In a whirlwind of passion and dedication, the U19 handball team embarked on an extraordinary journey towards the World Championships in Croatia. As the head of delegation, Thomas Schmider, I am thrilled to share the incredible highlights and challenges faced by this determined group of players.
The Campaign's Humble Beginnings
The journey commenced after the Oceania champs in December, when Hayden Juranovich and I initiated the call for players to join our World Championships campaign. Witnessing the commitment of both players and their parents filled us with excitement and hope for what was to come.
A United Delegation
With Olly Donaldson and Roland Nemes joining us, tthe delegation took shape, and together, we strategised our campaign. Our priorities were crystal clear: budgeting and fundraising, player development, marketing, and understanding the logistics of the World Championships.
Training Camps and Game Practice
To prepare rigorously, we organised three intensive training camps in Christchurch and participated in the Auckland Handball Championship for valuable game practice. These efforts were crucial in honing the players' skills and enhancing their physical fitness.
Overcoming Struggles
Our journey was not without challenges. Financial burdens weighed on both parents and players, as the costs of participation fees and flights escalated. Limited resources within the delegation also posed hurdles. However, the unwavering commitment and motivation of the team helped us overcome these obstacles.
Remarkable Fundraising Efforts
Undeterred by the financial challenges, our players & parents organised fundraising events like sausage sizzles, cake sales, raffles, quiz nights, and more. These remarkable fundraising events not only provided financial support but also strengthened the bond within the handball community
The recent partnership with Select has had a positive impact on our on-court appearance, and we are enthusiastic about nurturing this relationship for upcoming initiatives. The communication and coordination regarding Select orders have been excellent, and we are grateful for their continuous support throughout our journey so far.
Building a Supportive Network
In an effort to foster a strong sense of support, we took the initiative to print fan shirts specifically designed for parents and fans. These shirts not only served as a way for supporters to showcase their enthusiasm for NZ handball but also created a sense of unity among the team's followers. Wearing these shirts during matches and events further amplified the team's presence and generated a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
Recognising the importance of keeping parents involved and informed, we introduced monthly Q&A sessions exclusively for them. These sessions provided a platform for parents to interact with the coaching staff, ask questions, and gain insights into the team's progress and strategies. By involving parents in this way, we aimed to create a more connected and engaged community around the handball team.
As part of our efforts to raise awareness and promote NZ handball, we produced two compelling promotional videos videos. These videos showcased the skills, dedication, and passion of our players, giving the world a glimpse of the talent that lies within our handball community. Through social media and various online platforms, these videos garnered widespread attention, not only increasing our fan base but also attracting interest from international audiences.
The combined effect of these initiatives had a profound impact on the team's morale and spirit. The unwavering support from parents and fans, evident through the fan shirts and their active participation in the Q&A sessions, motivated the players to perform at their best and feel a strong sense of unity. Additionally, the global recognition generated by the promotional videos opened up new opportunities for NZ handball, bringing attention to the sport at an international level.
Celebrating Victories
As we approach the World Championships, we celebrate the biggest wins achieved during this campaign.
Each player has undergone significant personal development, both on and off the court. On the court, our players have imrpvoed their skills, displaying remarkable techniques and tactical understanding. From mastering intricate handball moves to executing flawless teamwork, their progress has been evident in every game and training session.Beyond the physical aspect, the players have blossomed into exceptional individuals off the court as well. The challenges they faced throughout the campaign have instilled in them resilience and determination, traits that will serve them well in both their sporting careers and personal lives.
We successfully enhanced the profile of NZ youth handball, gaining recognition from handball nations worldwide. Our relationship with the IHF and the connections we established have been invaluable. Their incredible support, both financially and with resources like handballs and coaching assistance, has been instrumental in our journey. We want to specially acknowledge Bob Zermani, who traveled all the way from Germany as a coach from the IHF (International Handball Federation) to assist us with any coaching requirements we may have during our time in Hungary, and Samuel Selig (IHF), who made this initiative happen. Their contributions have been truly incredible and we are extremely thankful for their assistance.
The Heart of the Community:
The NZ handball community rallied behind our cause, with 360 donors generously raising nearly $40,000 NZD. The dedication of parents has been nothing short of astonishing, further strengthening our resolve to create a bright future for NZ handball.
As we stand at the precipice of the U19 World Championships in Croatia, we reflect on the extraordinary journey that has brought us to this point. The passion, dedication, and unity of the U19 handball team, along with the unwavering support from the community, have been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and carved a path for the next generation of NZ handball. The future looks bright, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting journey that lies ahead. Go Team NZ!