Welcome to NZ Men’s Youth & Junior Handball
We are New Zealand’s official Youth and Junior Men’s national handball programme, buildiing future national players through international competition, high-performance training, and strong community support. This page is your hub to get involved, stay informed, and support our journey.
Now Recruiting for the IHF Trophy 2026
Become a National Handball Player
Are you an athlete looking for a new challenge or your next step in high-performance sport?
We are building the New Zealand U18 and U20 Men’s National Teams for the IHF Trophy Oceania 2026, which will take place in Auckland from 8-12 December at Pulman Arena, and are actively recruiting athletes from all sporting backgrounds.
You do not need prior handball experience to take part. This programme is open to current handball players, athletes from other sports, and anyone with the physical ability and commitment to learn.
Join our open programme and take part in upcoming training camps. All players who meet the age criteria and hold a New Zealand passport are welcome to sign up, no experience needed.
Eligibility:
U18: Born in 2008 or later
U20: Born in 2006 or later
“Becoming a national player for New Zealand has been life-changing. I started handball just a few years ago, and now I’ve travelled internationally, played against teams from around the world, and worn the black jersey with pride.
More than just handball, I became part of a community that pushed me, supported me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life on and off the court.”
Register for the Remaining 2026 Training Camps
NZ Men’s Youth & Junior National Team Pathway
Following the successful first training camp in Auckland, registrations are now open for the remaining NZ Men’s Youth & Junior National Programme training camps as part of the preparation pathway towards the IHF Trophy Oceania 2026.
These camps are for players already part of the 2026 campaign pathway and focus on continued player development, team culture, tactical understanding and squad preparation throughout the year.
Please review the camp dates, times and venue details carefully before submitting your registration form.
Venues:
Training Camp #2 – Wellington
13-14 June 2026 | Saturday: 10am–6pm | Sunday: 9am–12pm & 1pm–3:30pm | Marsden College & Old Gym, Akau Tangi WellingtonTraining Camp #3 – Dunedin
29-30 August 2026 | Saturday: 10am–6pm | Sunday: 8:30am–4pm | Edgar Centre, DunedinTraining Camp #4 – Christchurch
3-4 October 2026 | Saturday: 10am–6pm | Sunday: 9am–5pm | Parakiore, ChristchurchTraining Camp #5 - Auckland
5-7 December 2026 | Venue TBC
Strategic Priorities 2026
To grow men’s high performance youth handball in New Zealand, we’re tackling three big challenges: player commitment, limited funding, and a lack of playing opportunities. That’s why we’re focused on clear player pathways and coach development, growing sustainable funding through sponsorship and community support, and improving how we operate with better tools, systems and communication.
Upskilling & Development
We’re building clear pathways for players and coaches with structured training camps, selection benchmarks, and leadership opportunities. We’re also working with the IHF to access tools and resources that help us lift the standard across the programme.
Sponsorship & Funding Growth
We’ve launched a Parents Committee, built a sponsorship pack, and are now working with international federations and partners to raise the support we need. Our goal: make handball more accessible and reduce financial pressure on players and facilities.
Operational Excellence & Sustainability
We’re standardising how we run camps, track player progress, and plan the season. By setting clearer structures and reducing admin workload, we’re making the programme more efficient and easier too
About New Zealand Youth men’s Handball
This is the team driving the New Zealand Handball Youth & Junior Men’s High Performance development programme. Our structure brings together national leadership, coaches, volunteers, and regional representatives, all working to create the best possible environment for players to grow.
Everyone involved does this on a voluntary basis, driven by passion for the support and belief in its future. If you’re interest in getting involved, reach out to us at youth@handball.org.nz.
What Drives Us Forward
Our Vision
To become a world-renowned hub for your handball talents, fostering personal and athletic growth while promoting the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural respect on a global stage.
Our Mision
To develop and support young handball players through rigorous training, international exposure, and community engagement, ensuring they are equipped with the skills an values to excel in their support and personal lives.
Our Values
Our commitment to respectful communication, high performance with integrity, and fostering cultural diversity and teamwork sets us apart.
