JRWPH; WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING

Junior WPH Shines in 2014: Headlines and Upcoming Initiatives

The World Players of Handball continues to grow the game of handball with inspiring junior handball clinics led by WPH Certified Coaches. Junior WPH Coaches are certified with a rigorous and comprehensive coaching certification and exam process; emphasizing clinics that are not only focused on the importance of handball fundamentals and fun but being physically active, developing independence, leadership, sportsmanship and integrity.

2014 has been an extremely exciting year thus far for Junior WPH with clinics in Arizona, California, England, Mexico, Texas, New York and Colorado. Here is a more in depth look at all of the success to this point in the year and the upcoming initiatives for the second half of the year:

January 2014-May 2014:

Junior WPH Goodyear, AZ Clinic and Fun Day (January 2014): Certified WPH Coaches headed 100 miles west from the WPH’s Tucson headquarters to teach a junior clinic in Goodyear, AZ, just outside of Phoenix. Over 20 junior handball players from Tucson and the Phoenix area were treated to world-class handball instruction, skills competitions, games and lunch. The WPH sponsored afternoon enabled youngsters from different handball groups to meet and develop friendships. “We are so grateful that the WPH came to Goodyear for this clinic,” revealed Goodyear youth handball director Sam Ortega. “My group had never been exposed to this type of coaching and they loved it.”

TRC Showdown and Junior WPH Clinic Benefitting Junior WPH (January 2014): The WPH proudly organized junior clinics and three exhibition matches between top eight WPH pros Luis Moreno, Sean Lenning and David Fink. Juniors participated in a clinic before the pro matches and were treated to front row seats to watch three of the world’s best compete and raise money for Junior WPH. Fans purchased blocks to coincide with the scores of the matches at halftime and at the end of the match and all proceeds went towards Junior WPH. “It was great to be a part of this event,” revealed Fink. “Everyone had a great time and the energy from the juniors and handball fans was electric. We also discovered a blueprint to raise money for junior handball that can be used in virtually any handball club in the world.”

Junior WPH Houston R48 Clinic (January 2014): WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink teamed with former WPH #1 Allan Garner to teach a junior clinic for youngsters between the ages of 6-19 at the WPH R48 III Houston event. The youngsters participated in cross-training exercises and had the opportunity to watch Allan Garner demonstrate his sensational back wall technique. “The kids had a great time learning and listening to the advice from the WPH professionals,” revealed Leticia Martinez, mother of two of the clinic participants. “My children’s interest in the sport was reinforced by the event and they developed a better understanding for the game.”

Junior WPH UK Singles Clinic (February 2014): Junior WPH headed to London, England for an international version of the Junior WPH Clinic. Vlad Klym and Luke Thomson led a 1-Wall big ball clinic for over 50 youngsters from England and other parts of Europe, stressing the importance of footwork and fun. The juniors also competed in a junior tournament, thrilling galleries with precocious play and exciting matches. “The juniors relished the opportunity to learn from the best,” revealed WPH UK Singles tournament director and European handball pioneer Daniel Grant. “The coaches were an inspiration to the juniors and the juniors could be seen practicing what they had learned for the rest of the day.”

Junior WPH After School Program at Khalsa School (Winter and Spring 2014): Junior WPH held a weekly after school program at Khalsa Montessori School, the premiere charter school in southeast Arizona with one of the best two-court 1-Wall facilities in the country. Khalsa after school participants were introduced to the importance of cardiovascular health, nutrition and staying physically active. Those lessons were reinforced with cross-training drills, nutrition education and handball drills and games. “The kids had a great time in the Khalsa after school program and really looked forward to the class every week,” revealed WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “The enthusiasm of the kids led to rapid improvement in their handball games.”

