About Us

About Us

The Handball Foundation (Registered Charity No. 1205687) was established to grow the sport of handball and make it accessible to young people across Greater Manchester and the North West.

Our journey began in 2018 with Trafford Handball Club, starting with just five participants and growing into a community of over 100 members. Through our work in schools and local communities, we identified the opportunity to create a wider system that could deliver long-term impact through sport.

In 2023, the Handball Foundation was formed to expand this work. Since then, we have supported over 2,000 participants, creating opportunities to engage with handball from first experience through to competitive play.

We work with schools, community settings and partners to build sustainable handball environments, supporting participation, development and progression at every level.

Our Vision

Our vision is to use handball as a tool to create inclusive, active and connected communities.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take part in sport, regardless of their background or ability. Through handball, we create environments where young people and adults can build confidence, develop skills and feel a sense of belonging.

As a growing sport in England, handball offers a unique opportunity to engage new participants and break down barriers to activity. We aim to increase participation by providing accessible, welcoming and enjoyable opportunities for people to be active within their communities.

By expanding access to handball, we are not only developing the sport but also supporting healthier lifestyles, stronger communities and positive social outcomes across the regions we serve.

What We Do

We deliver handball programmes across schools and communities, develop coaches and volunteers, and create clear pathways into competitive sport through our club network.

Our work focuses on:

• Introducing handball through accessible school sessions
• Creating regular participation opportunities in communities
• Delivering competitions and events
• Developing coaches, leaders and volunteers
• Supporting progression into club and performance pathways

Our Approach

Everything we do is rooted in community. We listen to the people we serve, adapt our programmes to local needs, and measure our impact to ensure we are making a real difference.

We invest in workforce development, recruiting and training Young Activators and volunteers directly from the communities we serve. This builds local capacity, creates relatable role models, and ensures long-term sustainability.

Governance

The Handball Foundation is governed by a dedicated board of trustees who provide strategic direction, oversight and accountability across all areas of the organisation. Our trustees bring a range of experience and are committed to ensuring the charity operates with integrity, transparency and long-term impact.

All trustees serve in a voluntary capacity and are committed to supporting the sustainable growth of the Foundation and its work within the community.

Why Handball?

Handball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and an Olympic sport played in over 180 countries. It is dynamic, inclusive and easy to introduce, making it ideal for schools and community settings.

Accessible and Inclusive

Handball requires minimal equipment and can be played in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. The game is simple to learn, allowing participants of all abilities to get involved quickly and confidently.

High Engagement, More Involvement

With fewer players on the court and constant transitions between attack and defence, every participant is actively involved. This creates more touches of the ball, more decision-making opportunities and a more engaging experience compared to many traditional team sports.

Develops Fundamental Skills

Handball supports the development of key physical literacy skills including throwing, catching, jumping, running and coordination. It also builds spatial awareness, teamwork and communication.

Supports Schools and Teachers

The sport aligns closely with the national curriculum for physical education and is easy for teachers to deliver. Our adapted formats, including 5v5, make it even more accessible within school environments.

A Clear Pathway for Progression

From first experience in school to competitive club and national-level opportunities, handball offers a clear and structured pathway. Participants can progress at their own pace while staying engaged in the sport long term.