Author: DV

Mulkerrins Leads JR Clinic

WPH Press, San Angelo, TX, 9/13/23

Article by Martin Mulkerrins

Having received a one million dollar endowment to promote handball, Angelo State University (TX) continues to grow and develop their long established handball program. Texas A&M’s Martin Mulkerrins and Charlie Bokelman traveled to San Angelo where they teamed with Martin’s brother, Diarmuid and Aoife Holden to coach JR WPH clinics for beginner players on the second weekend in September.

More than twenty-five players took to the courts throughout the day to learn from the Mulkerrins brothers, Bokelman and Holden, soaking in tips and strategies in between playing matches with one another. These twenty-five players included students at the university, in addition to players and families who traveled from Lubbock, Odessa and Big Spring. To conclude the day, current national champion and R48 #2 Martin Mulkerrins played his brother and R48 #23 Diarmuid Mulkerrins in a one game exhibition.

“It was great to see such enthusiasm from the students and the local community last weekend,” stated Mulkerrins. “We also had a couple of junior players join us, who I look forward to seeing progress at the upcoming tournaments.”

Thank you to Martin and all of the coaches for helping to grow the game at Angelo State University. 

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH 

Junior Singles at the Ice Bowl

Tucson, Arizona, WPH Press, 8/21/13

Junior WPH was proud to present the 12-and-under 3-Wall Junior Singles at the 2023 Ice Bowl; featuring thirteen youngsters from Arizona, Texas, and Mexico. The thirteen enthusiastic youngsters competed under the lights at Clark Park, making this junior bracket one of the most exciting events in JR WPH history. Many of the youngsters were competing in their first or second tournament, prompting many of the game’s top pros to volunteer to referee and help with the junior matches.

The Fred Lewis Foundation’s Lindsey brothers advanced to the final to face one another, as Johnny upset top-seeded Luis Cordova III en route to the final and Kelvin defeated Azriel Gomez to advance to the final.

Kelvin and Johnny played spectacularly under the lights in the final, with both hitting with power and returning shots from well behind the back line. The older Kelvin was slightly stronger than his younger brother, winning the title in two games. Johnny was awarded with the JR WPH Ice Bowl Sportsmanship Award for his tremendous effort and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. All of the junior players played at least three matches.

“A lot of my kids were really motivated after the tournament and cannot wait for practice next week,” stated Fred Lewis Foundation Executive Director Abraham Montijo.

Thank you to JR WPH for hosting and sponsoring the Ice Bowl Junior singles, Abraham Montijo and the Fred Lewis Foundation and all of the parents and junior players for an outstanding tournament.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

2023 SAHC Youth Doubles

Santa Ana, California, WPH Press, July 23rd, 2023- The Santa Ana Handball Club(SAHC) was proud to present the 2023 SAHC Youth Doubles Tournament at El Salvador Park on the fourth weekend in July, featuring sixteen junior handball teams from Southern California in the second of three junior summer tournaments. 

“It was a fun and exciting evening of action and competition among the youth,” exclaimed SAHC founder and passionate handball promoter Gilbert Granado. “We had 32 youth participants! Thanks to the parents and volunteers for making this event successful! Thanks to Chopper for helping me with brackets, thanks to Chedo and Izzy and to everyone that helped ref! Thanks to Neutral Ground for sponsoring the venue and tacos! Thank you to WPH for sponsoring the medals and thank you to Santa Ana Handball Club, David Hinojosa, Izzy Garcia and Raven for sponsoring the prize.”

The Santa Ana Handball Club will host their third junior tournament in July next weekend at El Salvador Park.

Follow the SAHC on Instagram @SantaAnaHandballClub and on Gilbert Granado’s Facebook page HERE

JR WPH is proud to help sponsor and support Gilbert Granado and the Santa Ana Handball Club’s initiatives to provide young people with opportunities to be physically active and learn discipline and sportsmanship through handball.

Photos courtesy of Gilbert Granado

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

SAHC Youth Singles

Santa Ana, California, Junior-World Players of Handball Press, July 9th, 2023- The Santa Ana Handball Club was proud to present the 2023 SAHC Youth Singles Tournament at El Salvador Park on the first Friday in July, featuring forty-one junior-handball players from Southern California in the first of three junior summer tournaments hosted by the Santa Ana Handball Club. 

