EnglandHandball

Two rookie pairs from England competed in the girls U19 division in Herne, Belgium, on 13/14 February 2010. Also in the division were three pairs from Holland and Italy, all of whom had previous international experience. As expected, the competition proved too strong overall in the end, however Kate Sophoclides and Margeurite Boyle went into the second day in the bronze medal position after some extremely impressive shotmaking, before losing out to Holland late on Sunday. Emma Eaves and Lucy Streule gained valuable experience over the weekend, and we expect good things of all four players in the future.

England will be competing in the European Junior Handball Championships in Herne, Belgium, on February 13th and 14th 2010. The team is entering 2 pairs into the Girls U19 division, and is represented by Kate Sophoclides, Marguerite Boyle, Emma Eaves and Lucy Streule, all from Berkhamsted School (Herts). Strong opposition is expected from an experienced Holland and Italy, and we wish the team every success.

Representatives from England Handball travelled to Valencia on 4th February 2010 for a general meeting of the Confederation Internationale de Jeu de Balle (CIJB), after being accepted into the CIJB with a visit from President Mr. Jose Luis Lopez in December 2009. This means that England Handball can now attend international events sanctioned by the CIJB, including the prestigous Europilota 2010 (September, Valencia), and the European Junior Handball Championships (February, Belgium).

Representatives from England Handball travelled to Valencia on 4th February 2010 for a general meeting of the Confederation Internationale de Jeu de Balle (CIJB), after being accepted into the CIJB with a visit from President Mr. Jose Luis Lopez in December 2009. This means that England Handball can now attend international events sanctioned by the CIJB, including the prestigous Europilota 2010 (September, Valencia), and the European Junior Handball Championships (February, Belgium).

The England Team have just returned from a very successful World Championships in Portland, OR. Dan Grant and Ady Lee won the B Big Ball Doubles World Title, bringing home England's first crystalware. After a tough Federation Cup England have moved up to 5th in the World (men) and winning the ELA Cup. The women are now 4th in the World. A tremendous achievement all round. Very importantly, we also won the Ashes back from Australia. Read the full report for more details.

With a strong contingent of players travelling to London from Ireland, Wales and Belgium, the destination of the trophies was never going to be certain - especially after Fintan Creamer (IRL), took the Men's Challenger title with victory over Will Ellison (ENG), in an excellent match. However, Kerry White and Ashley Lumbard contested an all England final with Kerry taking home the

Last term, schools across West London had handball delivered in PE classes, reaching over 400 children. This term, the programme is set to not only expand in terms of numbers and geography, but also in when handball is available. Demand from last term's kids has led to one school setting up a breakfast handball club twice a week, where kids can have a healthy breakfast and be activ

12 English players are set to depart for Portland, USA on Friday 2nd October for the World Handball Championships, where around 980 athletes from across the globe will compete for the individual, doubles and international team world titles. Our huge thanks to sponsors Aegis Training for their conditioning work, and Mitre for tailored kit supply. You can keep track of Team England's

Entries will shortly open for the UK Open, to be held indoors at Westway on Sunday 6th September from 10am. There will be two grades available, Open for experienced players, and Challenger for beginners or improvers. Put the date in your diary now and watch this space for entry details!

A brilliant effort from all 18 English players saw the tour play 53 matches, winning 31, and bring home three titles * Andy Pringle - Men's Challenger champion * Jess Lumbard - Ladies Challenger champion * Pete Cohen - Men's Open plate winner

From Sunday 19th July there will be a weekly handball session at the Westway Sports Centre, held specifically for complete adult beginners and improvers. The session will run from 10am until 12pm and will cost £4 - all you need is your sports kit. Members of the England team and other experienced handballers will be there each week to run the session and provide coaching, so it is