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Play Handball

Play Handball for a Sustainable Future. A positive & peaceful future for & by the youth. We started as an South African based organisation in 2013.

Handball is our tool to empower the youth, teach life skills, promote education, and create opportunities for social growth for the individual & the community. Play Handball is a non-profit youth development organisation that focuses on the team sport of handball. Handball is our tool to empower the youth, teach life skills, promote education and create opportunities for social growth for the indi

vidual & the community. We want to contribute to a world in which young people have the competence & skills to shape a positive and peaceful future for themselves and others. In 2014, Play Handball established an office in Germany and has an affiliated office in Kenya since 2016. We work directly in the disadvantaged target communities through local cooperation. Handball is the tool to create learning experiences around valuable life skills and important socio-political topics such as environmental conservation, social cohesion, (gender) equity, inclusion, as well as health. We build capacity on grassroots level, and support our local partners with knowledge, equipment and volunteers. We give positive experiences & belonging ..... by facilitating handball afternoon programs at disadvantaged schools & communities.. by hosting the PlayHandball Super Cup, the first Handball & Education tournament against climate change

We support education & personal development ..... by developing educational programs for handball & life skills .. by facilitating training courses

We support sustainable sports structures & social growth ..... by building up sports structures in grassroots youth organisations.. by donating sports equipment to our partners

Help us to give more young people a perspective with handball. You don't know handball? Handball is a dynamic, fast-moving team sport that incorporates elements of running, passing, throwing and team-tactics. Handball is one of the most famous team sports in the world and an Olympic sport.

25/07/2025

✨ Geat News from Githunguri Primary School – Machakos County, Kenya 🇰🇪

Handball is growing strong at Githunguri Primary, where Coach Newton and volunteers Jonas and Robin have been working closely with the learners — building skills, teamwork, and a real love for the game. 🤾🏾‍♀️💪🏽

Last week, the school team took part in the Zonal School Competitions — and we’re happy to share they’ve made it to the Sub-County level! A great result and well-deserved recognition for their effort and commitment on the court. 🏫🏆

🌟 Even better — three girls from the team have been selected to represent their school at the County level in Machakos! It’s not only a proud moment for the school, but also a big step forward for girls’ participation in sport in the area.

We’re proud of the team and excited to follow what comes next. Step by step, pass by pass — handball is opening up new opportunities. 🧡💚🤍

16/07/2025

👋 Meet Caroline Nange – General Manager at PLAY HANDBALL 🇰🇪
Say hello to Caroline, the driving force behind our Kenya programmes! 🧡💚🤍

💬 "I am inspired by the joy of happy, empowered communities and driven by the mission to walk alongside people as they build what matters to them." ✨🙏

📍 From Curiosity to Handball Leadership!
Caroline, based in Machakos, Kenya, first joined PLAY HANDBALL in 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa. What caught her attention? A unique initiative that stood out and sparked her curiosity — and since then, she’s never looked back!

🎓 Skills That Power Change!
Growing up in Mathare slum, and with a background in Hospitality and Logistics, Caroline combines her professionnel skills and her community insides with the love for sport. She’s not just a certified Handball C-Licence coach with the Kenya Handball Federation — she also holds a C-Licence in Tchoukball coaching and refereeing and recently went with the national team to Geneva.

💪 As General Manager, Caroline:
🤝 Builds and maintains strategic partnerships to grow handball
🎉 Organises events and programs across communities
✨ Coordinates our volunteer and partner programmes
📊 Oversees PHKE’s operations, finance, and human resource development

🏆 Her proud achievements include:
1️⃣ Creating handball programs in Utawala Githunguri Primary
2️⃣ Establishing Ruai Girls’ Handball
3️⃣ Introducing handball in the Mathare community
4️⃣ Leading PLAY HANDBALL Kenya since 2018
5️⃣ Developing the Machakos and Buruburu Centre

🌱 Her vision – Caroline dreams big:
she wants handball to be the leading sport for transforming young lives across all 47 counties of Kenya.

