Junior WPH continued its tradition of inspiring the next generation of players at Race 4 Eight events, proudly hosting a Minnesota R48 instructional clinic for the University of Minnesota junior handball program, with youngsters between the ages of 8-16 learning from WPH Coaches David Fink, Vic Perez, and Ashley Moler. After practicing the sidearm kill and competing in a “lowest kill shot” competition, the youngsters played doubles points with the Race 4 Eight stars. “This is just so great for the kids,” stated University of Minnesota junior Coach Mitch Lallier. “To hear from the pros and get a chance to play points with them is what it’s all about.”

Junior WPH is proud to provide opportunities for youngsters to learn and improve their handball games with clinics coached by WPH Certified Coaches that span more than 10 states and three countries each year.

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 fink@race4eight.com

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 (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Junior WPH enjoyed an outstanding weekend at the 2^nd annual Tucson Memorial by proudly honoring JR WPH Juarez head coach Richie “Drft” Fernandez with the 2016 WPH Coach of the Year award, coaching a sensational clinic, and hosting third Battle of the Border (BOB) team competition between JR WPH Juarez and Team FLF Tucson. Read about the great weekend below!

The WPH Honors 2016 JR WPH Coach of the Year Richie “Drft” Fernandez

The World Players of Handball was incredibly proud to present JR WPH Coach Drft Fernandez with the 2016 JR WPH Coach of the Year award in a ceremony with the WPH Executive Committee, WPH Staff, and several of the Race 4 Eight top stars. Coach Fernandez promotes, recruits, and coaches weekly junior handball lessons for more than 30 youngsters in Juarez, Mexico, building the most thriving junior handball program in North America. Coach Fernandez also organizes JR WPH Juarez tournament trips, often driving the youngsters up to 16 hours each way to provide the youngsters with the opportunity to experience tournament handball.  Inscribed on the WPH Coach of the Year plaque presented by the WPH Executive Committee: “Through passionately promoting, recruiting, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of handball players, Coach Fernandez has created the most flourishing junior handball program in North America. The WPH is incredibly proud to have you on our team. Thank you!”

Junior WPH Clinic with JR WPH Juarez

JR WPH hosted a sensational clinic with JR WPH Juarez, with WPH Master Instructor David Fink playing “King of the Court” singles with the JR WPH Juarez traveling team. “The kid’s energy and enthusiasm was amazing and so much fun,” stated Coach Fink. “We are so grateful that the juniors make the six-hour drive from Juarez to Tucson to be a part of the event. What’s most fun is seeing the improvement of all of the kids from one tournament to the next.” Following the clinic, JR WPH Juarez was WPH “geared-up,” with each of the youngsters receiving JR WPH jerseys.

Battle of the Border (BOB) III

JR WPH Juarez faced Tucson’s Fred Lewis Foundation for the third time in two years in a special junior team competition aimed to build camaraderie, friendships, and team spirit between the two incredible junior programs. Team FLF captured the first two editions of the BOB, but the rapidly improving JR WPH Juarez squad was determined to take the BOB Cup back to Juarez. Team Juarez won the first two matches in the best of five format, and when Andres Cordova defeated Sophia Della Croce in the fourth match, Team Juarez clinched their first Battle of the Border Cup. “Watching the kids cheering on their teammates and taking so much pride in being on their team was the highlight of the event for me,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink.

David Fink

WPH Senior Writer

Tucson, AZ, WPH Press, 10/26/16- Junior WPH stars competed in six events during the 2016 Junior WPH Outdoor season, with the top outdoor junior stars in the world competing in four events in Southern California and two events in Las Vegas. The Simple Green United States Open of Handball Junior WPH Three-Wall singles featured the conclusion of the JR WPH rankings season, with the junior stars taking clinics from the top Junior WPH coaches and competing against one another for the final time of the season. Irish stars Kyle Jordan and Mark Doyle captured the 11-and-under and 13-and-under singles, respectively, with outstanding performances in their first 3-Wall starts. Danny Vaszquez won the 15-and-under for his first title of the season, and Anthony Perez won the 17-and-under.

Junior WPH holds more than 1,000 junior handball clinics each year and dozens of junior handball competitions, all emphasizing sportsmanship, camaraderie, integrity, developing a healthy lifestyle, and having fun. Check out all of our initiatives at juniorhandball.com.

