Est. 2018
Our Heritage
The story of handball in Greater Manchester
Our Heritage
The story of the Handball Foundation is one of passion, determination, and community. It begins with the founding of Trafford Handball Club in 2018 by Stan Belinski, with the support of England Handball’s Andy Clark, and a vision to bring handball to Greater Manchester.
The Early Days
Trafford Handball Club was founded in 2018 with just 5 participants. Starting with informal sessions in local sports halls, the club quickly grew as word spread about this fast, exciting, and inclusive sport. Within a year, the boys U14 team had won the England Handball National Championship.
Growth and Recognition
As the club grew to over 120 members, so did the ambition. The Handball Foundation was established as a registered charity (No. 1205687) to formalise the community development work running alongside the club. The Foundation expanded into schools, launching the Handball Hub Schools programme across 12+ schools in Greater Manchester.
In 2022, Trafford HC sent two teams to the Partille Cup in Sweden — one of the world’s largest youth handball tournaments — and established a cooperation agreement with Swedish club IK Savehof.
Handball in Greater Manchester Today
Today, the Foundation supports over 2,000 players annually. In 2024, Manchester and Trafford Handball Clubs trialled a merger, competing as “Manchester-Trafford” in the Men’s Premier Handball League North — a sign of the sport’s growing strength in the region.
Handball Heritage in the North West
The North West has a rich handball history. Clubs including Warrington Wolves, Salford, Haslingden, Peninsula, and Diva have all contributed to the development of the sport in the region over the decades. The Handball Foundation honours this heritage while building on it for future generations.
Timeline
Foundation of Trafford Handball Club
In 2018, Stan Belinski founded Trafford Handball Club with help from England Handball's Andy Clark. Starting with just 5 participants in local sports halls, the club laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most active handball communities in the North West.
U14 National Championship
In 2019, Trafford Handball Club's boys U14 team won the England Handball National Championship — a remarkable achievement for a club barely a year old, demonstrating the talent pathway being developed in Greater Manchester.
Charity Registration
The Handball Foundation was formally [registered as a charity (No. 1205687)](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5220563) with the Charity Commission, establishing governance through a board of five trustees and formalising its mission to promote community health and well-being through handball.
Partille Cup — Sweden
Trafford Handball Club sent two teams to the Partille Cup in Sweden, one of the world's largest youth handball tournaments. The club also established a cooperation agreement with IK Savehof, the Swedish club behind the tournament, opening international development pathways.
COVID-19 Online Sessions
From 5 to 2,000+ Players
From just 5 participants in 2018, the Handball Foundation's programmes now support over 2,000 young players annually across 12+ Handball Hub Schools, with 120+ club members and 20 active volunteers.
Manchester-Trafford Merger Trial
Manchester and Trafford Handball Clubs trialled a merger, competing as "Manchester-Trafford" in the Men's Premier Handball League North for the 2024/25 season — strengthening the sport's presence in Greater Manchester.