EHF Grassroots Convention

Providing something in handball for everyone.

That was the most important message of the first EHF Grassroots Convention, which was held in conjunction with the Men’s EHF EURO 2024.

The programme involved 27 lectures presented by different experts who spoke on a wide range of topics, from children’s handball initiatives and physical activity and health in adolescents to activities in other sports and keeping young players engaged, among many more.

Overall, the key concept of grassroots that emerged throughout the day was that it equals any amateur-focused initiatives — the base or structure on which a sport can grow. The key elements defined by the EHF were local participation, inclusivity, skill development and community engagement.

The design of the day’s programme, with three lecture rooms plus the main auditorium, allowed for the over 100 participants to gain information that fit their own purposes. Among the speakers, aside from experts in handball representing a multitude of different handball organisations and clubs, were FIBA Europe’s Head of National Federations: Youth and Anti-doping Radmila Turner and UEFA Head of Technical Development Frank Ludolph. Both shared valuable insights into their own organisations’ programmes and how they encourage development of their respective sports on a grassroots level through different initiatives.

Along with the lectures, there was a panel discussion on “The pan-European grassroots movement” with comparative insights on basketball, football and handball. The panellists were Ludolph, FIBA Executive Director Kamil Novak, EHF Secretary General Martin Hausleitner and EHF Methods Commission Chairman Pedro Sequeira.

Aside from the notable non-handball guests, there were big names in handball on the agenda, with former IHF World Player of the Year Andrea Lekic presenting on the EHF’s Respect Your Talent programme, for which she is an ambassador, alongside project coordinator Alenka Cuderman.