High Performance Programme 2025

Our primary goal is to provide an environment where aspiring handball players can progress to higher levels of competition. Given handball's status as a relatively young and amateur sport in New Zealand, collaboration is crucial. Sharing knowledge and resources between squads is essential to ensure collective growth and avoid redundant efforts.

Key Leaders

With several squads either established or in the process of revitalization, we have streamlined our structure by introducing three pivotal roles reporting to the Director of High Performance. These roles will facilitate better coordination among coaches, managers, support staff, and players, fostering shared strategies and addressing challenges collectively.

**Cyprien Pesques**

**Cyprien Pesques** has been appointed as the High Performance Manager of Women's Handball. Cyprien will oversee coordination among the Senior, Junior, and Youth Women's Squads, ensuring a seamless progression pathway and clear expectations for programme participants. With a deep passion for handball, Cyprien, along with the management team, is committed to implementing a strategic vision for the Women's High-Performance Programme. A detailed update on the Senior, Junior, and Youth squad plans for the coming years will be provided soon.

**Roland van den Tillaar**

**Roland van den Tillaar** will continue his role as Head Coach of the Senior Men's squad. With ambitious goals, Roland aims to build on the success of the 2024 Asian Championship victory and prepare the team for more triumphs in the 2026 event. He is also dedicated to fostering junior players' development, ensuring a strong future for the Senior Men's squad.

**Thomas Schmider**

**Thomas Schmider** will lead the Junior and Youth Men's squads as the NZ Youth Men's Programme Lead. Thomas has successfully overseen several campaigns and will work closely with Roland to establish a clear pathway for players advancing to the Senior Men's squad. Thomas and the NZ Youth Men's delegation are finalizing plans for the future and will soon announce them to eligible players, continuing the momentum gained in Tahiti.

As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are enthusiastic about the journey ahead. With driven leaders at the helm and an expanding calendar of events and training opportunities, we are poised for growth.