The two clubs have signed a partnership agreement under which Ealing HC, a junior handball club, will take over responsibility for the development and management of all junior grassroots and talent pathway activities on behalf of both clubs, whilst Ruislip Eagles HC, one of the country’s top clubs, will focus on senior handball.

Collaboration between these clubs paves the way for sustainable junior handball development in West London

Ealing HC will draw on its own junior development experience and Ruislip Eagles HC’s expert coaching resources to deliver a comprehensive programme catering for boys and girls from 9 up to 18 years of age. It will first consolidate its grassroots work in the borough of Ealing before gradually expanding its blueprint to neighbouring West London boroughs. It will also focus on talent identification and development to give young locals the opportunity to be considered for selection in the EHA regional and national academies, and ultimately in the England age group squads.

Ealing HC’s JC Lacour, who is leading the initiative, said “this is a strategic programme, which ambitiously aims to sustainably establish handball as a top five team sport in West London. Handball was the hit sport of London 2012 and deserves a lasting legacy”.

Ruislip Eagles’ Marc Fayemi said “this agreement just makes sense as it sees both clubs work to their strengths, with Ealing contributing its junior development expertise and Ruislip Eagles its pool of experienced players and coaches. It will be great to see our team take part for the first time in EHA’s national U18 competition next season”.

Ealing Council’s Jo Valks, Sports Development Officer Young People, added “this is a great example of two enterprising sports clubs pulling together to create a vision for and make a difference in the local community, particularly around a sport that has so much potential.”