The Malta Handball Association successfully hosted an intensive Coaching Weekend from 16 to 18 January, bringing together local and international coaches for a series of high-level technical and educational sessions aimed at further strengthening coaching standards in Malta.
A central highlight of the weekend was the contribution of Danish coach Allan Heine, Head of Youth Coaching and Academy at Aalborg Håndbold and a European Handball Federation expert. Heine was in Malta to deliver several sessions as part of the Association’s Level 2 Coaching Course, sharing elite-level knowledge and experience with the local coaching community.
The three day programme combined both theoretical and practical elements, with sessions held at the MHA Office, the University of Malta and the Hamrun courts. Topics delivered by Heine included Danish coaching methodology, personal coaching pathways, individual player development, as well as defensive and attacking concepts, offering participants a comprehensive and balanced learning experience.
Reflecting on his time in Malta, Heine praised the engagement shown by the participants. He described the course as both inspiring and enjoyable, noting the curiosity and motivation of the coaches, while also expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to the development of Maltese handball.
The Coaching Weekend attracted strong attendance across all sessions, underlining the commitment of the local handball community to continuous improvement and quality technical work. The structured format allowed for meaningful interaction, on court application and detailed discussion, reinforcing best practice coaching principles aligned with EHF standards.
Malta Handball Association Technical Director David Ruch welcomed the impact of the initiative, stating that Heine’s sessions exposed local coaches to elite-level standards by combining structured methodology with practical application. He added that the strong engagement throughout the weekend reflected a clear desire to raise technical quality and better understand the demands of high-performance coaching.
Association President Daniel Tabone also highlighted the importance of the event, noting that the positive turnout and high level of engagement demonstrated a serious investment by the local coaching community in education and long-term development. He stressed that such initiatives ensure players at all levels benefit from informed, modern and structured coaching approaches, while also thanking the European Handball Federation for its continued support.
The Malta Handball Association extended its gratitude to Allan Heine for his valuable contribution, as well as to all coaches who participated throughout the weekend, reaffirming its commitment to delivering ongoing education initiatives that support the sustainable growth of handball in Malta.
