Why I Love my Sport: Handball

Why I love my sport?

Jessica: Despite only having been a member of IOM Handball since July 2023, I already have had the best time meeting new people and getting involved in amazing opportunities. Moreover, I’ve experienced unparalleled levels of camaraderie amongst Handball communities in comparison to other more established sports in and around the UK; clubs are always so willing to help out one another for the greater good of the sport as it’s popularity hasn’t quite taken off here yet.

Matthew: I have a deep passion for handball because it’s an incredibly thrilling and dynamic sport. As a sports enthusiast, I find it easy to connect with the excitement it brings. Handball is the easiest Olympic team sport to learn. It takes 5 minutes to learn and offers a lifetime of fun, fitness and friendship! You can score and you can defend from day one. From the first session you become part of the Handball family here in the island and further afield with travel opportunities and tournaments to amazing places worldwide.

How did you get into your sport?

Jessica: I initially started Handball during my first year at university with a friend. In all honesty we both just wanted the university sport kit so chose a niche sport so we could guarantee our place on the team; I personally had never even heard of the sport before I turned up to our first training session. Little did we know we would end up playing for Durham University Handball for 4 years, taking on several positions of responsibility in the club’s executive committee as well as making friends and memories we’ll cherish for life.

Matthew: My introduction to handball was thanks to Mick Hegarty, our coach, who visited our secondary school and introduced my friends and I to the game. We had such a blast playing during school hours that we decided to take it further by joining our local club. 

What’s the best thing about your sport?

 Jessica: The best thing about Handball is undoubtedly the community of people who do it. All the clubs of which I have been a part of have been both super friendly and inclusive, making for an incomparably welcoming atmosphere. Due to the premature nature of the popularity of Handball as a sport here in the British Isles, training tends to be mixed to maximise numbers. This enhances inclusivity and elicits a refreshingly diverse atmosphere compared to other more traditionally segregated sports.

Matthew: The beauty of handball lies in its accessibility. It’s a sport that welcomes newcomers of all skill levels with open arms, making it incredibly inclusive.

Best moment you’ve experienced in your sport?

Jessica: Whilst at university I was invited to play for Newcastle Vikings as well as Troon Handball clubs at tournaments when short of players, both of which were unforgettable experiences. More recently I have represented the Isle of Man playing handball in Denmark.

Matthew: One of the most memorable moments in my handball journey was when team IOM traveled to Denmark to compete against an elite university team, The Aarhus Academy. The challenge and experience was intense, but it was equally enjoyable, especially representing the Isle of Man and getting to experience the vibrant nightlife in Denmark with the team.

What improvements would you make to your sport in the island?

Jessica: The development of an IOM Handball team opens up sport on the island to a wealth of new opportunities and collaborations with other international clubs, such as the recent tour to Denmark. It would therefore be so amazing for more people to join and more funds be raised so that we are able to maximise our potential through such opportunities. There are so many exciting prospects for the club for both its senior and junior members, I can’t wait to see how the next year unfolds!

Matthew: To elevate handball on the island, I would advocate for its expansion. While our annual league tournament is competitive, introducing more teams and competition could make it even more thrilling.

How can people get involved?

Jessica: We are always looking to welcome more people; just come along to one of our training sessions and give it a go :)) no equipment needed, just plenty of enthusiasm!

Matthew: For those interested in joining us, information can be found on our social media platforms. Simply visit our senior handball Facebook page “Isle of Man Handball Club” for details.

Our men and women’s senior teams train every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm at St. Ninian’s Upper School, so newcomers are always welcome to join us there with a free come and try session. We also have weekly regional U13 sessions running at the 5 High Schools across the Island. Full details can be found on our “Isle of Man Handball Association” Facebook page.

Why do you love your sport? Let us know by answering these questions and sending us a picture of you or your club to hello@gef.im.