Who We’re Here For
We serve motivated youth athletes, supportive families, passionate coaches, regional clubs, and sponsors who believe in the future of handball in Aotearoa. Our goal is to connect and uplift everyone involved in the game - from first-time players to national reps and everyone in between.
Become a Sponsor
Support the future of handball in Aotearoa by sponsoring our Men’s Youth & Junior National Teams. Your support helps cover essential costs like training camps, travel, and international tournaments - and connects your brand with a growing, engaged community of young athletes and supporters.
We offer flexible sponsorship packages with digital exposure, event visibility, and opportunities to promote your business through our national and international campaigns.
Media Mentions
IHF Trophies & Qualification
The IHF Trophy is a global handball competition pathway for emerging nations, split into multiple stages. New Zealand competes in the IHF Trophy Oceania, held every two years for both U18 and U20 categories. As part of the Oceania Handball Federation, we automatically qualify to enter this regional tournament.
Winning the Oceania Trophy means progressing to the Intercontinental Phase, where continental champions from Africa, Asia, Oceania South & Central America, and North America & Caribbean compete. The winner of that stage earns qualification to the IHF Youth or Junior World Championships - the highest level of international handball for these age groups.
For our players, this is a unique opportunity to represent New Zealand, gain international experience, and pursue a place on the world stage.
Past Men’s Competitions
Our journey so far reflects how far we’ve come and where we’re heading. At the IHF Trophy Oceania, our teams have shown consistent progress, earning podium finishes and gaining valuable international experience. In 2023, we reach a major milestone by qualifying for the IHF U19 World Championship, a first for New Zealand handball at this level.
Past Men’s Teams & Staff
Every campaign is built on the dedication of our players, coaches, and support crew. From regional events to world championships, these teams represent the heart of NZ Youth Handball and the foundation for what’s next.
Click below to explore past squads and the people who make it all possible.
2024 - U18 & U20 Team & Staff
2023 - U19 Youth Team & Staff
2022 - U20 Junior Team & Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
We know starting out can raise a lot of questions. Here are some quick answers to help you understand how to get involved, what to expect, and how we operate.
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Fill out the Expression of Interest form for U18 or U20 and come along to our open training camps. Everyone who meets the age criteria is welcome to join, learn the game, and start the pathway toward national selection.
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Players pay for all training camps themselves – this includes travel, accommodation, camp fees, and their training and playing uniforms, estimated to be between $1,500 & $2,500 for the whole campaign.
For the IHF Trophy itself, main event costs are covered by the IHF, but all preparation, camps, and lead-up activities are self-funded. Exact costs depend on each campaign.
We work with the Parents Committee, sponsors, and fundraisers to reduce the burden on families as much as possible.
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Selections are made from players who attend camps and stay involved. Coaches look at skills, effort, attitude, fitness, and how well you fit into the team. Clear selection criteria are shared before each campaign.
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You can train with your local club or school team in regions like Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, Otago and others. Check the "Regions" section on the NZHF website or email youth@handball.org.nz and we will connect you with the nearest option.
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NZ Youth Handball is the official U18 and U20 men’s development programme under the New Zealand Handball Federation. We support young players through training camps and international competitions so they can grow as athletes and people while representing Aotearoa
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No. This first camp is an open tryout and talent identification camp. It is designed to assess athletes and introduce them to the national programme. There will be additional training camps before final team selections are made.description
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Absolutely. The first camp is open to athletes at all experience levels, including those new to handball or transitioning from other sports. Coaches will guide athletes through expectations, basic structures, and the development pathway.
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The IHF Trophy Oceania 2026 will take place in Auckland from 6-11 December at Pulman Arena,
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We understand that some athletes may have overseas commitments. Attendance expectations will be communicated clearly, and each situation will be considered individually. Please note your circumstances in the registration form so we can plan accordingly.
Got questions or feedback?
Helpful Resources
Here you’ll find the reports, guides, and documents we’ve created over time. By making them public, we hope to support and inspire future campaigns in New Zealand and around the world.
Jochen Beppler coaching guide (pdf)
Media Coaching (pdf)
U19 World Champs Report 2023 (pdf)(coming soon)
IHF Guides (pdf) (coming soon)
Selection Process (pdf) (coming soon)
Fitness Testing (pdf) (coming soon)