“Thanks to all the players, parents and supporters who came through to El Salvador Park for the 2023 SAHC Youth Singles Tournament,” exclaimed SAHC founder Gilbert Granado. “We were happy to meet councilman Hernandez at El Salvador Park. He supports handball and was at the forefront of saving and restoring El Salvador Park courts! I’m looking forward to working with Councilman Hernandez! Youth handball is growing in Santa Ana and beyond! We are accomplishing our mission by providing training and opportunities to compete. This will in turn give kids the desire to get better and be the best they can be, thus creating excellence! Don’t underestimate the power of a wall and a ball!”

Follow the SAHC on Instagram @SantaAnaHandballClub and on Gilbert Granado’s Facebook page HERE

Photos courtesy of Gilbert Granado

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

JR WPH Hits Oregon

Junior-WPH Supporting Horizon Christian School 

Hood River, Oregon, World Players of Handball-Press:  June 28th, 2023

JR WPH is proud to sponsor and support the JR WPH Horizon Christian School in Hood River, OR for the fifth year. JR WPH Coaches Oscar Stenberg and Ron Harder run the JR WPH Horizon Christian School program, leading two practices per week at the Hood River Elks Lodge, home to the WPH Hood River Doubles Invitational. Horizon Christian School students often participate in local Portland tournaments

“The JR WPH Hood River program is very grateful to the WPH for the support over the last five years.,” stated OR State Handball Chair and WPH contributor Nick Flores.

“JR WPH is proud to support the JR WPH Horizon Christian School handball program and Coach Stenberg and Coach Harder’s initiatives to grow the game in the Pacific Northwest,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “Portland has always been one of the most enthusiastic and organized handball communities and we are thrilled to partner on introducing and inspiring players in the PNW. We look forward to seeing the Horizon Christian School players at the 2023 R48 Portland Classic at the Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland in October.”

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

Santa Ana HB Club Forms

Junior Tournament and Doubles Fundraiser

Santa, Ana, CA, WPH Press, 6/4/23

JR WPH was proud to support the Santa Ana Handball Club’s junior handball tournament and fundraiser on June 3 at Boisseranc Park in Southern California to launch the Santa Ana Handball Club’s nonprofit organization. The event featured 45 junior handball players, an open doubles tournament, opportunities to donate, food vendors, new Santa Ana club shirts to purchase and raffles.

“What a turnout today,” declared Santa Ana Handball Club’s Founder and Executive Director Gilbert Granado. “We had to add a 10-12-year-old division. I did not expect that many to show up. I was definitely blown away by the enthusiasm the kids showed.”

The Santa Ana Handball Club was recognized by the United States Congress House of Representatives at the groundbreaking event for acquiring its non-profit status and bringing together the Handball community.

WPH legends Mando Ortiz, Jr. and Alfredo Morales offered their support during the inaugural event, in addition to a number of players and parents who eagerly supported the Santa Ana Handball Club in its first major event.

“JR WPH is extremely proud to support the Santa Ana Handball Club and its initiatives to grow the game of handball,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “We are excited for what is next for the Santa Ana Handball Club and its ambitious goals to introduce the game to the next generation of players.”

About the Santa Ana Handball Club

The mission of the Santa Ana Handball Club is to connect with the youth through handball, introduce youngsters to the sport, spend quality time through coaching and training, provide opportunities for the youth to compete, and support their dreams and celebrate their achievements

Founder and Executive Director: Gilbert Granado

Board members: Jack Miranda (Treasurer), Mario Ramirez (board member), Isaac Manzo (board member), Anthony Hernandez (official “Coach” and Ambassador)

The Santa Ana Handball Club nonprofit was established in 2023

The Santa Ana Handball Club has hosted several junior clinics at El Salvador Park in Santa Ana and several youth tournaments at the same park.

