NSW teams are preparing for the U14/U16 Championships in Canberra this weekend at the sports centre in Tuggeranong starting on Friday afternoon. They will be playing against teams from ACT and Queensland. All the best and have a great championship – go NSW!

Nominations are being sought for AHF aligned club teams and players  interested in participating in the Open Men’s 2011 Tiri Master in Tahiti between  November 5-10. Australia has been invited to send two teams. Two events will be conducted during this time (the Men’s Porinetia Cup, a senior archipelago tournament and the 2011 Men’s Oceania Champion’s Cup). The event has some costs covered by the organisers for the duration of the event (food, accommodation and ground costs) though does not cover flights and associated costs.

 Given the event is very soon, please send your expressions of interest, including playing experience and contact details to the AHF Executive Officer at sec-gen@handballaustralia.org.au by September 29.

NSW’s 2011 season has drawn to a close with some very exciting games over the weekend with finals and play-offs for third place matches. In the Women’s division Sydney Uni pulled away from a hard fighting UTS in the first half to claim the season title 25:13. In the men’s competition Hills Heat claimed a hard fought and injury ridden final from Sydney Uni at 24:22. The Women’s 3 v  4 game had Harbourside and Hills Fire drawn at half time, with Harbourside finally winning. The men’s 3 v 4 saw Canberra and Hills Blaze battle with Hills up in the final stages . Thanks to everyone for an exciting season. Stay tuned for details  of the End of Season dinner and for announcements of Beach Handball commencing.

Semis kick off Saturday September 10 at Sports Halls, Sydney Olympic Park – allow plenty of time for traffic as there is a lot of activities in the Park this weekend. Find the draw on the NSW Handball Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10150356446251079&set=o.54579926510&type=1&theater

Some photos from the last week of general competition round are at http://www.flickr.com/nswhandball

If you are interested in being considered for possible selection and haven’t submitted an EOI as yet, the deadline has been extended until September 9. The Oceania qualifications for the World Championships are only six months away and Australia needs to confirm its intention to participate and have a squad preparing to do so very soon. Selections are underway for Coaches and Managers and news about tryouts will be coming soon so please register your interest now. See the ‘Expressions of Interest for National Squad Selection’ on the front page of the AHF website via the link below and submit the form as per the directions please.  http://www.handballaustralia.org.au/

NSW Handball is still seeking some additional players across its U14 and U16 teams to play in Canberra in late September, especially in the U14 age groups. This is a newly introduced age group so newcomers are welcome to try out. Trainings are at Sports Halls, Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday from 6:30-8pm. Contact scott@www.nswhandball.com.au for further information.

Hosts ACT Handball Association have confirmed the dates and Tuggeranong Basketball Centre as the venue for this years combined U14 and U16 Championships.  The Championships start at 3pm on Friday September 23. NSW Tryouts and training dates begin this Sunday August 7 at Sports Halls, Cnr Grand Pde and Olympic Blvde between 6:30-8:00pm. Contact jamesridley5@hotmail.com to register your interest.

NSW Handball appreciated the input of Brisbane based Paul Langenberg last weekend, travelling down to Sydney to run a Handball specific Beginning Coaching (Level 1) course for a mix of beginning and experienced coaches. The participants were also impressed with his practical shooting skills and ability to read the game during the game demonstration sections. Thanks Paul – we look forward to implementing  the knowledge and increasing our expertise!

NSWHA players and officials were saddened by the news of the passing of Queensland Junior player Leon Bell this week.  Leon has been part of the Queensland junior teams playing in national competition against NSW for some years now.  NSWHA expresses its sympathy and best wishes to family and friends during this sad time.

Congratulations to the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) for their Gold medal at the Eastern Uni Games held in Canberra between July 4-7. Well done also to the other two Sydney teams coming in at second with a Silver medal to the University of Sydney Cumberland (SUCSG) and the University of Sydney (SU) with the Bronze.  The competition is a Mixed one and we look forward to seeing more teams in the future and these players progressing into our regular club competition.   More information can be found at http://www.unisport.com.au/Events/EUG/Pages/Home.aspx