See the the 2016 season-ending Junior WPH rankings

10/24/16- JR WPH proudly hosted a Simple Green U.S. Open junior clinic for more than 50 youngsters from California and Ireland on the Los Caballeros’ 3-Wall courts, featuring WPH Coaches David Fink, Shorty Ruiz, and Luis Cordova. The youngsters were split into three groups, with each group having the opportunity to learn from three of the game’s top coaches. After trying to hit various targets, the young handballers had a chance to test their skills against Coach Ruiz and Coach Cordova. “I can’t believe how good these kids are,” proclaimed Coach Cordova after playing points against the 14-year olds on his court.

Junior WPH has hosted more than 900 clinics thus far in 2016, proudly providing opportunities for more than 3,000 young people to learn handball from the best coaches in the most well organized clinics in the country.

Following the clinic, the juniors competed in the final JR WPH ranking event of the season on Los Caballeros’ 3-Wall courts. The matches featured sensational shot making and sportsmanship from precocious juniors from California and Ireland. Ireland’s Kyle Jordan and Mark Doyle captured the 11-and-under and 13-and-under singles, respectively, in their first 3-Wall starts, cruising in fields of seasoned 3-Wall juniors. Multiple-time JR WPH junior champion Daniel Vazquez won the 15-and-under and Anthony Perez defeated his brother Justin in the final of the 17-and-under singles. “This was certainly one of the most exciting days of the JR WPH season,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The participation of the Irish junior stars playing against the Southern Californians made for great matchups, while also creating new friendships that will likely last a lifetime.”

JR WPH Simple Green U.S. Open Results

11-and-under

1^st: Kyle Jordan (IRE)

2^nd: Isaac Camarera (CA)

tied 3^rd: Jose Arellano (CA)/Jayden Moyas (CA)

13-and-under

1^st: Mark Doyle (IRE)

2^nd: Mark Claros (IRE)

tied 3^rd: Eddie Rocha (CA)/Kevin Quiroa (CA)

15-and-under

1^st: Daniel Vazquez (CA)

2^nd: Josh Kavanag (CA)

3^rd: Mauricio Molina

17-and-under

1^st: Anthony Perez (CA)

2^nd: Justin Perez (CA)

3^rd: Danny Vazquez (CA)/Ricky Serrano (CA)

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 fink@race4eight.com

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 (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

Junior WPH Shines in Columbus, MS

Tucson, AZ, WPH Press 10/31/16- Junior WPH is proud to be coaching weekly clinics at the YMCA in Columbus, MS, lead by WPH Coach Joel Levy. Coach Levy leads twice-weekly clinics at the Columbus YMCA, focusing on safety, footwork, hitting the ball, serving, returning of serve, introduction to singles and doubles. The juniors start learning with half court and eventually graduate to full court. Upcoming classes will focus on the back wall, rules, and teamwork.

“The clinics are going really well,” stated Coach Levy. “In the last class some of the boys and girls asked to play full court. They are really enjoying the game.”

“The WPH proudly hosted a clinic at the Columbus YMCA over the summer with Coach Cordova, Coach Morgan, and Coach Levy,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The administration at the YMCA was so impressed with the clinics and how much fun the kids were having that Coach Levy is now coaching multiple clinics per week. Thank you Coach Levy!”

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 fink@race4eight.com

Junior WPH Juarez continues to shine in Ciudad Juarez on the U.S./Mexico Border, with 2015 Junior WPH Coach of the Year Drft Fernandez leading weekly training sessions for two-dozen youngsters between the ages of 5-20. The youngsters practice the serve, kill shots with their right and left hands, ceiling shots, and “rebotito,” a half court game designed to improve reflexes and strategy. Following the drills, the youngsters play rally games, with the older kids using the small ball and the younger kids using the big ball.

“We hosted a tournament last weekend for kids of various levels and ages,” stated Coach Fernandez. “There were Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced divisions for more than 20 junior players. The kids had a great time.”

“The WPH is so fortunate to have Coach Fernandez leading clinics in Juarez,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “If there were 100 coaches like Coach Fernandez across North America we would have thousands of junior players, and if there were 1000 coaches like Coach Fernandez handball’s participation and popularity would be on par with basketball and baseball. Thank you Drft!”

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 fink@race4eight.com

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 (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.

