Olympic handball club set to launch in Tipperary with introductory youth sessions
Paul Sexton leads new initiative that plans post Christmas expansion for SEN and adult groups
A new sporting initiative is arriving in Tipperary town as preparations conclude for the launch of an Olympic handball club in the hall at St Ailbe’s School.
The first sessions take place this Saturday and will introduce young players to a sport that remains relatively unfamiliar in Ireland despite an established international following.
Organisers say the opening evening has been arranged to accommodate a range of age groups.
Children in the under 12 and under 14 brackets will take to the court from 6pm to 7pm, while those in the under 16 and under 18 categories are scheduled for the hour that follows.
Families are being asked to contribute a modest amount toward the hire of the hall. All interested children are welcome to attend.
The development is being driven by Paul Sexton, who is aiming to build a sustainable structure for the sport locally.
His plans extend beyond the initial launch. After Christmas he intends to introduce a dedicated session for children with Special Educational Needs.
An adult club is also expected to form as part of the second phase of the project.
Although often overshadowed by more prominent field and court sports, Olympic handball is a demanding and fast paced game. It is played on a forty metre by twenty metre indoor court with a goal at either end.
Matches run for two halves of thirty minutes each. The ball is roughly the size of a football, but unlike football the entire game hinges on passing, dribbling and shooting with the hands. Each side fields six outfield players supported by a goalkeeper.
According to Olympic Handball Ireland, seven clubs are currently registered nationwide, a figure the Tipperary organisers hope will grow as awareness rises.
Anyone seeking further information or looking to contact the organiser directly may reach Mr Sexton by emailing [email protected]