The Oceania Handball Championships 2024 are fast approaching, and our Men’s U18 and U20 teams are gearing up to represent New Zealand with pride on the international stage. This men’s campaign is about more than just competition - it’s about building a stronger future for handball in New Zealand, developing our youth talent, and fostering a deep sense of national pride and teamwork.
As we reflect on previous campaigns, we can see the incredible progress we’ve made. The dedication, hard work, and lessons learned from those experiences are now coming to fruition. It’s clear that everyone involved - players, coaches, and supporters alike - is stepping up their game to make a stronger impact on the Oceania stage.
This campaign represents a shift in mindset and ambition. We’re not just participating; we’re striving to make a statement and build a legacy. With the support of our incredible handball community, we’re confident this campaign will inspire not only our players but also future generations to continue growing the sport across New Zealand.
This campaign would not be possible without the incredible efforts of everyone involved - players, supporters, parents, and coaches.
A Special Thank You to Non-Selected Players
To the players who gave it their all but didn’t make the final selection this time - your commitment, courage, and progress have been outstanding. A heartfelt thank you to Carles Pardo, Noah Cunningham, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, Hunor Peter, Harry Schirnack, Taylor Brown, Brodie Jones, John Whittaker (due to injury), Brent Manangan, and Lachie Tait.
Each of you has made great strides during this campaign, and we see immense potential in your handball journey. Stay committed, keep training, and you’ll go far in this sport. You are the future of New Zealand handball, and we’re excited to see what you achieve in the coming years.
Our Supporters and Parents
Behind every player is a network of dedicated parents and supporters who make this journey possible. From driving players to training camps and cheering them on during tournaments to helping with billeting during camps, your efforts are invaluable. You are the foundation of our handball community, and your unwavering support means the world to us.
Looking to the Future: Danish Handball Education at ISI Sport Folk High School
We’re always seeking new opportunities to help our players grow and develop. One exciting opportunity is ISI Sport Folk High School in Denmark, a renowned institution offering a world-class handball education and a supportive environment for young athletes.
Several of our players have already attended ISI, including Josh Bruce-Campbell, Stanley Schirnack, and Michael Zanderbergen, who are currently benefiting from its intensive training programme. John Barham also gained valuable experience during his time there before returning to New Zealand to continue his handball journey.
For those who aspire to take their handball journey to the next level, this could be the opportunity for you. ISI offers a personalised development plan focusing on technical, tactical, and mental growth, with support from highly qualified coaches. To learn more about life at ISI and the experiences of our players there, check out our insights shared on social media.
If this is something you or someone you know is interested in, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us @nzyouthhandball or youth@handball.org.nz.
Key Details for the Oceania Championships
The Oceania Championships are just around the corner, and the excitement is building as our U18 and U20 teams prepare to compete on the international stage. Here are the essential details about the event, its significance, and what we hope to achieve.
Dates and Location
The Oceania 2024 IHF Trophy will take place from 16th to 20th December 2024 in Tahiti, French Polynesia. The competition venue is the Hubert Langy Sports Hall, located in Titioro, near Papeete. This picturesque location sets the stage for an incredible tournament, with training halls in the surrounding area also available for teams to utilise.
Participating Teams
In the Youth (U18) competition, six teams will compete for the trophy:
New Zealand
Australia
Tahiti
New Caledonia
Cook Islands
American Samoa
In the Junior (U20) competition, four teams will compete:
New Zealand
Australia
Tahiti
New Caledonia
This mix of teams highlights the growth of handball across Oceania, bringing together a diverse array of talent and styles.
Historical Context and Pathway to the World Stage
The Oceania Championships serve as the Continental Phase of the IHF Trophy, a qualification event for the prestigious Intercontinental Phase. Winners of the Intercontinental Phase automatically qualify for the Youth and Junior World Championships.
Our teams have a strong legacy in the Oceania competition:
2018 (New Caledonia): U18 claimed 1st place, U20 secured 4th place.
2022 (Cook Islands): U18 finished as runners-up, U20 placed 3rd.
This year, we aim to not only reclaim the top spot but also demonstrate how far New Zealand handball has come in developing competitive teams and players.
Team Aspirations
Our goal is clear: to bring home gold. However, success isn’t measured only by podium finishes. A successful campaign means seeing players grow, playing with joy and unity, and competing at a level that reflects the hard work and dedication poured into this campaign.
For the players, this is a chance to test themselves against the best in the region.
For the team, it’s about strengthening bonds and showcasing our progress on the Oceania stage.
For the delegation, it’s about ensuring every player has an experience that fuels their passion for the game.
Final Comments
As we approach the Oceania Championships, we want to thank everyone who has supported this campaign - parents, coaches, and fans. Your contributions have been the backbone of our journey, and we couldn’t have come this far without you.
The team is focused and ready to represent New Zealand with pride. This campaign is about more than results - it’s about progress, passion, and building a stronger future for handball in our country.
We value your feedback and ideas to help us improve. Whether it’s about communication, logistics, or player support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your input helps us grow and create better opportunities for everyone involved.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s finish strong and make New Zealand proud!
Written by Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation U18 & U20 Teams