Handball Connects: Three Days of Training and Inspiration in Nairobi.
A Report by Fabian Korell

Eight years after my volunteer service with PLAY HANDBALL, my journey took me to Kenya to reconnect with old contacts and lead a coaching course for handball trainers. The course focused on developing skills for working with children and young people, enabling valuable exchanges and practical learning. In addition to the training, I visited inspiring handball projects in local communities. This experience once again showed me how sports connect people and how significant volunteer engagement is.

Day 1: Reunion and the Start of the Journey

Eight years after my volunteer service with PLAY HANDBALL in Cape Town, South Africa, it was finally time to reunite with my former host family. This time in their home country, Kenya, where they had returned after my time as a volunteer. Since her return to Kenya, Carol, my host mother, has remained actively involved with PLAY HANDBALL and has taken on a leadership role as the national coordinator of the youth and sports development organization. This made it easy to combine a heartfelt reunion with meaningful work – a coaching course for handball trainers.

My journey as a coach had evolved significantly since my volunteer days. From coaching youth teams and earning my C and B licenses to working as a youth coach for the “Füchse Berlin” and contributing to child-focused coaching education for the “Handballverband Berlin,” I felt well-prepared to share my knowledge. The course in Nairobi was designed to focus on the fundamentals of training, particularly for working with children and young people.

On December 10, 2024, we launched the course at Strathmore University in Nairobi. Victor and Carol from PLAY HANDBALL, along with Kenyan national handball coach Peter Mwathi, gave me a warm welcome. After brief introductions, I asked the participants to share their handball experience—whether as players, coaches, or referees—and their goals for the course. The group consisted of both experienced and inexperienced handball enthusiasts, all motivated to enhance their skills for working with children.

The daily schedule combined theory and practice. In the morning, we discussed the fundamentals—coordination, passing, catching, dribbling, and feints—introducing age-appropriate approaches. Before lunch, we moved to the handball field to test exercises and games related to these basics. The outdoor session continued in the afternoon, allowing everyone to practice and refine their techniques.

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Day 2: Adapting to Local Challenges

After the challenges of the first day, we made some adjustments. The intense sun led us to shift practical sessions to the cooler morning hours and theoretical discussions to the afternoons indoors. The second day focused on defense, emphasizing fair and ball-oriented strategies for young players. Through drills and games, the group explored how to effectively teach these skills.

In the afternoon, we tackled practical challenges specific to handball training in Kenya: limited equipment, large groups, outdoor settings, and time constraints. These discussions led to creative problem-solving, and the participants were tasked with designing a training session in small, mixed-experience groups. They formulated objectives, identified their target audience, and developed drills adapted to local conditions. The collaboration was truly inspiring.

Day 3: Putting Plans into Action

The final day was entirely dedicated to practical learning. Each group presented and led their planned training sessions on the outdoor field. After a warm-up—first led by me, then by the groups—we moved on to the main exercises. Most groups focused on defensive skills, while others emphasized passing and catching fundamentals. Each presentation was followed by group discussions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement.

The day concluded with a small but meaningful ceremony. Each participant received a Level D coaching certificate, recognizing their dedication and learning. Amidst laughter, photos, and final questions, the camaraderie among the group was evident. It was clear that these three days had been transformative for everyone involved, including myself.

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Day 4: Visiting Local Communities

The day after the course, I visited PLAY HANDBALL projects in Juja, Korogocho, and Machakos. Although school holidays meant fewer children were present, the dedication of those who attended was remarkable. Seeing children train daily despite limited resources—from equipment to proper fields—was both heartwarming and eye-opening. It underscored the importance of initiatives like PLAY HANDBALL and the tireless efforts of volunteers and dedicated local coordinators like Carol and Victor.

As I observed the passion and energy of these young players, I felt a deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, even in a “small” way. My time in Kenya was short but profoundly impactful, leaving lasting memories and a renewed commitment to using sports as a tool for growth and connection.

A Volunteer Service Changes Lives – Including Yours!

If you are considering volunteer service, I encourage you to take the leap. My time with PLAY HANDBALL has not only enriched my life but has also given me the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

It is an experience that fosters personal growth and highlights the importance of engagement and solidarity. Whether through sports, education, or other projects—you can make a difference. Dare to take part and become part of a movement that changes lives!

Get involved as a volunteer! More information here

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Acknowledgments

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the entire PLAY HANDBALL Kenya team for their warm welcome, seamless organization, and tireless dedication to promoting sports and empowering youth in their communities. Your commitment and hospitality made this experience truly unforgettable.

A special thank you also goes to the players and families of my home club, Jungfüchse Berlin, for their generous donations and contributions of equipment. Additionally, I would like to thank Füchse Berlin and the Handballverband Berlin for their professional and media support in endorsing this journey.

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• Donation Account: PLAY HANDBALL, IBAN: DE45 2805 0100 0090 9883 46
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