The Arsenal Foundation has helped Islington Handball bring their sport to more young people across the borough. Club president Alexandra-Geanina Vaideanu – or simply Alex – tells us how.
“I am originally from Romania, but I have lived in the UK for the last 16 years. I am Islington Handball’s club president; I joined the club after moving to London in 2018 and became president in 2019.
“Handball is a big sport for women in Romania so I played for a few months when I was a child, but only returned to it in my final year at university in Liverpool. Since 2012, handball has been a constant part of my life – as a player, coach, referee, and volunteer.
“Islington Handball Club, also known as the Rats (and Ratitas for the women’s side), was established in 2011 and is London’s most central handball club, nestled near Emirates Stadium. We welcome players of all skill levels – our club is fun, inclusive and always has a dash of mischief!
“Our mission is to promote and champion the sport of handball and its community, engaging as many children, young people and adults from diverse backgrounds as possible. Over the last three seasons we have doubled our membership. We now have three men’s teams, two women’s teams and Under-16 and Under-19 boys’ teams competing nationally. Both our men’s and women’s first teams play in the Premier League. Our success is fuelled by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers.
“The support from The Arsenal Foundation was essential in sustaining the growth of our junior programme. Junior development has always been part of the club, but it was paused between 2018 and 2021, when we restarted by reconnecting with partner schools through after-school clubs. This led to a club session in the 2022/23 season, and within a year we had established an Under-14 boys’ team, which went on to compete in the Under-16 league for the following two seasons. Arsenal’s support also meant we could expand our programme to offer a session for primary-school-age children (Under-12s) and train an additional coach to deliver them.
“The children absolutely loved the sessions and said they were energetic and a lot of fun. They built handball skills, improved teamwork and boosted their communication on and off the court. They also gained confidence, learned to support each other, and developed a real sense of belonging – all while staying active and having fun.
“Several young people who took part have become members of the club and have also brought friends and siblings along. We have also received more enquiries from parents and schools – last season, we delivered after-school clubs in three primary schools. The sessions helped raise awareness and showed that handball is accessible, exciting and a great team sport for kids.
“I think it’s essential that big clubs like Arsenal support grassroots projects. Not only does it show the positive side of football, but it also inspires smaller clubs like ours to dream big and expand our impact. Sport is a great way to break down barriers, bring communities together and give young people opportunities they might not otherwise have.
“Projects like this prove it can be a real force for good.”
**Come and join in!**
Islington Handball offers junior handball sessions tailored for all ages. Come and experience the fast pace, excitement, and camaraderie of handball.
Our youth teams are open to boys and girls of all skill levels, providing a supportive environment where everyone can grow, learn and feel valued on and off the court.
**U16/U19 boys**
Wednesdays, 6–7.30pm at Skinners Academy, N4 1SY
**U12 boys and girls**
Saturdays, 3.30–4.30pm at COLA Islington, N1 8PQ
**U16/U19 boys and girls**
Saturdays, 3.30–5pm at COLA Islington, N1 8PQ
For more information visit [www.londonislingtonhandball.com](http://www.londonislingtonhandball.com).
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