Partnerships the Secret to Growth of Handball in Trafford

When Trafford Handball Club started in 2018, head coach Stan Belinski — with over 20 years of experience including international play and top European leagues — began with just five players and support from England Handball’s Andy Clark.

The project launched in May 2018 with training in sports halls and schools, including taster sessions and after-school clubs. With strong support from schools, the local council, and England Handball, the club and its network of satellite clubs grew rapidly in just a few weeks.

Today, the club works with more than 2,000 young handball players across the Greater Manchester area through taster sessions at local schools and club training sessions spanning five age groups. Several players have progressed to the North West Regional Academy and national age-group teams.

The club’s success has attracted international partnerships, including agreements with Hungarian club Veszprém and Swedish club IK Sävehof for player development exchanges.