Creation of the concept
Following the Georgian Handball Federation’s initial application to be part of the EHF Master Plan project, three focus areas were identified in collaboration between the two organisations: development of handball players, reinforcement of coach development and methodology, and strengthening of visibility of handball in Georgia.
The development of handball players was further broken down into kindergarten and school-age handball, involving increasing the number of children participating in handball on an ongoing basis, and inclusion in school curriculums and after school activities. In addition, increased focus was identified as necessary concerning youth handball, talent development and women’s teams.
Regarding the strengthening of coach development and methodology, the concentration has been on the creation of age-related teaching materials for player development. Concerning visibility of handball in Georgia, the effort is towards marketing and social media presence.
Although three key areas of focus were identified, the development of handball players was clearly the most important and significant undertaking and it is there that the most steps have been taken. The three core projects that resulted from the planning stage were handball at school level, the kindergarten handball project, and coach development.
Hitting the ground sprinting in 2022
In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Georgia had already been taking significant steps prior to the formal agreement that brought the Federation officially into the EHF Master Plan project. Therefore, the federation was ready to hit the ground running once the agreement was implemented in May 2022.
The work prior to the Master Plan agreement served as an important base for what was to follow, with a number of physical education teachers undergoing training to deliver handball in schools in 2021.
Throughout 2022, specific responsibility for strengthening handball at school was allocated within the federation, a detailed activity plan and guidelines were developed targeting kindergartens and mini handball, EHF teaching materials were adapted and distributed, mini handball coaching courses were organised, and material and equipment were received from the EHF and distributed. A total of 280 school PE teachers undertook the training provided by the Georgian federation.
In addition, two key events took place: EHF Expert Luisa Estriga led a National Coaching Course for kindergarten and mini handball teachers and national championships were introduced for the U14 and U16 age categories.
The Georgian Handball Federation also appointed a marketing manager in 2022 and increased its media activities, with a redesign of the website and more attention on social media.