🤝 Thank You! Caroline’s work is powered by incredible partners Handball That Impacts , Rotary Eschborn Germany, OneTeam.Social , German Embassy Nairobi , Kultur Life , Kastner Foundation, and all our private supporters.

Let’s keep building handball communities together!

12/07/2025

🤝 Karibu Kenya – Building Impact Through Partnership! 🇰🇪🇩🇰🇿🇦🇩🇪

Last week, we had an inspiring time on the ground in Kenya: PLAY HANDBALL Kenya, our Danish partner from Handball That Impact (HTI) and Nicola, our founder from South Africa, 🌍 visited handball programmes in schools in Machakos and Buruburu, as well as the recently launched community project in Mathare slum, Nairobi — witnessing first-hand how handball is creating opportunity, confidence, and connection. 🧡💚🤍

We also held joint workshops to reflect and shape a shared vision for the future of PLAY HANDBALL in Kenya – with a strong focus on sustainability and youth empowerment. 💬✨

“Being on the ground and meeting the people behind the project gave us real insight and deep motivation for what’s ahead.” – Søren & Lene, HTI

We’re grateful for this time together and excited to grow this partnership further — supporting youth through handball, one pass at a time. 💪

From meaningful conversations to Kenyan hospitality – it was a truly productive and impactful visit.
Asante sana & Karibu Kenya! 🇰🇪

29/06/2025

📍 Project Update from Meru, Kenya 🇰🇪
We’re excited to share great news from Meru! Our pilot project from last year was a success – and we’ve now been selected by Rotary Club Eschborn for a District Grant to expand our handball and life skills programme! 🎉

Starting in 2025, we’ll roll out the project in up to 10 schools across Meru County for two years – bringing handball, teamwork, and life skills to even more learners. 🤾🏾‍♀️💬📚

This week, Carol and Newton, together with Nicola, visited Meru to meet with our local partner Rotary Club Nkubu. They connected with school heads, sports teachers, and the education department – and visited new schools to prepare for what’s ahead. 💪🏫

💬 One teacher shared:
“We’ve already seen a big difference in our pupils since last year – improved discipline, motivation, and we’ve grown as coaches too!”

We’re proud to support both youth and teachers through sport – helping create lasting impact for the future. 💚🧡🤍

🙏 Thank you Rotary Eschborn () and Rotary Nkubu ( club of Nkubu) for your trust and continued support. After two years of preparation, we’re ready to get started – together!

With Nicola Scholl Carol Nange Gift Newton Kiambati

27/06/2025

👋 Meet Nicola Scholl – Founder & Visionary Behind PLAY HANDBALL 🧡💚🤍
Say hello to Nicola – the driving force and heart behind PLAY HANDBALL. Her mission: to use handball for social change, youth empowerment, and stronger communities across Africa.

📍 From Bundesliga to Grassroots Impact
A former player in Germany’s Handball Bundesliga, Nicola (Nicola Scholl) discovered sport’s potential for social change during a volunteer project in Hanover Park, Cape Town, in 2009. Inspired by the experience, she founded PLAY HANDBALL ZA in 2013 – and later expanded the work to Kenya and Tanzania.

🎓 From the Court to Global Development
Nicola combines her background in business and education with extensive experience in sport-for-development. She’s worked with partners like DOSB, GIZ, and Leuphana University, and leads international programmes, coach education, and youth exchanges across Africa and Europe.

💪 Leading a Movement for Change
As founder and director, Nicola leads PLAY HANDBALL’s strategy and growth. Under her leadership, the organisation has expanded across borders, forming strong partnerships, running educational tournaments, and mentoring new leaders — ensuring that PLAY HANDBALL remains a platform for youth empowerment and meaningful change.

🌱 Her Vision
Nicola envisions a world where sport builds bridges — where young people grow with self-esteem, skills, and equal opportunities, regardless of their background.

“Sport shapes minds, not just bodies. It teaches children how to grow, fail, respect others — and thrive in life.” – Nicola Scholl

🙏 Thank You, Nicola
For your leadership, heart, and dedication to creating lasting impact through handball.