Junior WPH Juarez Clinic (February 2014): WPH Certified Coach Luis Cordova led a junior handball in Juarez, Mexico for eight junior handball players. Cordova is a living legend in Juarez, having won multiple junior national titles and earning an Elite 8 WPH ranking in the first Race 4 Eight season. Cordova focused on the underhand swing and the warm-up during the highly successful junior clinic that was held in conjunction with the WPH Torneo de Handball event. “I am thrilled that I was able to teach the juniors some of the skills that I’ve learned in my 10 years of playing handball,” stated Cordova. “The WPH has so many good players teaching the fundamentals to the kids,” stated WPH big ball 3-Wall pro and WPH Torneo de Handball participant Manny “Razzle” Sanchez. “I love seeing the WPH mentoring the next generation of handball players and ensuring a bright future to our growing sport.”

Junior WPH Weekly P.E. Classes at Khalsa School (Winter and Spring 2014): WPH Certified Coaches teamed with CrossFit Kids Certified Coach and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Kevin Nichols at Khalsa Montessori School’s weekly P.E. Classes to teach handball and strength-building exercises. The 30 youngsters were split into groups of 15 with one group playing handball and the other group working on conditioning with Coach Kevin. “The WPH was extremely fortunate to have worked with Coach Kevin,” stated WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “Coach Kevin’s skills parallel Junior WPH’s lessons and the partnership was extremely beneficial for both.”

Junior WPH Outdoor 3-Wall Clinics (Winter and Spring 2014): Junior WPH held multiple clinics per week at Pima Community College’s pristine 3-Wall courts in Tucson. WPH Coaches enthusiastically led the juniors in various aspects of junior handball development, focusing on fundamentals, fun and camaraderie. “The winters in Tucson are so pleasant that being outside is ideal at any time of the day,” revealed WPH Youth Donor and Development Director David Fink. “I believe that learning to play outside has become a lost art for youngsters and the Pima weekly clinics provided that opportunity for dozens of junior handballers.”

Junior WPH New York Athletic Club Clinic (March 2014): WPH Certified Coaches led a large group of passionate young handballers in a spirited clinic at the famed New York Athletic Club in conjunction with the WPH Race 4 Eight III stop at the NYAC. The junior handball players had the opportunity to learn handball skills from several of the game’s best female players and watch the world’s best from courtside after the clinic.

Junior WPH Pro Showdown and junior clinics (March 2014): Living legend and four-time reigning world champion Paul Brady traveled to Tucson to continue his preparations for the Race 4 Eight III season. Race 4 Eight Elite 8 Pro and Master WPH Instructor Emmett Peixoto joined Paul Brady in Tucson. The two held clinics for several dozen awestruck junior handball players and staged three exhibition matches for packed galleries and the junior handball stars. “Emmett and Paul were incredible with the kids, teaching them proper hitting motions and offering tons of encouragement,” stated WPH Executive Director David Vincent. “Big thanks to Paul and Emmett and all of the Tucson handball community that supported and donated to the event and to Junior WPH.”

Junior WPH Denver R48 Clinics (March 2014): Junior WPH held one of its most successful Race stop clinics at Denver’s Race 4 Eight III event. Junior handball players were split into two groups on two courts and were led by Certified WPH Coaches Anthony Selestow and Jonathan Iglesias. The certified coaches led the juniors in a high-energy and fast-paced clinic culminating in an a “Play the Pro” competition in which the juniors were able to play singles and doubles points against two of the game’s best players. “I really love being able to give back to the game and show some of the kids how to improve their games,” declared Iglesias. “I have been fortunate enough to have been coached by some of the greatest coaches in the game and being able to pass that knowledge onto the next generation is very rewarding.”

Junior WPH Saturday Clinics at the Tucson Racquet Club (April 2014): Certified WPH Instructors led youngsters in handball clinics every Saturday during the winter and spring in 4-Wall handball clinics at the Tucson Racquet Club. Many of the youngsters had played handball throughout the summer at the Junior WPH Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp daily handball clinics and looked forward to having the opportunity to play each week. “I love what handball does for kids,” boasted Tucson legend and TRC Summer Camp director Coach Anderson. “Handball forces kids to move and use both hands and not many sports do that. Junior WPH runs an incredible program and they really know how to make the game fun for the kids.”

