Handball Clubs in Great Britain: A Region by Region Directory

Finding a handball club in Great Britain can be difficult because clubs are spread across different regions, leagues, universities and local communities. Unlike sports with a club in almost every town, handball in Britain is still developing, which means some teams are well established while others are smaller, university based or dependent on local volunteers.

This guide brings together a broad directory of handball clubs across England, Scotland and Wales, organised by region to make it easier to find a team near you.

Disclaimer

Club names, training venues, league participation, contact details and activity levels can change regularly. This blog is not continuously updated, so you should always check the club’s official website, social media pages, or the relevant national governing body club finder before attending a session.

England Handball provides a club finder for players searching by postcode, while Scottish Handball also provides a club finder and states that it has around 1,500 members across 15 clubs in Scotland.

If you represent a club and would like information amended, removed, or added to this directory, please contact us on X at @MulcSports and we’ll be happy to update the listing.

Handball Clubs in London

London GD Handball Club

London GD is one of the most recognised handball clubs in England and has been a major name in domestic competition. The club has regularly featured in top level English handball, including national league and cup competitions, and is a strong option for players looking for a competitive environment.

London GD also promotes itself as a welcoming club for different ages and ability levels, making it suitable for experienced players, returners and newcomers who want to learn the game in a structured setting. The club’s London base makes it accessible for players across the capital, although travel time will depend heavily on where training is held in a given season.

Best for: Competitive players, London based beginners, experienced players returning to handball.

Olympia Handball Club

Olympia is another leading London based handball club with a strong history in English handball. The club has appeared regularly in national competition and has been involved in major domestic fixtures. England Handball coverage has featured Olympia in both men’s and women’s competition contexts, including high level national finals and league rounds.

Olympia is a useful club to look at if you are interested in serious club handball in London. As with many handball clubs, players should check current team structure, training times and trial requirements before attending.

Best for: Players seeking high level London handball, competitive league players, ambitious club players.

West London Eagles

West London Eagles are a well known London handball club and have competed in major English domestic competitions. England Handball has referenced West London Eagles in women’s and men’s Premier League and cup contexts, showing the club’s involvement in the higher levels of the national game.

The club is particularly relevant for players in west London who want access to structured training and competitive matches. It may also appeal to players who want a club with both performance focus and community feel.

Best for: West London players, competitive athletes, players looking for established club handball.

Chelsea Handball Club

Chelsea Handball Club has been active within the London handball scene and has appeared in England Handball competition reporting. It is a logical club for players in central, west or south west London to explore, depending on current venue arrangements.

As with all London clubs, training locations can be important because travel across the capital can vary significantly. Players should check the latest club information to confirm current sessions, teams and membership options.

Best for: London players, beginners wanting a recognised club name, players looking for regular training.

Islington Handball Club

Islington has appeared in Premier League South coverage, including competitive matches against established London sides. England Handball described Islington as newcomers in a 2024 Premier Handball League update, while noting their strong performance in a close match with Olympia.

That makes Islington an interesting club for players who want to join a developing but competitive London team. It may be particularly suitable for players based in north or central London.

Best for: North London players, ambitious developing players, those interested in a growing club environment.

Carshalton Titans

Carshalton Titans have been referenced in Premier League South coverage, including fixtures against London GD.

Based in south London, the club is worth checking for players who want handball opportunities outside the central London cluster. It may appeal to players in Sutton, Croydon, Wimbledon, Epsom and nearby areas, depending on current training venue.

Best for: South London players, developing players, those looking for a club outside central London.

Handball Clubs in the South East of England

Brighton Handball Club

Brighton Handball Club is one of the key names for players on the south coast. Brighton’s location gives it a natural catchment across East Sussex and nearby areas, especially for students, young professionals and recreational players looking for something different from more common sports.

A club like Brighton is especially valuable because coastal areas can be underserved for indoor team sports. Players should check current training arrangements and whether the club offers men’s, women’s, mixed, youth or beginner sessions.