JR WPH held two junior handball clinics at the 2016 3WallBall Outdoor World Championships for more than 80 juniors between the ages of 9-18, while also hosting the JR WPH 3WallBall junior singles tournament and sponsoring several dozen juniors to participate in the event. The multiple junior handball clinics during the week focused on handball stroke instruction and exciting games to reinforce the lessons. The weekend ended with a sensational JR WPH singles tournament for juniors between the ages of 9-19. Read about the clinics and tournament below!

Opening Night Junior WPH Clinic with the Las Vegas Youth Groups

The opening night of the 2016 WPH 3WallBall Outdoor World Championships featured junior handball clinics for more than 50 Las Vegas high school students. JR WPH Coaches taught handball skills to the enthusiastic youngsters, focusing on the rules and proper techniques to play handball, while also having a lot of fun on the court, After learning the serve and hitting the ball off the bounce, the youngsters teamed up with one another and the pros to play King of the Court doubles, with the teams producing some incredible rallies.

“We love to see kids on the court enjoying themselves and learning to be physically active through handball,” stated WPH Development Director David Fink. “The Wednesday night junior handball clinics at the 3WallBall Outdoor World Championships have become a tradition and it’s one of the highlights of the event.”

Saturday Afternoon Junior WPH Clinic with the 3WallBall Junior Tournament Players

JR WPH was proud to present an exciting junior handball clinic for more 16 youngsters competing in the 2016 3WallBall Outdoor Championships. WPH Coaches David Fink, Herman Mendez, and Lowveens Jacques led the juniors through serve and kill shot instruction, followed by alternating doubles points with the pros and an around-the-world rally game. The coaches stressed the importance of having fun, setting goals to improve, and the fundamentals of the game. “I am always happy to help with the kids and share some of the knowledge I’ve gained in my years playing handball,” stated Coach Mendez. Thank you to WPH Coaches Mendez and Jacques.

2016 3WallBall JR WPH Singles

The juniors took the tournament stage on Sunday morning, with 27 youngsters battling one another next to their WPH Outdoor heroes. The juniors demonstrated outstanding skills and sportsmanship throughout the morning and afternoon, with many of the matches decided by three points or less.

Spain’s Sasha Kruithof Prello captured the 19-and-under in his first weekend of playing 3-Wall handball, defeating Daniel Barrinetos in an exciting final. “I have enjoyed playing 3-Wall for the first time,” stated Kruithof Prello. “I have the Spanish Open next week and this is good experience for me.”

13-year old Daniel Barrientos captured the 17-and under, defeating Charles Lopez in Barrientos’ eighth match of the tournament. Mauricio Molina defeated Daniel Barrientos to claim the 15-and-under, Armando Ramirez defeated David Sanchez to win the 13-and-under, and Moises Barrientos defeated Jose Arellano to win the 11-and-under.

Junior Champions

19-and-under: Sasha Kruithof Prello

17-and-under: Daniel Barrinetos

15-and-under: Mauricio Molina

13-and-under: Armando Ramirez

11-and-under: Moises Barrientos

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 fink@race4eight.com

JR WPH has been busy in 2016, coaching hundreds of handball clinics for thousands of new and experienced junior handball players in the first eight months of 2016. JR WPH has hosted clinics in Colorado, New York, Florida, Louisiana, California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Nevada, Canada, Pennsylvania, Mexico, and Mississippi thus far in 2016, with all of the clinics featuring structured, challenging, and fun handball curriculum’s with WPH Certified Coaches. Each JR WPH clinic focuses on teaching handball fundamentals, developing an active lifestyle and embracing sportsmanship, camaraderie, independence, and teamwork through handball.

The summer of 2016 has been exceptionally exciting, as JR WPH has hosted or sponsored junior handball summer camps in Tucson, AZ, Juarez, Mexico, and San Francisco, CA, as well as JR WPH summer mega tournaments and clinics in New York City, Pittsburgh, PA, and Orange County, CA.

JR WPH clinics and tournaments are possible because of our extremely generous donors and our extremely passionate and skilled WPH coaches.

To stay up to date with all of the exciting JR WPH clinics, tournaments, and initiatives in 2016, please visit juniorhandball.org.

Keep an eye out onjuniorhandball.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 fink@race4eight.com

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 (extremehandball@cs.com) or by mailing checks to:  WPH, 3561 E. Sunrise Dr. Suite 125, Tucson, AZ, 85718.