On the road for an away game in the United Kingdom, the Israeli Deaf Football Team experienced some Sabbath hospitality at Chabad-Lubavitch of South London in Wimbledon.

In town for the first leg of his team’s European Deaf Championships qualifier against the Great Britain team, Israeli coach Moshe Ivgi arranged for his 25 players to have a traditional Friday night meal with Rabbi Nissan and Sarah Dubov. With a sign-language translator on hand for the occasion, the team enjoyed traditional food, dancing, singing and inspirational discussions.

“We play in many places throughout the world and we’ve heard about Chabad, but never knew what it is about,” said one of the athletes, according to a report on the website of Chabad-Lubavitch of the UK. “The evening has really touched our souls.”

The team lost their match, but resolved to repeat their Sabbath experience.

“Wherever we are in the world,” said one player, “we will make Kiddush on Friday night and remember the Chabad House.”