Junior WPH Modesto Clinic (May 2014): Junior WPH Master Instructor Emmett Peixoto hosted a sensational a junior handball clinic in Modesto, CA for 25 enthusiastic junior handball players. Coach Peixoto introduced handball drills and games that have helped him to rise to the top of the sport while allowing him maintain his unquenchable passion for the sport. Junior WPH has been extremely active in Northern California’s junior handball hotbed, hosting clinics in Concord, San Francisco and Modesto

Junior WPH junior handball clinic at the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball (Cup Stop #3):

WPH Player’s Cup pros Samzon Hernandez, Ricky Ruiz, Timbo Gonzalez, Sal Duenas and Mando Ortiz, as well as Race 4 Eight pros David Fink, Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey served as coaches for an enthusiastic group of nearly 30 junior handball players during the Junior WPH clinic at the 2nd WPH-Outdoor Big Ball 3 Wall Nationwide Challenge, by JR WPH & EDTL Handball in La Mirada, CA.

The juniors received instruction from the elite pros on the two-wall serve, the kill shot and the return of serve and were then able to play doubles points with and against the game’s best players. The juniors soaked in all of the lessons and were eager to try the shots in their upcoming tournament matches. “I learned the side-front kill and to take the ball before it bounces on the return of serve,” boasted one of the juniors.

Junior WPH Big Ball 3-Wall Junior Nationals, by Junior WPH & EDTL Handball:

Junior WPH and EDTL Handball were thrilled to have hosted 80 juniors under the age of 23 in the most prestigious junior 3-Wall tournament in handball at La Mirada Park in La Mirada, CA. Juniors played alongside their 3-Wall heroes, including Juan Santos, Samzon Hernandez, Timbo Gonzalez and Alfredo Morales. “Our group is making a conscious effort to bring more players into the game,” declared WPH Executive Director Dave Vincent. “By including the elite players with the juniors at the same events, we are confident that the juniors will continue to love the game and strive to be the best players they can be.”

Junior WPH Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp (Summer 2014): In the most ambitious junior handball initiative in the country, the WPH taught handball to over 600 youngsters between the ages of 7-16 every day for 10 weeks at the Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp. Junior WPH worked with up to 16 different kids every 45 minutes on two courts, as well as organizing skills competitions and tournaments at the end of each three-week camp session.

Master Instructors David Fink, Aoife McCarthy and Catriona Casey and WPH Apprentice Coach Tanner Cleveland made a positive impression on every student with whom they instructed, with many of the youngsters are asking how they can continue playing handball when the summer camp ends. “We cannot ask for a better situation to introduce the game of handball than the Tucson Racquet Club Summer Camp,” declared WPH Development Director David Fink. “The TRC Summer Camp is one of the most well-run and organized summer camps in the country and the kids are incredibly enthusiastic and eager to learn to play handball.”

Junior WPH Calgary Summer Handball Camp hosted by John Bike:

Hall of Famer and WPH Certified Coach John Bike inspired an enthusiastic group of junior handballers at the Junior WPH Calgary Summer Handball Camp in the Great White North. Coach Bike stressed the fundamentals, while incorporating cross-training activities and other sports to improve footwork and conditioning. “The kids really enjoyed the sessions,” bellowed Coach Bike. “There are a couple of nine-year olds that can really play! We played mostly 4-Wall and ended the week with a great day at the 3-Wall courts.”

Junior WPH Jr. Vasquez Clinic in Los Angeles, CA:  Junior WPH proudly hosted a junior handball clinic at the Jr. Vasquez California State 3-Wall Doubles Championship. WPH Player’s Cup pros and WPH Coaches Sal Duenas and Samzon Hernandez instructed the junior clinic at the famed Jr. Vasquez event for the second consecutive year. “Junior WPH growth and development is second to none,” barked Duenas. “I am honored to help the juniors improve their games. The kids were taught the importance of stretching, run through drills and played doubles points with Samzon and I.”

