We are delighted to announce that the Chair of British Handball, Stephen Neilson, has been awarded an MBE for services to Handball in the New Years Honours list. He is just returning to the Chair role after being away for most of 2024 due to treatment for a serious illness following his appointment as BHA Chair on 1st January 2024. This followed his period as interim Chair from April 2023. He was also the BHA Chair from 2004-2008 in the run up to the London Olympics and Chair of the Scottish Handball Association from 1999 to 2012, then took on the role of Chief Operating Officer for the SHA from 2012 till 2022.
He has been involved in all levels of Handball from development to national teams since 1981 including the GB Men’s Assistant coach and Scotland Men’s and Women’s coach. On the domestic front he has been a player, coach and administrator in a number of clubs in Scotland and also refereed at club level in domestic competitions. He started his Handball career at his local club Tryst 77 in Cumbernauld.
Stephen says “it is a great honour to receive the award. Handball has always been my passion, and I continue to fight for its recognition and success in Great Britain. This award recognises the progress Handball has made and I will continue to work with all of the Handball family to reach our vision of being a major country in the Handball world.”