Best for: South coast players, students, beginners, recreational players.

Reading Handball Club

Reading is well placed for players across Berkshire and the Thames Valley. Its location makes it potentially accessible from places such as Wokingham, Bracknell, Newbury and parts of west London, depending on transport options.

Reading Handball Club is the kind of club that can serve both local newcomers and players with previous experience who move into the area. Anyone nearby should check current social channels and governing body listings to confirm training times.

Best for: Berkshire players, Thames Valley players, beginners and intermediate players.

Oxford Handball Club

Oxford has a strong sporting and university culture, making it a natural location for handball development. Oxford Handball Club can be a useful option for players living in the city or nearby towns who want to play recreationally or competitively.

Because Oxford has a large student and international population, it may attract players who have played handball abroad and are looking to continue in Britain. Current membership, league entry and training venues should be checked before attending.

Best for: Oxfordshire players, students, international players, returners to handball.

Cambridge Handball Club

Cambridge Handball Club is another important option in a major university city. Older public directories have listed Cambridge among English handball clubs, but players should check current activity through official channels before attending.

Cambridge is likely to appeal to students, university staff, local residents and international players familiar with handball from Europe. The city’s compact layout can make local sports clubs easier to access than in larger urban areas.

Best for: Cambridge based players, students, local adults, international players.

Handball Clubs in the South West of England

Bristol Handball Club

Bristol is one of the biggest cities in the South West and has appeared in public handball club directories.

A handball club in Bristol is valuable because the city has a large student population, strong recreational sport culture and good regional connections. Players from Bath, South Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire may also find Bristol one of the more accessible options.

Best for: South West players, Bristol students, adult beginners, players returning to handball.

Bournemouth Handball Club

Bournemouth provides a potential handball option on the south coast and may be particularly relevant for players in Dorset and surrounding areas.

As with smaller regional clubs, activity can change depending on player numbers, venue availability and volunteer support. Players should always verify current training before travelling.

Best for: Dorset players, south coast players, recreational handball.

Southampton Handball Club

Southampton is another important south coast city for handball participation. With a large student population and strong local sport infrastructure, it is a suitable location for handball development.

Southampton Handball Club may appeal to beginners, university connected players and adults looking for indoor team sport. Check current club listings and social pages before attending.

Best for: Hampshire players, students, new players, social sport participants.

Handball Clubs in the Midlands

NEM Hawks Handball Club

NEM Hawks are one of the most prominent clubs in English handball. England Handball has covered the club regularly in Premier Handball League and Final 4 contexts, including men’s and women’s competitions.

The club has been associated with strong domestic performance and is a serious option for players looking for competitive handball in the Midlands region. It may suit experienced players, ambitious juniors and athletes looking for high level training.

Best for: Competitive players, Midlands based athletes, players targeting national level handball.

Nottingham Handball Club

Nottingham has regularly appeared in England Handball national competition coverage, including Premier Handball League fixtures and Final 4 related reporting.

The city’s strong university and sporting identity makes Nottingham a natural hub for handball. It is a strong option for players in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and nearby areas who want access to organised competition.

Best for: Nottinghamshire players, university connected players, competitive club players.

Loughborough Students Handball Club

Loughborough is one of the most important university sport environments in Great Britain, and Loughborough Students HC has been prominent in English competition. England Handball has referenced Loughborough in top level women’s competition and the British Handball Super Cup, including their 2024 Super Cup success.

The club is particularly relevant for students, high performance athletes and players who want access to a strong sporting ecosystem. It may also attract players connected to university sport pathways.

Best for: Students, performance focused players, young athletes, university handball players.

Birmingham Handball Club

Birmingham has appeared in England Handball Premier League North coverage, including fixtures against Nottingham.

As one of Britain’s largest cities, Birmingham is an important location for growing handball participation. The club may appeal to players across the West Midlands, including Wolverhampton, Solihull, Coventry and surrounding areas, depending on training venue.