Junior WPH Women’s Shootout Benefit: Junior WPH hosted its first ever Women’s Shootout Benefit event to raise money for Junior WPH and the growth of the game in Tucson, AZ. WPH Women’s Race 4 Eight stars Catriona Casey, Tracy Davis and Aoife McCarthy played one another in an exciting one game to 21 round robin format. Casey won the first ever Junior WPH Women’s Shootout with dominating victories over Aoife McCarthy and Tracy Davis. Huge thank you to Doug Clark, Gurumeet Khalsa, and Charlie Wicker for donating to the event and for the fans at the Tucson Racquet Club that came to support the fundraiser.

Junior WPH RFC V Junior Benefit Junior Tournament (August 2014): Junior WPH traveled to Pittsburgh, PA for a mid summer junior handball tournament in the Steel City. The WPH has sponsored several events in Pittsburgh, including four RFC tournaments and the 2013 Thanksgiving Junior WPH Clinic and Blind Draw Doubles. Each of the juniors played a minimum of five matches during the RFC V, competing in the Open Singles, “A” Singles, Junior Singles and Mixed Doubles. “I had a really great time and I really hope to come back for the next event,” declared RFC V Junior Champion Sam Sottosanti III. Toronto’s 13-year old prodigy Ivan Burgos was awarded the RFC Sportsmanship Award for his exemplary enthusiasm, effort and sportsmanship throughout the RFC V.

Upcoming:

Junior WPH Juarez Clinic (September 2014): Junior WPH will return for Juarez for the second time this year to host junior handball clinics just south of the Texas border. WPH Certified Coach Luis Cordova will continue working with juniors with whom he previously coached earlier in the year, as well as introducing the game to a group of new junior players

Junior WPH University of Arizona Clinics (Fall and Winter 2014): Junior WPH will continue its weekly clinics at the University of Arizona during the fall semester at the University of Arizona Rec Center. Arizona college students will have the opportunity to learn from Certified WPH Coaches, as well as participating in WPH Fun Days and University of Arizona Rec Center handball tournaments

Junior WPH Las Vegas Clinic (September 2014): Junior WPH will host a junior clinic on the famed 3-Wall courts on the parking lot of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino during the 2014 WPH/WOR 3-Wall Ball World Championships. Junior players will have the opportunity to shine under Las Vegas’ spotlight as they learn the secrets to becoming the next generation of handball stars

Junior WPH After School Clinics (Fall and Winter 2014): Junior WPH is planning on hosting after school 4-Wall and 1-Wall clinics in Tucson for the second consecutive year. Certified WPH Coaches will serve as mentors and role models to junior handball players while teaching the youngsters to enjoy the sport

Junior WPH Simple Green U.S. Open Clinic (October 2014): Certified WPH Coaches will conduct a junior clinic at handball’s “Festival of Handball” in October of 2014. All of the game’s current and past greats will be on hand at the 2014 Simple Green U.S. Open inspiring the future generation to carry on the tradition of great play, camaraderie and sportsmanship

Junior WPH Tucson Race 4 Eight Clinic (November 2014): The Race 4 Eight returns to the home of the WPH in Tucson after a one-year hiatus and will feature a junior clinic for all of the junior players entered and in attendance at the WPH’s home Race stop

WPH University of West Florida Argonauts Classic and Collegiate Clinic (November 2014): The WPH is thrilled to return to Pensacola, FL and the home of the University of West Florida handball team to coach junior and collegiate handball clinics for the second consecutive year. “We loved having the WPH at our inaugural event last year and we cannot wait to welcome the WPH back this year,” revealed UWF handball president Michael Morgan.

Junior WPH is able to certify and hire coaches, host clinics, provide handball equipment for juniors, and host junior tournaments because of the generous donations of those that believe in introducing and inspiring youngsters to develop character, sportsmanship, integrity, discipline, and a physically active lifestyle through handball. To donate to Junior WPH, please contact WPH Youth and Donor Development Director, David Fink at fink@race4eight.com, or go to our website and leave a gift, of any denomination at http://www.wphlive.tv/store/donate/.   The full WPH board of directors, executive committee, employees, coaches and volunteers thank you for supporting our initiatives in 2014.