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EOI for Youth and Junior Girls High Performance squads

The NZHF is excited to kick-off the Youth and Junior Girls High Performance squads for 2024/25 seasons. These squads are open to all players born after January 1st 2004. We strongly encourage any young player with aspirations to play for New Zealand or be part of the training squad to improve their performance. We are also keen to hear from talented athletes from other sports who may want to accelerate a switch to handball.   

Application Deadline: 31 May, 2024

Register your interest now. Further information can be found in the form.

2023 IHF Trophy Oceania - Junior

2023 IHF Trophy Oceania - Youth

EOI for Youth and Junior Women's Coach and Management Team

The NZHF is excited to kick-off the Youth and Junior Girls High Performance squads for 2024/25 seasons. We are seeking motivated applicants to form the team management that will be responsible for developing the level of performance within the squad as part of the NZHF high-performance strategy.

We are seeking applicants for the following positions:

  • Head Coach 

  • Assistant Coach 

  • Goalkeeping Coach 

  • Team Manager 

  • NZHF delegate liaison

Applicants are required to complete the information requested in the form and provide a supporting CV and cover letter no later than 19th of May 2024 (extended to 31st of May 2024)

Please contact Karl Fitzpatrick at high-performance@handball.org.nz for more information. 

2023 IHF Trophy Oceania - NZ Youth and Junior Womens Teams

EOI for Youth and Junior Boys High Performance squads

The NZHF is excited to kick-off the Youth and Junior Boys High Performance squads for 2024/25 seasons. These squads are open to all players born after January 1st 2004. We strongly encourage any young player with aspirations to play for New Zealand or be part of the training squad to improve their performance. We are also keen to hear from talented athletes from other sports who may want to accelerate a switch to handball.   

Application Deadline: May 19, 2024

Register your interest now. Further information can be found in the form.

2022 NZ Mens Youth Team - IHF Trophy Oceania, Second Place

2022 NZ Mens Junior Team - IHF Trophy Oceania, Third Place

Announcing Coaching and Support Team for the Women's National Team

New Zealand Handball Federation is proud to announce the coaching and support team for the Women’s National Team.

Leanne Dawson : Manager 

Emilio Munoz : Strength and conditioning coach

Olivia Hodgson : Massage therapist

Aaron Bell : Media manager / Photographer

Justin Cope : Goalkeeper Coach

Ezer Handelsman : Assistant coach

Cyprien Pesques : Head coach

The team released the following statement.

The New Zealand women's handball staff team comprises a diverse group of volunteers dedicated to the future development of women's handball in NZ.

Cyprien Pesques - Head Coach

Leading the team is Coach Cyprien, who brings extensive experience from his 12-year career playing in France and more recently playing in New Zealand. With over six years of coaching experience in France and two years in New Zealand, Cyprien also holds a master’s degree in physical activity and coaching. Assisting him is Ezer Handelsman, from Israel with international playing experience. Ezer is enthusiastic about sharing his playing expertise and contributing to the team's coaching efforts and the vision for the team. Supporting the coaching staff is Manager, Leanne Dawson, Goalie Coach, Justin Cope, strength and conditioning coach, Emilio Munoz, a physiotherapist, massage therapist, Olivia Hodgson, and media manager, Aaron Bell. Together, they form a support network dedicated to the success and well-being of the women's handball team.

The primary objective of the 4-5 year campaign is to reintroduce New Zealand women onto the global stage of handball, with the aim to secure the team’s first win in an international competition. The ultimate goal is to participate in the World Cup in 2029.

2024 Training Camp

The coaching staff are also dedicated to raising the profile of handball and contributing to the development of local players who are passionate about the sport and capable of competing at an international level. Our primary goal for this year is to create a squad of players committed to improving their indoor high-performance technical and tactical skills. The intent is to foster a supportive and enjoyable learning culture among the team, with 5-6 training camps scheduled over the 2024 year.  

Across New Zealand, we have a small pool of talented individuals who are eager to develop into international-level players. Despite NZ handball having a relatively small pool of active players, the existing players demonstrate great commitment, a strong work ethic and a supportive team culture. The current squad are excited for the up-and-coming campaign,

With the NZ Handball Federation’s commitment to growing handball across NZ, and the introduction of the Handball League Aotearoa to support player development, we will likely see an increase in participation of women playing handball competitively.

Presently handball operates on a self-funded basis, common for minority sports. However, to compete on the international stage effectively, the team needs to establish mechanisms and pathways that provide financial support to playing, ensuring fairness and accessibility across the sport.

