the key divisions in the Israeli football league system. As the third tier of professional football in Israel, Liga Alef North showcases a competitive landscape where clubs from northern regions of the country vie for promotion to Liga Leumit, the second tier of Israeli football.
**Tournament Structure**
The Liga Alef North features a diverse array of teams, each bringing their unique history and local support to the pitch. The tournament typically consists of a regular season where teams compete in a round-robin format, accumulating points through wins and draws. The top-performing teams at the end of the season earn the opportunity for promotion, while the lower-ranked teams face the risk of relegation to Liga Bet, the fourth tier.
**Key Highlights**
- **Local Rivalries**: The Liga Alef North is known for its intense local rivalries, with matches often drawing passionate crowds and creating an electric atmosphere in stadiums across the region.
- **Emerging Talent**: The tournament serves as a vital platform for young and emerging players to showcase their skills, with many clubs focusing on developing local talent and providing opportunities for youth players.
- **Community Engagement**: Clubs in Liga Alef North often have deep roots in their communities, fostering strong connections with local fans and engaging in various community initiatives.
**Conclusion**
The Israel Liga Alef North is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of football culture in northern Israel. With its competitive spirit, rich history, and commitment to developing the sport, Liga Alef North continues to play a crucial role in the landscape of Israeli football, making it a must-watch for fans and a vital stepping stone for aspiring players.