24/06/2025

🤾‍♀️ Friendship, Fun & Fair Play – Community Handball Day in Piketberg! 🧡💚🤍

To wrap up Term 2, Liv and Salome – our volunteers in Piketberg and Goedverwacht – organised a vibrant community handball event – bringing together learners from Piketberg and Porterville for a day of sport, connection, and shared joy.

🏫✨ This friendly school match wasn’t just about goals – it was about teamwork, confidence, and building new friendships through handball.

💪 The Porterville team, despite limited practice time, played with great spirit and determination. Piketberg showcased strong teamwork and skills developed during the term. In the end, the energy on the court and the smiles on everyone’s faces were the real highlights!

🍊 A heartfelt thank you to SUPERSPAR Boland in Piketberg for the refreshing drinks and sweet mandarins – the perfect fuel to keep the fun going. 🙌

🏅 The day ended with a simple medal ceremony, recognising the enthusiasm and effort of all teams and players.

📸 Thank you to everyone involved for making it a memorable celebration of sport and community. These moments remind us why we play – and what we can achieve when we come together.

Crime Watch Porterville

16/06/2025

🇿🇦 Youth Day | 16 June 🇿🇦
Today we honour the courage, voice and vision of South Africa’s youth. 🧡💚🤍

On this day in 1976, young people in Soweto rose up for their right to quality education, equality and a future with dignity. Their bravery changed the course of history and reminds us that youth are powerful agents of change.

At PLAY HANDBALL, we see this power every day — in the energy on the court, the commitment to fair play, and the passion for building stronger, more connected communities. 💪🏾✨ Through handball, we create safe spaces for learning, teamwork and leadership. Youth are not only our future — they are our now.

Let’s honor Youth Day by recognizing the potential in every young person! Let’s continue to support and uplift young people, giving them the tools, opportunities and support they need to thrive.🌟

11/06/2025

👋 Meet Newton Murimi – Handball Youth Coach & Coordinator 🇰🇪
Say hello to Newton, one of our inspiring young leaders driving handball in Kenya! 🧡💚🤍

📍 From Educator to Changemaker
Newton joined PLAY HANDBALL in 2024 as a community coach and coordinator in Nkubu, Meru County. He kicked off a pilot project introducing handball to three local primary schools – with support from Rotary Clubs Nkubu & Eschborn – and quickly stood out through passion and leadership.

🎓 Education Meets Sport
With a background in Education Science (Math & Chemistry), Newton blends teaching with sport. He sees handball as a powerful tool to teach discipline, teamwork, and life skills — building stronger, united communities.

💪 Now based in Machakos, Newton ...
🏫 Expands handball programs in schools and communities
🌟 Coaches and mentors youth on and off the court
💥 Promotes equal opportunities for girls
🌍 Uses handball for empowerment and social change

🌱 Vision & Drive
Newton () dreams of making handball accessible to all — creating fun, inclusive spaces for youth to grow, connect, and thrive. He wants to give others the same chance he had.

🤝 Thank You HTI!
Big thanks to Handball That Impacts () for supporting Newton’s journey and our shared mission to grow community-led sport programs across Kenya. Together, we’re making a lasting impact.

08/06/2025

🇿🇦 Busy days, big impact in Piketberg with Liv! 💥
Our volunteer Liv is making waves in Steynville and Eendekuil — not only leading PE lessons but also helping organise the upcoming Handball Municipality Cup 🏆. Here's what she's been up to:

🤾 Handball Highlights
Afternoon practices are buzzing with energy as kids prepare for the big tournament!
What’s especially powerful? New players and experienced ones are learning to train and play together, building teamwork and celebrating every small win 🎉.
🗣 “Seeing how the kids support each other — whether they just started or have been playing for a while — is one of the best parts,” says Liv. “The excitement the kids show when I arrive for PE makes every day special,” she adds.
In Eendekuil, Liv is introducing older learners to handball with fun mini-games ✨, while the little ones enjoy relay races and stretching sessions — joyful, active breaks from the class room that keep everyone smiling.

🤝 Community Life
Liv has become a familiar face in the local sport community. After school, she joins in at rugby 🏉 and netball 🏐 matches, cheering from the sidelines and lending a hand to local coaches. The spirit of sport is alive and infectious! Even with a few language challenges, Liv’s Afrikaans is coming along, and the connection with the kids speaks louder than words 😉

Thank you, Liv, for bringing your passion, heart, and sports spirit to the playgrounds! You're making a difference for the kids in Piketberg and Eendekuil! 🌟

💚🧡🤍 Want to volunteer like Liv?
You can! Whether for 2 months or a whole year, there’s a place for you:

🌍 Short-term (2+ months): Explore all our partner projects via → www.coachabroad.de
🤝 Long-term (12 months): Check the programme via our partner or email [email protected]
❓Still have questions?
→ DM us or email: [email protected]
ist.doch.klar.mann

04/06/2025

Exciting News from Wesley Practising School! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Wesley Practising School in Salt River, where our amazing volunteer Mathis works twice a week! 🙌

On Mondays, Mathis coaches Grade 4 and 5 students, and on Thursdays, he works with Grade 6 and 7. Wesley is a commuter school, with children coming from various townships by bus.
For many, handball is a completely new experience – but their enthusiasm and talent shine through as they eagerly listen and learn! 💪Mathis holds the sessions outside in the schoolyard, adapting the space to fit handball activities.
Beyond the sport itself, he enjoys connecting with the children during breaks or after training, learning about their lives and sharing meaningful conversations. It’s a unique experience that brings together children from different backgrounds, creating new opportunities for growth, teamwork, and fun.✨

Handball at Wesley Practising School is off to a great start, and we’re excited to see this journey unfold!🤾🏽

01/06/2025

👋 Meet Brian Kithinji – Handball Youth Coach & Coordinator
Say hello to Brian, one of our passionate changemakers driving handball development in Nairobi’s Buruburu community. 🇰🇪

📍 From Youth Coach to Community Leader
Brian’s journey with PLAY HANDBALL Kenya began in 2019 when he joined our Youth Coaches programme while studying at Strathmore University. With training and support from PLAY HANDBALL, he got involved in coaching, supported events, and quickly became a strong voice for youth empowerment through sport.

🎓 Experience That Makes an Impact
A former Kenyan national team player, Brian brings both passion and expertise to his role. In 2022, with our support, he took part in the International Trainer Course at Leipzig University — strengthening his knowledge in coaching, sport development, and youth leadership.

💪 Today, Brian is leading our activities in Buruburu, where he ..... 🏫 Builds school and community training programs.. 🎯 Coaches and mentors young players.. 🥅 Organizes inclusive tournaments.. 💥 Empowers girls in handball.. 🌍 Teaches life skills through sport

🌱 His Vision
Brian wants to grow handball in Kenya into a professional, fun, and inclusive sport — and most importantly, to give young people the same opportunities he received through handball.

🤝 Thank You Handball That Impact (HTI)
Big thanks to our partner Handball That Impact for supporting Brian’s role and sharing our commitment to long-term development through handball. 🧡💚🤍

HandballInKenya

28/05/2025

🏁 Season’s End – New Life for Your Old Handballs! 🤾‍♀️🌍

As the handball season wraps up, don’t let your old balls gather dust – give them a second life with us at PLAY HANDBALL! 💚🧡🤍

We’re collecting used but playable handballs (size 1 & 2) for our youth projects in Southern Africa. 🎒✨
We can also use bibs, cones, goals – all those extras that help kids learn and grow through handball. 🙌

Please note: Shoes are not our priority – they only help one person and are tough to ship.

🔄 Changing sponsors or clearing out old stock? Don’t throw it away – DM or write to us at [email protected].
📥 Download our flyer to run a collection at your last game:
👉 play-handball.org/en/fundraising-campaign

Let’s turn old gear into new opportunities – every donation counts!
🙏 Thank you for your support and for helping us grow the game where it matters most.

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0027 (0)72 4014375

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http://www.play-handball.org/

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