tournaments

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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

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Chasing Gold: The Journey to the Oceania Champs 2024

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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

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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