U18 GB Handball starJoe Nelson from Strode College in Street has moved to a specialist sports academy in Denmarkto spend a year being coached by professionals and playing for a highly-regarded handball club in Ikast.
Joe's calendar for the last month or so has been seriously affected as he would have been preparing for another GB handball tournament in Portugal along with a further two National training camps at Stoke Mandeville.
Great Britain Under 18 Handball team headed off to Portugal during half term to participate in The Handleca Cup in preparation for the European qualifiers in Bulgaria later this summer.
The new season started in October and regional matches for both under 19 and senior leagues along with National Academy training camps have filled each weekend . Stroud have had some tough games but are currently sitting top of the table despite injury frustrations throughout the team.
Last year was his most successful season to date as Joe transitioned from U16 to U19 and senior age groups as well as a move to Stroud Handball Club who reached the National Playoffs for the first time. Strode College have allowed Joe access to the sports hall and gym everyday to combine his studies and training programme.
Joe Nelson was selected to compete in an U18 Handball Tournament in Tarouca, Portugal from 13-16th September. The newly formed GB squad were drawn against a strong Porto side and the young team showed great improvement in set play, speed and strength.
17 year old Strode College student and TS5C supported Joe Nelson from Walton has just returned from competing in the European Open Handball Championships held in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The 16 strong Great Britain team were drawn in the toughest group which included some of the best teams in Europe.
Strode's Joe Nelson has been selected as part of the GB U18 handball team travelling to Gothenburg in Sweden to compete in the European Handball Open tournament this July.
Please find attached an article in last week's Gazette. Joe has travelled to Chester this weekend for a final GB u18 training camp with National coaches. The shortlisted final 20 players from clubs around the UK who are all hoping for selection to represent GB in Sweden in July.
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