Best for: West Midlands players, beginners, competitive players, returning players.

Warwick University Handball Club

Warwick has a history of university handball participation and has appeared in older English handball league listings.

University clubs like Warwick are often one of the easiest ways for new players to discover the sport. They can provide a more beginner friendly environment while still offering competitive fixtures through university sport.

Best for: Students, beginners, university sport players.

Handball Clubs in the North West of England

Liverpool Handball Club

Liverpool has appeared in England Handball competition coverage, including Premier League North fixtures and National Cup contexts.

The club is one of the key handball options in Merseyside and may be suitable for experienced players, beginners and students. Liverpool’s sporting culture and university population provide a strong base for participation.

Best for: Merseyside players, students, competitive players, adult beginners.

Manchester-Trafford Handball Club

Manchester and Trafford trialled a merger for the 2023 to 2024 season, with the combined Manchester-Trafford team competing in the Men’s Premier Handball League North and Regional Handball League North.

This makes Manchester-Trafford one of the most important handball names in the North West. The club is especially relevant for players in Greater Manchester who want structured competition and access to a larger player pool.

Best for: Greater Manchester players, competitive players, regional league players.

Warrington Handball Club

Warrington has long been associated with British handball administration, and the British Handball Association contact details listed by the EHF are based in Warrington.

For players in Cheshire and nearby areas, Warrington is worth checking as part of the local handball landscape. Its location between Liverpool and Manchester makes it well placed for regional participation.

Best for: Cheshire players, North West players, those looking near Liverpool or Manchester.

Handball Clubs in Yorkshire and the North East

Leeds Handball Club

Leeds has appeared in older English handball league listings and remains a natural city for handball development due to its university population and strong sporting culture.

Players in West Yorkshire should check current club activity and university opportunities, as handball in this area can include both community and student routes.

Best for: Leeds players, university players, West Yorkshire based beginners.

University of Leeds Handball Club

University handball is an important route into the sport, and the University of Leeds has appeared in previous English handball competition listings.

University clubs often welcome complete beginners, especially at the start of the academic year. For students, this can be one of the easiest ways to learn the rules, develop skills and experience competition.

Best for: Students, beginners, players wanting university competition.

Newcastle Vikings

Newcastle Vikings have appeared in older English handball league listings.

A Newcastle based handball club is important for players in the North East, where travel distances between clubs can be larger. Anyone interested should confirm current activity through social media, England Handball listings or local sport directories.

Best for: North East players, Newcastle based athletes, returning players.

Sunderland Handball Club

Sunderland has also appeared in older regional league listings.

As with Newcastle, players should check current activity before attending. If active, a Sunderland club offers another valuable route into handball for people across Tyne and Wear and County Durham.

Best for: Sunderland players, North East beginners, local recreational players.

Handball Clubs in Scotland

Edinburgh Handball Club

Edinburgh is one of the most important handball centres in Scotland. Scottish Handball competition history and British Super Cup coverage have referenced Edinburgh in high level contexts, including matches against leading English clubs.

The city’s large student population, international community and strong sports infrastructure make it a key place for handball in Scotland. Players should check Scottish Handball’s club finder for the most current information.

Best for: Edinburgh players, students, competitive players, international players.

Glasgow Handball Club

Glasgow Handball Club is a major name in Scottish handball and appears in older club directory sources as well as Scottish handball league references.

As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow has a strong base for participation, with potential access for players across the wider central belt. It is a logical starting point for anyone searching for handball in western Scotland.

Best for: Glasgow players, central belt players, adults and students.

Tryst 77 Handball Club

Tryst 77 is one of Scotland’s historic handball clubs and has been referenced by Scottish Handball in relation to European competition history. Scottish Handball notes that Tryst 77 played in the EHF European Cup in 1989, highlighting the club’s long standing role in the Scottish game.

Tryst 77 has also appeared in British Super Cup coverage, showing continued relevance in high level British handball contexts.

