On Saturday 18th June schools from across England took part in the Finals of the 2021-22 England Handball National Schools Competition in Nottingham. After succeeding in the Regional Finals in May, Christ’s College Guildford students in Years 9 and 10, competed with heart and skill, eventually winning all of their matches with a total of 52 goals, and conceding only 17 throughout the final matches. During their last match against Katherine Lady Berkeley’s School from Gloucestershire, they won 8 - 2 to become the England Boys Under 15 National Handball Champions.

The Christ’s College boys have now become the best school handball team in England in the U15 age group; a fantastic achievement from one of the smallest schools out the 437 which entered the competition.

To get to the Finals, the Christ’s College team played over 25 fixtures this year and defeated every school they faced, scoring over 150 goals in one season.

Mr Scutt, Head of PE at Christ’s College, describing their win, said: “We are so incredibly proud of the attitude, hard work and commitment these boys have displayed in preparing for this competition. Their impeccable conduct – noted by other coaches and competition organisers – both on and off the court throughout the competition was fantastic. They are a real credit to the college and their families. It is an absolute pleasure to coach them.”

Mr Scutt added: “This team has dedicated many after school sessions to train and improve their skills within handball, they have acted as role models for younger students in the team, and I have no doubt that if we were an American High School, film companies would be knocking on the door to capture their amazing journey.“

The PE department at Christ’s College have been offering handball as an extra-curricular club since 2014, after Mr Scutt joined the college. They initially played outdoors using football nets. The intention was to give students the opportunity to try out, and to succeed in another sport, apart from the traditional football or rugby. The next year, the club moved indoors, gradually gaining more interest from students. Today, handball has become the college sport of choice, with 20% of boys and girls playing during after-school activities, with many of them also part of the Guildford Sabres Handball Club which is run out of Christ’s College by the PE department.

In 2016/17 their U15 Girls Handball Team reached the finals of the national competition, and the U13 Boys team came third in 2017/18. Mr Scutt said: “COVID meant that competitions were unable to take place in recent years, which was unfortunate, as we had a really strong boys team which had a really good chance to win – in fact, two ex-students have gone on to play for Great Britain.”

Christ’s College Principal, Mrs Hatch commented: “Our PE department and handball offer here at Christ’s College is second to none. Over the years, for some of our students, handball has been a way for them to develop new skills, mature as students and realise success. We are extremely proud of what they have achieved. “

Huge congratulations the students and staff, a fantastic achievement and well deserved!

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