The National Beach Handball teams have returned home after several weeks of intense international competition, marking another important step in the Malta Handball Association’s long-term strategy to develop and strengthen the sport locally.
The campaign kicked off with participation in the Calise Cup – held in Italy – for both the men’s and women’s teams and culminated with the men’s selection’s historic debut at the Beach Handball EURO 2025 in Alanya, Turkey.
Drawn in a challenging Group A, Malta’s men’s team faced some of Europe’s handball giants – four-time European and world champions Croatia, two-time European champions and 2023 bronze medallists Denmark, and the highly-experienced Poland.
Malta’s opening match against Denmark saw the team put up a determined fight, particularly in the first set, before Denmark’s experience prevailed.
A formidable encounter against Croatia followed, with the world champions once again proving their pedigree.
Against Poland, the Maltese side showed their growing potential, leading by two goals in the eighth minute of the second set and just one scoring opportunity away from extending the lead to four.
Unfortunately, a missed chance allowed Poland to turn the game around in their favour.
In the second phase of the competition, Malta faced Czechia, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. The game against Bulgaria was particularly promising, with Malta coming close to securing their best result of the tournament, although Bulgaria’s experience ultimately made the difference.
The final match against Ukraine saw improved performance levels, though the physically imposing Ukrainians proved too strong.
At the close of competition, Malta placed third in the Fair Play ranking, which shows the team’s sportsmanship and positive spirit.
The Malta squad in Alanya was formed by Mauro Camillieri Darmanin, Adhamh Matthew Hackett, Thomas Victor Hackett, Liam Harrison, Christian Richard McClean (captain), Alan Michael Portelli, Jeremy John Scicluna, Ryan Sciortino, Jacques Samuel Seifert, Benjamin Joseph Spiteri, Matthew Spiteri, who finished as the team’s top Scorer with 50 goals, and Daniel Tanti Farrugia.
In preparation for the EUROs, the Malta Handball Association strategically identified the Calise Cup as an ideal preparatory tournament for the men’s team. This not only provided the players with valuable international exposure but also served to test the game model developed throughout the training season.
Significantly, the Calise Cup also marked the first-ever participation of the Women’s National Team in an international beach handball competition – another milestone in the Association’s broader vision to elevate the sport for both men and women.
“Our participation in these tournaments forms part of a long-term plan to develop handball in Malta,” said Malta Handball Association president Daniel Tabone.
“The objective is not just about immediate results but about gaining the necessary international experience, refining our game model, and building competitive teams for the future. With few opportunities to compete at international level, these events are invaluable for our players’ growth and for assessing our current standing.”
Malta’s women’s team made a memorable debut, registering three wins against strong opposition from Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, and Italy, finishing in a respectable fifth place.
Team Malta’s international participation was made possible through the support of the Maltese Olympic Committee, with whom the Association is working closely on developing this sector of handball.
Calise Cup
Men’s squad: Mauro Camilleri Darmanin, Nico Gambin, Adhamh Hackett, Alan Portelli, Jeremy Scicluna, Jacques Seifert, Ryan Sciortino, Benjamin Spiteri, Matthew Spiteri, Daniel Tanti Farrugia
Women’s squad: Daryl Azzopardi, Rebecca Bonello, Stephanie Brincat, Raquelle Ciantar, Nicole Ellul, Brenda Mamo, Kimberley Mifsud, Erica Mizzi, Elizabeth Schiavone, Ilenia Xuereb.
