Sustainable growth sees Faroe Islands Handball Federation receive big award

A lot of hard work, dedication and confidence pay off, and it was proven right once again by the Faroe Islands Handball Federation (HSF) last month.

In an event organised by the Faroese Confederation of Sports & Olympic Committee (FCSOC), the HSF has been awarded the best sport association in 2020.

“Our handball federation had a great activity over the last years, taking part to international tournaments in different age categories and the results were very good. This is also proven by the fact that several players are now representing the country at foreign teams,” underlined the FCSOC press release.

In the last ten years, the HSF has grown exponentially, taking large steps in improving both logistically and financially, multiplying the revenue five-fold and tripling the number of employees in their ranks.

Results have also come on the court, as the plan put together by the HSF has translated into wins in both men’s and women’s handball.

One of the most prestigious results in the 40-year history of Faroese handball was the qualification for the IHF Men’s Junior World Championship in 2017, where the Faroe Islands finished 16th.

The grassroots development of the Faroese handball was also on display at the 2019 Men’s EHF European Open, where Faroe Islands won the tournament, winning against teams like Norway, Spain, Hungary and Sweden.

With several players currently abroad, including right wing Hákun West Av Teigum, who plays for Skanderborg and scored 15 goals in the Danish league this season, the Faroese side have a bright future ahead.

In women’s handball, the Faroe Islands are still developing but stayed afloat against European powerhouse Romania in the Women’s EHF EURO qualification phase, conceding a 20:25 loss, after leading at the break, 12:11.

“We are honoured and delighted that the Faroese Sports Association has chosen the Handball Federation of The Faroe Islands as the most noticeable sports association of 2020. There are so many people, both professionals and volunteers, that have put in the extra effort lifting Faroese handball to the next level through the last few years,” said HSF President Gunn Ellefsen to ihf.info.

The development of the HSF was built upon three ideas, creating a three-part solid foundation which embodies the economic, administrative and sporting aspects.

Improving marketing and, therefore, having new sponsors joining was crucial for the economic development, while creating new jobs in administration helped pave the way for the sporting part.

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Currently, the HSF has 2,600 active players from the age of eight up to the senior level, or 5% of the population, which means that handball is the second most popular sport in the Faroe Islands after football.

With many young players taking up the sport, a new talent program for gifted players has been created, aiming to raise players and create new stars in cooperation with the clubs. 

Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic hit handball hard in the Faroe Islands, with young players failing to get much-needed international experience at this level.

“2020 was a difficult year for sport, but we tried to make the best of it arranging extra local tournaments and international friendly matches for the youth and we hope to improve even further in 2021,” concluded Ellefsen.

Visit the HSF website for more information.

PHOTO: Faroe Islands Handball Federation