Pictures courtesy of Gilbert Granado.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

JR WPH at The Aces

Salt Lake City, Utah, WPH Press, May 8th, 2023-

Junior WPH was thrilled to host a collegiate clinic for the Utah State University Aggies at the 2023 WPH Aces Player’s Championship, this past weekend. World Player’s of Handball Foundation Master-instructor David Fink and 2023 Race-for-eight Rookie Player-of-the-Year Mark Doyle led the clinic for the enthusiastic collegiate players at the Sports Mall, home to the Aces Player’s Championship. Fink and Doyle discussed and demonstrated strategies to develop consistently solid contact, the footwork for the power serve, how to play the ball off the back wall, and lob serve techniques. Following the instruction, the players had a chance to try to return Doyle’s power serve, with several returning the Rookie of the Year’s best serves down the left.

“We love having the opportunity to coach players at the Race 4 Eight events,” stated Fink. “All of the pros have been inspired by the pros before them, and we are thrilled to inspire the next generation of players.”

Thank you to the Utah State Handball Aggies for their passion for the game.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer 

JR WPH Spring Classic

Brooklyn, New York, Junior-WPH Press, 5/8/23

Junior WPH was thrilled to sponsor the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & Junior- WPH Spring Classic at St. John’s Park on May 6 in Brooklyn, New York. This junior mega-event featured junior boys and girls 1-Wall Big Ball singles-and-doubles, with sixty junior handball players competing on a beautiful Saturday in Brooklyn.

The juniors played throughout the day on Saturday at St. John’s Park, with the players demonstrating tremendous skill, sportsmanship, and passion for the game.

2017 WPH Volunteer of the Year Veronica Figueroa hosted the 2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic, promoting and organizing the event, in addition to running the event. “This was the fifth event we have thrown with JR WPH and each event has been a huge success,” stated Veronica. “I want to thank the WPH and all of the sponsors who made this event possible. When I went to these organizations and sponsors, they didn’t hesitate to donate. We hope next year will be even bigger.”

“JR WPH was thrilled to team up with Ms. V for the fifth time in hosting this junior mega event,” stated the WPH’s David Fink. “Ms. V. is a huge part of the New York handball community, serving as a promoter, ambassador, volunteer, and tournament director and JR WPH is honored to run events with the St. John’s WallBall Association and all of the sponsors who made this event such a huge success.”

2023 St. John’s WallBall Association & JR WPH Spring Classic Champions & Finalists

Girls

18-and-under girls singles champion: Jenna Santiago

18-and-under girls singles finalist: Ariana

18-and-under girls doubles champions: Jenna and Kennedi

18-and-under girls doubles finalists: Madison and Nyliayah

16-and-under girls singles champion: Tiffany

16-and-under girls singles finalist: Kennedi

16-and-under girls singles doubles champions: Katherine and Hillary

16-and-under girls singles doubles finalists: Anna and Kelly

Boys

18-and-under boys singles champion: Nicholes

18-and-under boys singles finalist: Danny

18-and-under boys doubles champions: Danny and David Z

16-and-under boys doubles finalists: Ervin and Nicholes

16-and-under boys doubles champions: Carlos and Andy

16-and-under boys doubles finalists: Aiden and Rob

 

Sponsors

JR WPH

St. John’s Wallball Association

St. Albans Handball Association

Handball Toast Promotions

Inner City Handball Association

United States Handball Association

Castle Hill Handball Association

Impact Pro Handball Association

Long Island Heat Paddelball Organization

Roger (Wingate)

Broadway Anna (Florida)

Thank you to Veronica, JR WPH, and all of the sponsors who provided the opportunity for 60 junior handball players to enjoy a wonderful tournament.

Keep an eye out on juniorhandball.org, as new clinic opportunities and recaps pop up weekly. Want to coach a clinic or a junior handball program? Need more information regarding junior handball? The Junior WPH group spans multiple countries, continents and oceans with clinics happening daily. We can help! Contact WPH Development Director David Fink at david.fink@wphlive.tv

To enable Junior WPH to continue to host junior handball clinics and tournaments across North America with Certified WPH Coaches, the World Players of Handball invites you to make a tax-deductible donation today in supporting the growth of the game. 100% of the donations received by the WPH go towards junior handball development.  Donate on-line HERE or send your generous gifts through PayPal (HERE) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Become a handball insider by enjoying never before seen videos, pro commentary, special awards, Sports Casts archives and new episodes, live broadcasts, and much more by supporting the WPH and inspiring the next generation of players through the WPH Patreon program.

Become a WPH Patreon HERE

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer