As the dust settles on a thrilling campaign at the Oceania Championships in Tahiti, we’re not just celebrating the remarkable achievement of our Men’s U18 and U20 teams securing silver medals, but also the thriving talent across New Zealand’s regions that made this possible.
Insights from Past and Present Men's Teams
Handball in New Zealand is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by passionate players from diverse regions. Our annual reflection on regional representation showcases the tangible growth and dedication at the grassroots level.
Regional Representation of Men's Teams Over the Years
Here’s a glimpse at how our teams have evolved:
Canterbury: A beacon of consistent growth, doubling its U20 representation since 2022.
Otago: Home to a strong university program, although there’s been a slight dip, the region remains a steady contributor to our national squads.
Auckland: Facing challenges in the U18 category but showing resilience and improvement in the U20 division.
Wellington: Wellington showed significant progress this year, more than doubling its U18 representation, highlighting the impact of its local training programs.
These figures reflect not just the hard work of individuals but the collective effort of clubs, coaches, and the community nurturing these young talents.
Breaking Down Handball NZ's Recent Campaign
The path to the Oceania Championships was paved with rigorous preparation and a unified team spirit, highlighted by our structured training camps:
Training Camps: Building Unity and High Performance
First Training Camp in Christchurch: Focus on tactical awareness and team dynamics.
Second Camp in Rangiora: Enhanced technical skills under pressure.
Third Camp in Christchurch: Strategy refinement and mental preparation.
Final Session in Auckland: Last-minute tactics before flying out to Tahiti.
Each camp was a stepping stone towards not just competing but excelling on the international stage.
Learning from Legends: A Day at the All Blacks Experience
Before heading to Tahiti, our teams participated in a memorable team-building session in Auckland, featuring insights from former All Black Michael Jones about the honor and responsibility of wearing the New Zealand jersey. This experience not only motivated our players but also deepened their understanding of sportsmanship and national pride.
Performance at the Championships
The IHF Trophy 2024 showcased intense competition and captivating gameplay from the U18 and U20 New Zealand handball teams. Both teams demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, concluding in their appearances in the finals against New Caledonia.
U18 Team Performance
The U18 team had a strong showing throughout the tournament, decisively winning their initial matches, including a significant 54:17 victory against American Samoa and a 48:41 win against Tahiti in the semifinals. These victories underscored their robust defensive strategies and efficient scoring capabilities. However, the final against New Caledonia proved challenging. The New Zealand U18 team faced a tough opponent and, despite their best efforts and a tournament filled with strong performances, they were defeated 27:47. This match highlighted areas for growth, particularly in handling high-pressure games against skilled opponents.
U20 Team Performance
The U20 team showcased exceptional teamwork and strategic acumen throughout the tournament, highlighted by their notable victories. They secured a strong start with a 23:23 tie against Australia, demonstrating their ability to compete against tough opponents. They followed this with a decisive 29:20 victory over New Caledonia in the group phase, showcasing effective offensive strategies and solid defense.
As they progressed to the finals, their rematch against New Caledonia was a test of their ability to apply lessons learned from earlier matches. Despite improved tactics and team cohesion, the final proved challenging, and the New Zealand U20 team was defeated with a score of 27:32. This close final match highlighted areas for tactical improvement and personal growth for the players.
Key Takeaways from the IHF Trophy in Tahiti
Both teams' journeys through the IHF Trophy 2024 highlight their competitive spirit and the high level of handball talent developing within New Zealand. These experiences not only provided the teams with invaluable international exposure but also highlighted key areas for tactical enhancements. The finals demonstrated the need for further development in maintaining composure under pressure and executing strategies against equally matched or superior teams.
As the teams return from the tournament, the focus will be on harnessing the insights gained from these high-stakes matches to refine their approaches, enhance player skills, and build on their mental toughness. The dedication of the players and the coaching staff continues to be a driving force in the pursuit of excellence in the international handball arena.
Celebration and Reflection
Following our success, the team enjoyed a boat trip around Tahiti, celebrating with BBQ and snorkelling, a perfect way to bond and bask in their hard-earned victory.
Acknowledgment of the Delegation
Special thanks to the delegation who put their hearts into this campaign, ensuring our players could perform their best and grow significantly through the experience.
A special shoutout to Jun Tanlayco for capturing the heart and soul of the tournament through his incredible photography. Additionally, we want to acknowledge the efforts of our referees, Herve Roy from Auckland and Willy Makea from Wellington, who represented New Zealand with professionalism and commitment on the court.
A Tribute to Our Backbone: Families and Friends
This journey would have been impossible without the immense support from the families and friends of our players. Your cheers, both from the stands in Tahiti and from homes across New Zealand, have fueled our teams’ spirits. A heartfelt thank you to every family member and friend who has been part of this adventure.
One parent expressed their gratitude beautifully: "Our son cherished every aspect of the tournament and trip. We extend our sincere thanks to the coaches, managers, organizers, and all the dedicated individuals who made this opportunity possible."
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
Our commitment to enhancing handball in New Zealand remains unwavering as we launch new initiatives aimed at developing the skills of both players and coaches. Through collaborations with the IHF and Jochen Beppler, we're committed to facilitating upskilling for coaches to enhance their expertise and methodologies. Additionally, we explore international opportunities, such as attending the ISI Handball School in Denmark, where players can study and play for a semester or a year, furthering their development in the sport. These efforts are aimed at addressing existing challenges and aligning with long-term development goals.
As we look to the future, the growth of handball in New Zealand relies on the continued support and involvement of our community. Whether you’re a player, a potential coach, or someone who can lend a hand in club management, your contribution is invaluable. Let’s work together to uplift each other and push the boundaries of what we can achieve in handball.
Together, we create more than just teams; we build a whanau united by our love for handball. Join us in this exciting journey to develop and promote handball across all regions of New Zealand.
If you’re inspired to join us on this journey or want to learn more about handball in New Zealand, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at youth@handball.org.nz or follow us on Instagram @nzyouthhandball to catch all the highlights from our recent campaign.
Written by
Thomas Schmider
Head of Delegation, U18 & U20 Teams
