EHF announces new qualification for handball managers 

The EHF and the German Sport University Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln) have announced a cooperation that will see the introduction of a tailor-made education course for European handball managers from the beginning of the 2015/16 season.

With the ever-growing demands on Europe’s top clubs both in sporting and economic terms, the EHF has recognised the need for professional clubs, federations and leagues to develop not only an effective structure and solid financial basis but also professional staff with the requisite expertise and knowledge.

Initially the new ‘European Handball Manager Programme’ will be open to a maximum of 20 participants. Alongside modules covering financial management, participants will also study aspects such as sports law, psychology and communication.

The programme will be offered in German and English in alternating years in order to ensure that handball managers from all European handball nations have the opportunity to take part.

The initiative’s progress has been supported by the EHF’s Professional Handball Board, and Forum Club Handball, the organisation representing professional handball top clubs within Europe.

EHF President, Jean Brihault, praised the new development: “Modern handball is about much more than simply playing the game. Our top clubs, federations and leagues have become businesses and as such require professional staff with the skills and knowledge to run them.

“The Deutsche Sport Hochschule is one of Europe’s top sports univerities and I am confident that the new programme will offer a valuable educational experience to those handball managers taking part.”

Responsibility for the academic content of the course rests with the German Sport University Cologne. An advisory board made up additionally of the EHF, Forum Club Handball and two external academics will support and advise on the further development of the programme.

The EHF and the German Sport University Cologne plan to sign a cooperation agreement in the coming weeks when they will also release further details on both the course programme and registration.