Calling all sports enthusiasts across the Island....
If you've played any sort of team sport with a ball ie Water Polo, Basketball, Football, Rugby, Netball, Hockey then why not get down to the NSC to play the Island's newest, fastest and most exciting Olympic team sport.
Olympic Handball was introduced to the Island’s schools and youth centres in 1990 and played extensively throughout the 90’s, driven by former GB player and Coach, Mick Hegarty. Isle of Man leagues and International Youth Festivals with participation in youth tournaments in the UK and Europe and the Isle of Man Senior Men’s team in the EHA 2nd division were regular events until 2009. In 2006 Mick was headhunted by British Handball to manage the GB men’s team in their early preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Having spent the last 8 years embedding handball in the PE curriculum in England and more latterly coaching the England mens team along with developing the England and GB Talent Pathways, Mick is now chair of the IoM Olympic Handball Association leading a similar strategy in the Island’s with the support of the IoM Secondary Schools Sports Association.
Mick commented, “The combination of moving Division 2 matches to Sundays forced the Island's mens team out of the EHA 2nd Division in the 2009/10 season and this had a knock-on effect of slowing the growth in the Island. However, it didn’t stop. The enthusiasm of the players who had played handball when they were younger was re-ignited by Nathan Holden who re-formed what is now a very successful IoMHC and which has been training at Bemahague each Tuesday since it opened. In addition, the Island’s Secondary PE teachers have all attended the equivalent of the EHA Level 1 coach award as far back as 2012 with most of the schools now playing handball at some stage on their PE curriculum.”
Following a very successful Corporate Cup at the NSC in August organised by IoMOHA Treasurer, Nitaya Gribbin, she enthused “The feedback was WE WANT MORE! Handball takes 5 mins to learn and gives a lifetime of enjoyment, fitness and friendship. Go there on the 11th October and we'll show you the rest. Everyone is welcome, on your own or with some friends. You might even get your own team together (minimum of 7 court players). The Competition categories will be open to any adults and students in school Year 10 and above. There will be three completion categories; Male, Female and Mixed (with adapted rules). The first welcome and registration session is at the NSC: Oct 11th 2014 11am - 1pm–?5 pp adult, ?2 U18 in FTE”
Further details can be obtained on the Isle of Man Olympic Handball Club facebook page , email mhiomhandball@gmail.com or by phoning 271242.
Photo - IoM Men (light shirts) in action in the English 2nd Division
