Malta Handball Association hosts coaching weekend with EHF expert Allan Heine

The Malta Handball Association (MHA) successfully hosted an intensive Coaching Weekend between January 16 and 18, 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 handball coach Allan Heine, Head of Youth Coaching & Academy at Aalborg Håndbold and a European Handball Federation (EHF) expert, who was in Malta to deliver multiple sessions as part of the Association’s Level 2 Coaching Course.

The programme combined theoretical and practical elements across three days, with sessions held at the MHA Office, and the University of Malta and the Ħamrun courts.

Topics delivered by Heine included Danish coaching methodology, personal coaching journeys, individual player development, as well as defensive and attacking strategies, offering participants a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience.

Reflecting on his time in Malta, Heine said: “It was a great pleasure to serve as an instructor at the EHF course in Malta. The participants were highly curious and engaged, which made the course both inspiring and enjoyable.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity and leave with valuable professional experience and a strong appreciation of Maltese handball and its development.”

The coaching weekend attracted strong attendance across all sessions, underlining the local handball community’s commitment to continuous development and high-quality technical work.

The structured programme allowed for meaningful interaction, on-court application, and in-depth discussion, reinforcing best-practice coaching principles aligned with EHF standards.

The Association’s Technical Director David Ruch welcomed the impact of the sessions, stating: “Allan Heine’s sessions exposed our coaches to elite-level standards, combining structured methodology with practical application.

“The strong engagement throughout the weekend reflects the handball community’s commitment to raising technical quality and understanding the demands of high-performance coaching.”

On his part, Malta Handball Association president Daniel Tabone said the event was a clear indicator that the sport is seriously investing in long-term development.

“The positive turnout and level of engagement are clear indicators that the local coaching community is investing seriously in education and long-term development, ensuring that players at all levels benefit from informed, modern, and structured coaching approaches. We thank the EHF for their ongoing support,” Tabone said.

In a statement, the Malta Handball Association extended its gratitude to Allan Heine for his 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.