New Brighton handball team needs your help (From The Argus)

New Brighton handball team needs your help

10:30am Thursday 13th September 2012 in News

A group which has been inspired by the 2012 Olympic Games to start their own handball team are appealing for your help.

The fast-paced game, which was one of the surprise packages at the Olympics , is now the nation’s favourite new sport.

Following the action in the Copper Box, thousands took to Google, Twitter and Facebook to research clubs in their area.

But for those in Sussex the options were limited to none.

After a brief online discussion, Spanish-born Juan Reig decided to get the ball rolling.

The 28-year-old from Brighton said: “It’s huge in Europe and I think that following the Olympics it’s going to take off in Britain.

“I moved to the country three years ago and I’ve played for teams in Liverpool and London.

“But since coming down to Brighton, I can’t find anywhere to play.”

And so Brighton Handball Club was born.

Following an initial training session in Preston Park the group will practise each Wednesday at the Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre between 8pm and 10pm.

They are now calling on those inspired by the Games to join them.

Mr Reig added: “We also need sponsors.

“We haven’t got any goals or kits at the moment so if someone would like to help us that would be great.

“We have the enthusiasm and just need some help to get us going.”

The sport, which has its origins in central Europe, sees teams of seven battle it out on a 40m by 20m indoor court.

They pass the ball around by hand and dribble by bouncing it like a basketball.

The aim is to get to the opposing end and throw the ball past the goalkeeper into the rectangular goal.

Despite its widespread popularity across Europe, it has never taken off in the UK.

Wild card

Team GB have struggled to make it to past Olympics, but with London having hosted this summer’s games, they were granted automatic qualification.

Mark Hawkins , from Horsham, is one of the team’s stars.

He said: “It is really good fun and I would encourage anyone thinking about getting involved to try it out. It is fast-paced, skilful and demanding.”

Mr Reig added: “I started a Facebook group and within days we had 30 members.

“The response has been really good. It’s a great sport for fitness and skill, but also a very sociable one.

“The plan is to practise each week and then when we have enough players to join the south of England league.”

For more details or to enquire about sponsorship visit: brighton.handball.uk@gmail.com .

The Argus will be supporting the group and will follow their progress as part of the Our Olympic Legacy campaign.

As part of the campaign we have promised to inform you of opportunities to try new sports, promote initiatives and schemes and put pressure on local authorities to follow up on the Government’s legacy.