Oded Ya'akov was appointed as manager of Raanana's Tennis Center. The Raanana Tennis Center, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful and state of the art centers in Israel, is part of the Municipal Sports Center and includes ten tennis courts.

The center runs many classes for all levels, starting with six year olds. It holds tennis competitions, tournaments for families, etc. The tennis center invests a great deal in its program for the development and training of young tennis players, who will become Israel's future tennis stars. Alongside its emphasis on promoting excellence among the younger generation, emphasis is also placed on community involvement, and there is cooperation with Israel's disabled tennis team.

Oded Ya'akov, 42, married + 3, has held all the senior positions in the field of training of the youth and adult tennis players in Israel. He started his career in 1988, when he served as assistant coach for youth teams. After that, he was appointed as coach for Israel's 14 -16 year old teams and under his guidance they took fifth place in the international championship in 1991. He was then appointed as youth team coach and led Anna Smashnova to victory in the girls' tournament at the Roland Garros French Open.

In 1995, he was appointed as coach for the national adult team (the Davis Cup Team), and he cultivated many tennis players for over a decade, including Harel Levi and Noam Okon. During this period, he personally trained Harel Levi and led him to his title as one of the top 30 tennis players in the world.

In 2001, Oded was appointed as captain of the women's team, a position he has held until today. In 2005, he also served as captain of the men's team. From 2001-2006, he trained tennis star Shahar Peer and led her to her international rank as #20 and to her impressive victory at the Australian Open for youth.

Mayor Nahum Hofree: "I congratulate Oded Ya'akov as he assumes his new position and wish him the best of luck. Oded Ya'akov has been blessed with many talents and with considerable professional know-how and I am convinced that he will lead the Tennis Center to impressive achievements."