Eight-and-a-half-year-old Eli Knapp is a third grader at the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of New Jersey and a soccer fanatic. Eli got his first taste of competitive soccer in the Teaneck Instructional League, part of the Teaneck Junior Soccer League, and has never looked back. Last year Knapp helped steer his U-8 team (team Russia) to an undefeated season.

This year he leads his U-10 team (Team Croatia) with 15 goals. When not participating in Teaneck Junior Soccer, Eli represents the town of Teaneck in the Pascack Valley Indoor Soccer League as a member of the Teaneck Stingrays.

Even more commendable than his numerous on the field accomplishments is the way he plays the game. He can often be seen lending a hand to an opponent who has just fallen down or congratulating an opposing goalie who has just made an amazing save.

Eli is a wonderful role model for his four siblings (Amalya 10, Rami 7, Sophie 5 and Dalya 3).