STRATEGIC PLAN | GREAT BRITAIN

British Handball, Handball and Scottish Handball have taken huge strides to capitalise on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics. IHF funding through the New Markets’ Project has been instrumental in the rise in popularity and participation of handball in Great Britain (GB) since the partnership began in 2015. The project is currently in its second phase. Support from the project covers grassroots activities in England and Scotland as well as the four GB age group national team programmes (F17, F19, M18 and M20).

The England Handball Association (EHF) and Scottish Handball Association (SHA) are both very active and seeing a lot of success at the grassroots level. 1,700 teams took part in this year’s EHA Schools Championship, 300 more than last year.

The GB age group teams train monthly and participate in a number of competitions gaining valuable experience. There are about 130 players in the four programmes, which remain primarily self-funded by players and coaches. The age group teams have competed in 12 official championships (IHF Trophy or EHF Championship) in the past four years.

Great Britain have also seen a number of players sign professional contracts with second division teams in Spain, Sweden, Portugal and France, first division teams in Portugal, and some lower divisions in other countries. Additionally, three GB coaches are coaching teams in the second and third divisions in Norway. One of these coaches, Scott Harrington led Sola to an undefeated season capturing the second division title and a promotion to the Norwegian Elite League.

2019 RESULTS

3rd IHF Men’s Emerging Nations Championships: 4th Women’s U19 EHF Championships 2019: 10th