Brisbane Handball Club takes on the world

The Brisbane Handball Club will be taking on the world again at the World Cup in Italy next week after the club’s dramatic, unexpected victory in the 2023 tournament.

Members of last year's winning team from Brisbane.

Brisbane Handball Club will be sending two teams to the Interamnia World Cup for the second year in a row - and this time the European teams will be weary after Brisbane’s shock women’s win last year.

In a huge upset 12 months ago the women’s side from little old Brisbane took on the world and beat the Europeans - and all others - to claim the world title.

“Everyone was shocked,’’ said club president David Gillespie.

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The 51st Interamnia World Cup will be held in Teramo, Italy, attracting thousands of players from five continents.

Australia’s sole representative side will be a women’s side and a men’s team from the Brisbane Handball Club.

Claire Toohey, a 17-year-old player on the women’s team, said the Brisbane club had a wonderful spirit which would carry them through the World Cup.

“I love the sense of community in handball,’’ she said.

“Everyone is connected and welcoming, encouraging each other to improve and play.

“The spirit among players is truly amazing.’’

Toohey said she was introduced to the sport by her netball coach in 2022 and knew nothing about the sport prior to joining.

“I didn’t know anything about it beforehand but I am very grateful that I am now playing,’’ Toohey said.

“Because it’s such a small community in Australia everyone is very connected and welcoming to new players, encouraging them to improve and play.

“There is amazing spirit between players that I haven’t seen in many other sporting communities, always willing to help and elevating other players for the betterment of the individual as well as the team.’’

Ryan Swain, 15, is part of the men’s team and was looking forward to his first experience

“I first saw it in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and thought it looked interesting so did some research and found the Brisbane Handball Club,’’ Swain, aged 15, said.

“I think what I like most about it is it’s a bit different from everything else and opens up loads of opportunities.

“Of all the sports I’ve played, I’d have to say that handball trumps all. It’s a really great community of people with the more experienced players offering tips and strategies to improve others at the club.

“It opens up loads of opportunities, and the community is great, with experienced players always willing to help.’’

The Brisbane club’s success on the international stage is a testament to its thriving youth program held at the Balmoral SHS for players aged 10-15 years and under-18s.

Seniors from the club have training sessions at Nissan Arena.

“It’s the largest handball club in Brisbane and the only one with dedicated under-18 training, making it a hub for aspiring handball players,’’ said club president Gillespie.

The Interamnia World Cup will be held July 8-14.

For those interested in trying handball, Brisbane Handball Club welcomes new players at Sunday training sessions at the Balmoral SHS.

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