The British Handball Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Matt Durber as Head Coach of the GB Women’s Under-17 team on an initial contract set to run until summer 2024.
Durber has previously worked as assistant coach and manager for the Great Britain U20 men’s team when he assisted Bobby White at the 2018-2019 IHF Trophy: European Zone in Kosovo.
In addition to this new role with Great Britain, Durber is also a Performance Coach with England Handball’s talent programme as well as Lead Coach at Stroud Handball Club, one of the country’s most successful junior clubs. At the Gloucestershire-based club he has helped to develop a number of players who are now part of Great Britain teams in various age group programmes. He is also an athletics development coach and PE teacher.
With a background in Strength and Conditioning, Durber has also worked as a Performance Analyst in rugby, providing insights to the England national team and various Premiership Rugby sides, and was also the South West Regional Partnerships Manager for England Handball Association.
Durber’s first task will be to prepare the team for the next edition of the Women’s EHF Under 17 Championship, set be held in summer 2021.
Paul Bray, Chair, British Handball Association, commented:
“Matt is a dedicated, experienced and successful coach with a track record for developing young players and joins British Handball at a very exciting time. With his background knowledge of handball in GB he understands the challenges we, and, the sport face, as well as the opportunities.
“He is in a unique position to really help shape the pathway of not only the current – and future – players of this young side, but the team itself and the impact it will make in the coming years.
“Everyone connected with British Handball is pleased to see him join our programme and we all look forward to working with him”.
Matt Durber, new Head Coach, GB Under-17 Women, commented:
“I am very proud to have been offered this role and one which I did not hesitate to accept. I am excited to have this opportunity to build on the positive work done both on and off court by the other coaches within the British Handball programme and contribute towards an environment where young players in this country can continue to develop and excel in such a fantastic sport.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the team and building towards the W17 EHF Championship next summer – I can’t wait to get started.”