2024 Training Camp

Announcing Coaches and Team Delegation for Men's Youth and Junior National Teams

New Zealand Handball Federation is proud to announce the coaching staff and team delegation for the Men’s Youth and Junior National teams.

Youth Team Head Coach - Frédéric Han

Youth Team Assistant Coach - Paul Pringot

Junior Team Head Coach - Hayden Juranovich

Junior Team Assistant Coach -  Jack Gallagher

Goalkeeper Coach for both Teams - Alex Brown

Manager for both teams - Olly Donaldson

Head of Delegation - Thomas Schmider

Following a successful 2022-2023 campaign were the Junior team placing third and the Youth team finishing second at the 2022 IHF Trophy Oceania - representing Oceania at the 2023 IHF Men’s Youth World Championships. We wish the delegation more success in the future.

2022 IHF Trophy Oceania

Frédéric Han - Youth Team Head Coach

Fred formerly coached the Senior Mens National Team before moving his focus to youth development.

“The main goal is winning the next IHF trophy and look at opportunities on International Handball scene.”

In order to achieve the goal, the team needs to grow and for players to develop skills and confidence .

“Recent International campaigns have demonstrated that there is a future for NZ Handball. This future will need to be built with new players so it is a chance for them to show what they are capable of! We have a great pool of young athletes but most of them are just discovering Olympic Handball. We ought to continue recruiting talent as early as possible and giving them opportunities to perform.”

 

Hayden Juranovich - Junior Team Head Coach

Hayden has been the head coach for 3 years. He was the head coach of the youth team that played at the 2023 IHF Men’s Youth World Championships in Croatia. He plans to build on the progress that was made last year with the squad that participated in the world championship and qualify for the next IHF intercontinental phase.

“The current pool of players is talented and hard working. They have so much enthusiasm and passion for the game which is great to see.”

“The local handball community has been a major contribution to the team. Without their support and dedication to the sport , none of this would be possible. They put so much effort in each region to provide the best for these players.”

 

Queenstown Social Tournament Summary

Queenstown Social Tournament Summary

Queenstown Tournament 2023 kicked off this year's indoor calendar last weekend (1 - 2 April). A successful tournament with players from Auckland, Canterbury and Otago all participating. The annual social tournament had shorter games 25 minutes per half. On Saturday the first games were the most intense ones with only one point difference in both the men's and women's matches. The second ones were a test of fitness, which is always good and allowed the youth to really shine. The young lads had a lot of court time and built up their confidence and game as we encouraged them to take the lead on the plays and trust themselves. The women then mixed the teams and had a NZ vs other passports match which was neck and neck the whole way ending in epic last play goal to tie the match, 22-22 . The 18s men then played against a mixed men's team which was a tight match ending in 20-17 to the seniors. Sunday was all about fun, 4 teams mixed boys and girls all random were made up with 10 minutes fast paced games all the teams played each other. Everyone had a blast. Big thanks to all the volunteers, helpers, scorers and refs who keep the social tournament going.

Leo Gatti - Queenstown Handball

For details and scoresheets, go to Event Page

Support Our New Zealand Men's Youth Team

Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu

Maori Proverb - Adorn the bird with feathers so it will fly

The New Zealand Men’s youth handball team qualifying to represent Oceania at the IHF Men’s Youth World Championships in Croatia is a fantastic opportunity - not just for the players involved, but for the future of New Zealand handball. Chances to play against the best in the world don’t come around that often, and seeing our guys perform on the world stage will help inspire the next generation to get amongst it. It’s a massive investment for all involved, in both time and costs, so we really hope the country will get behind the boys in their fundraising efforts to help ease some of that burden - SUPPORT THE TEAM

EOI for Women's Youth and Junior National Teams

Attention all young and talented women handball players! Here's an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your skills and represent your country on a global stage. The International Handball Federation is hosting the IHF Trophy in late 2023, and we are looking for new and current youth and junior women handball players to join our team.

This is your chance to compete against the best in the world, learn from experienced coaches and players, and make lifelong memories. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, we welcome all skill levels to try out.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to take your handball game to the next level and make your mark on the international stage. Sign up now for a chance to be a part of our team and represent your country with pride.

You will receive an email response to confirm your EOI has been submitted. As we are currently seeking interest there is not a confirmed location for where trials will be held, Coaches and Managers announced shortly.

Deadline to register - 30 April 2023

Players born 1st of Jan 2006 or younger - https://forms.gle/eZKkhHC1bxLEWNyo9

Players born 1st of Jan 2004 or younger - https://forms.gle/7aiV3n1pMKYPoFXb6

Any questions please email high-performance@handball.org.nz