We’ve spoken to Luke Jennings, Chair of the AU Handball club, to find out more about the fast growing and fast paced sport.

What levels of experience do you cater to?

We have four teams, two women’s and two men’s. There is a development team for both men and women – this is mainly for people with little or no playing experience who wish to be part of a team always striving to improve. Being in this team is a fantastic opportunity for players to learn and master the basics of playing handball.

There is also a performance team for both men and women – these teams are for players who have 1+ years worth of playing experience and have the athletic ability to compete at a high level. Our men’s development and both of the women’s teams compete in the Midlands Regional Leagues, whilst our men’s performance team are competing in the National Championship North for a second consecutive year. In having these teams we can cater for a wide range of ability within the club. We also work very closely with the MyLifestyle and IMS Handball programmes to introduce people to the sport without the commitment of being in an Athletic Union club.

Why did you join this club?

Handball is massive in the North West of England (where I am from) so I was lucky in that I had access to high quality coaching in school and at a club. I was also lucky that Loughborough had a well established and successful handball club that I could join when I arrived. I wanted to be able to carry on playing competitive handball at university so immediately signed up for the trials at the AU Bazaar and haven’t looked back since!

Best or most memorable moments from your time in the club?

A memorable moment for me is playing in the National University Championships final in my first year and narrowly losing to Oxford by one goal. Also competing in an International Tournament in Lloret, Spain and finishing third.

Describe your club in three words!

Successful, driven and exciting

Aside from the sport, what kind of social activities does your club get up to?

We are an incredibly social club, with weekly Hey Ewe socials as well as organised team drinks and meals. Additionally, supporting whatever team is playing provides a good opportunity to watch handball and socialize. Many of the clubs members live together, often dotted around the golden triangle area. Finally, this year we are looking at doing some fundraising (bag packs, cake sales etc) which is a good chance to get to know others in the club.

Finally, we go on an annual tour to Lloret in Spain, where memories are made both on and off the court; always one of the highlights of a player’s time at university!

Last words – what would you say to someone thinking of picking up the sport?

Being part of an Athletic Union club gives you an incredible chance to add to your university experience. With handball, you will create your own ‘memorable moments’ and be able to develop skills you never knew you had. Fitness, teamwork and discipline are all attributes you will improve if you do become a member. Joining the club will be one of the best things you ever do!

Interested in finding out more? Contact Luke Jennings at lufbrahandball@gmail.com, visit their website or find their social media channels here: Twitter, Instagram or Facebook

The Athletic Union has over fifty clubs, so you’re bound to find something to your taste. If handball isn’t quite what you were looking for, you could also try basketball, netball or Dodgeball Society.

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