Men

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Oceania Champs: What’s Funded, What’s Not, and How You Can Help

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The success of our campaign isn’t just built on the hard work of players, coaches, and supporters—it also depends on financial backing. While we are grateful for the support we’ve received so far, we rely on sponsorships and community contributions to cover the wide-ranging costs of preparing for and participating in the Oceania Championships. Here’s a closer look at the financial aspects of this campaign and how you can help.

Covered Costs

Thanks to the International Handball Federation (IHF), significant portions of our Oceania Championship expenses are already covered, including:

  • Flights for players and delegation members.

  • Accommodation and meals throughout the event.

This generous support alleviates some of the financial burden, allowing us to focus on preparing for competition.

Player Contributions

Despite the assistance provided, players and their families still face several costs, including:

  • Training camp fees: Essential for high-performance preparation.

  • Uniforms: Ensuring players are equipped to represent New Zealand professionally.

  • Extras: Such as travel insurance, personal equipment, and local transport for training camps and events.

These costs can add up, especially for families who have supported their players throughout the year.

The Role of Sponsorships

As a growing sport, handball in New Zealand lacks dedicated fundraising or corporate sponsorships. To bridge the gap, we rely heavily on:

  • Social media visibility: Showcasing our players’ journeys to engage potential sponsors.

  • Community networks: Word of mouth and grassroots efforts to connect with businesses and individuals who believe in supporting the next generation of athletes.

Sponsorship isn’t just about funding—it’s about investing in the future of New Zealand handball. By partnering with us, sponsors can:

  • Gain brand visibility on a national and international stage.

  • Associate their business with values like teamwork, resilience, and community spirit.

  • Play a pivotal role in helping young athletes achieve their dreams.

How You Can Help

We’re calling on our community to support this campaign in any way possible:

  1. Spread the word: Share our story with friends, colleagues, or businesses that might be interested in sponsorship opportunities.

  2. Sponsor a player: Even a small contribution can go a long way in easing the financial burden for our families.

  3. Corporate partnerships: If you or someone you know is part of a business that values youth development and sport, we’d love to connect.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or make a contribution, please reach out to us directly.

Written by Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation U18 & U20 Teams

Leading NZ for the final time

Transcript of the article written by Matt Markham published in Ashburton Guardian, 20 January, 2024

As his side reaches the business end of an international handball tournament on another continent, Mid Canterbury’s James Cochrane has mixed emotions.

Speaking to the Ashburton Guardian this week from Bahrain, where he’s captaining the New Zealand team in the Asian Handball Championships, the reigning Mid Canterbury Sportsperson of the Year knows the end is nigh.

He’s made the decision that this will be his last tour away with the national side and his return to New Zealand at the end of the month will mark the end of an international career that has sparked many incredible experiences and moments in the sport he loves.

“I’ve had an amazing career full of many opportunities, tours and experiences” the 36-year-old said.

“This will be my last tour. We have a bunch of youth players coming through.  It feels like it’s my time to step away as a player.

“I have a beautiful family of three children under five and my wife Bex at home.  She has always been so supportive of me in fulfilling my dreams, but for me it’s time to prioritise them more and spend so much more time with them.

“it’s not just the time away at tournaments, but the training and training camps away and build ups that take up many weekends throughout the year.

“I’m looking forward to that time with family.”

While new Zealand was yet to get a win on the board at the championships at the time of speaking to the guardian, Cochrane said the opportunity to once again lead his country was something he was very humbled by.

“I am very proud to lead this group of guys.  We have worked hard and have ambitious goals, so anything I can do to motivate, lead or inspire I will do.

“Whether that’s through words or actions, I hope I can do what I can for this group.

“To many people in New Zealand, they don’t know handball, but to me it’s a massive, big part of my life and to play for New Zealand is such a privilege, especially in a sport that’s given me so much.”

The Asian championship is regarded for New Zealand as the Olympics of Handball and while the wins might not have come yet in this particular tournament, being there and taking on the professional players of the game, was a huge result for the sport.

“Every game we play we continue to develop and grow.  The more we can do this the better it will be for us as a sport and the more competitive we’ll become at this level.

“Handball in New Zealand is a growing sport and the high-performance side of it is the strongest it has ever been.  A cliché as it sounds, I want to leave the sport in a better position than when I found it and I feel like I will be achieving that.”

New Zealand have already played powerhouse handball countries like Iran, South Korea, China and Saudi Arabia and were set to play Hong Kong in the early hours of Saturday morning.

They’ll round out their tournament against Chinese Taipei on Monday morning and then play one other game against a yet to be determined side before heading home.

Matches aren’t televised but can be viewed and watched delayed through the New Zealand Handball website and on their social media channels.

“Our second half against Saudi Arabia was probably our second-best half of the tournament.

“We still let too many goals in, but if we can play to this level against some of the other nations, we’ll give ourselves a chance to tip up some teams.”

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U19 Handball Team's Unstoppable Journey to the World Championships in Croatia

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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! 


Thomas Schmider

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U19 Men's Team leaves for World Championship

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Our U19 men’s team will fly out from Auckland on Sunday, 23 July, to start their journey to the World Championship in Croatia. They will first go to Hungary for a training camp and warm up games. The 10th IHF Men’s U19 Handball World Championship in Croatia will start on 2 August 2023. For the championship, our team is part of Group B with Hungary, Slovenia and Hungary. Their preliminary games will be played in Varaždin in Croatia. For more details about the tournament, schedules and links to games and results, go to U19 Mens Handball World Championship 2023

Speaking prior to the flight on Sunday, Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation.

“As the head of delegation, I am truly humbled by the dedication and perseverance shown by our U19 national handball team in their preparation for the upcoming World Championships. It has been a remarkable journey so far, and I couldn’t be prouder of each player’s growth and commitment to their sport.

Together, we embark on this exciting adventure, knowing that success is not guaranteed, but we will give it our all with a united spirit. We value the opportunity to represent our nation and showcase our passion for handball on the world stage.

The road ahead might be challenging, but we approach it with humility and gratitude for the chance to compete among the best. We understand the importance of teamwork, and we will lean on each other’s strengths to overcome any obstacles we may encounter.

Our focus remains on the love of the game, and win or lose, we aim to leave a positive impact with our sportsmanship and camaraderie. With hearts full of determination, we are eager to embrace the experience, learn, and grow both as individuals and as a team.

Together, we carry the hopes and dreams of our country, and we promise to give our best effort in every match. We hope to inspire not only through our performances but also through the values we uphold on and off the court.

Thank you to all our supporters for believing in us. Your encouragement fuels our passion, and we are excited to make you proud throughout this incredible journey”
— Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation

Coach Hayden Juranovich,

“I am super excited for the journey ahead. This is an awesome opportunity for the boys travelling to be able to train and play over in Europe and gain some invaluable experience.

The tournament will be tough. But I know the boys have been training hard and will give it everything they have and do NZ proud.

Time to show off NZ handball to the world.”
— Hayden Juranovich, Head Coach

Messages from New Zealand Handball Federation

New Zealand Handball Federation and its Executive Board wishes the team safe travels and good luck. We know the team will make the country proud. And foremost, enjoy the amazing experience ahead.

Rowan Maloughney, NZHF Secretary General

David Ireland, NZHF President