Ayrshire handball finds a new ‘home’ at Grange Campus
“It’s an outstanding venue and offers unparalleled opportunities for the sport of handball to grow and develop in Ayrshire.”
That’s the view of the Scottish Handball Association on the facilities at Grange Campus, Kilmarnock, where the Troon Youth Handball and South Ayrshire senior teams have recently been playing.
The Association is now developing longer term plans to make Grange Campus the focus of all competitive handball in Ayrshire and to build a new club there as the campus is home to the only full-size handball court in Ayrshire.
Stevie Neilson of the Scottish Handball Association said: “The facilities are superb and there’s no other word for it. The support from the Council has also been amazing.
“We plan to work with schools in the area to establish a junior club with regular training and build the age groups from this, until we have a senior team for both men and women.
“Grange will be an excellent locus for our activities as we work to make the sport accessible and sustainable into the future.”
The Association has recently hosted a full day programme of handball activity, featuring an under 18 girls’ team, the men’s development league and a super-mini tournament for young players - and all participants were impressed with the venue, court and facilities.
Councillor Fiona Campbell, East Ayrshire Council's Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning added: “The Grange Campus offers a host of superb opportunities for sport and leisure and I'm delighted the Scottish Handball Association has decided to work in partnership with our Facilities and Vibrant Communities teams to establish a strong foundation for this exciting sport in Ayrshire.
“Sport and recreation play a key role in improving wellbeing and health and we support their long-term commitment to making the sport accessible to all.
“It’s fantastic that they have chosen Grange and we look forward to working with them, giving them a permanent base from which to grow this exciting and fast-paced sport.”