Best for: Players interested in a historic Scottish club, competitive players, central Scotland athletes.

EK82 Handball Club

EK82 is another historic Scottish handball name. Scottish Handball references EK82’s European Champions Cup match against THW Kiel in the 1980s, underlining the club’s significance in Scotland’s handball story.

EK82 has also been referenced in the British Handball Super Cup, including a men’s semi final against London GD.

Best for: Players in East Kilbride or surrounding areas, competitive Scottish handball players, those interested in historic clubs.

Livingston Handball Club

Livingston has appeared in Scottish league references and in British Handball Super Cup coverage. In the 2024 British Handball Super Cup, Livingston defeated NEM Hawks in a men’s semi final before facing London GD in the final.

That makes Livingston one of the key Scottish clubs to know, especially for players in West Lothian and nearby areas.

Best for: West Lothian players, competitive players, players interested in Scottish national competition.

Kelvinside

Kelvinside is listed among Scottish teams in the Scottish Handball League context.

Based in the Glasgow area, Kelvinside may be relevant for players looking for handball opportunities in or near the city. Players should confirm current status and training availability using Scottish Handball’s club finder.

Best for: Glasgow area players, Scottish league players, local beginners.

Handball Clubs in Wales

South Wales Handball

South Wales Handball appears as an active public club presence and has described itself as an amateur team welcoming players of different skill levels. Its X profile has also listed Cardiff City House of Sport as a training venue and noted previous South West Regional League success.

For players in Cardiff and the wider South Wales area, this is likely one of the first clubs to check. As always, confirm training details before attending.

Best for: Cardiff based players, South Wales beginners, recreational and competitive players.

Aberystwyth University Handball Club

Aberystwyth University has a handball club listed through its students’ union, with a public page welcoming players.

University clubs are particularly important in Wales because they provide entry points for students and beginners. Aberystwyth’s club may be especially useful for students who want to try handball socially or competitively while at university.

Best for: Aberystwyth students, beginners, university sport players.

Cardiff University Handball Club

Cardiff has the largest student population in Wales and is a natural location for university handball. While players should check current activity through the university sports union, student handball is often one of the strongest routes into the sport in Wales.

Cardiff based players should also check South Wales Handball if they are looking for adult community handball outside university sport.

Best for: Cardiff students, beginners, players looking for university sport.

Swansea University Handball Club

Swansea is another important university city where handball may be available through student sport. University teams can change year to year depending on committee leadership, so students should check directly with the Students’ Union or sports department.

A Swansea based handball club is especially valuable for players in south west Wales, where options may be more limited than in England’s larger cities.

Best for: Swansea students, beginners, university sport players.

University Handball Clubs in Great Britain

University handball is one of the most important parts of the British handball ecosystem. Many players first try the sport at university, and England Handball notes that university teams can enter its competition pathway through club leagues, with fixtures played across the academic year.

Useful university clubs to check include:

Loughborough University Handball Club

Loughborough is a major name in British university sport and has had major domestic success in handball.

University of Nottingham Handball Club

A strong option in a city with national handball presence.

University of Leeds Handball Club

A route into handball for students in West Yorkshire.

University of Birmingham Handball Club

A useful option for students in the West Midlands.

University of Warwick Handball Club

A university club that has appeared in older handball competition listings.

Heriot Watt University Handball Club

Heriot Watt states that it has both men’s and women’s teams competing in Scottish student handball leagues.

University of Edinburgh Handball Club

A likely route into student handball in one of Scotland’s strongest handball cities.

Aberystwyth University Handball Club

A Welsh university handball option with a public students’ union listing.

How to Choose the Right Handball Club

Check Whether the Club Is Active

Before travelling, confirm the club is currently training. Handball clubs can change quickly due to venue availability, volunteer capacity and player numbers.

Choose the Right Level

Some clubs are highly competitive and play in national leagues. Others focus on beginners, students or recreational sessions. If you are new to handball, look for clubs that mention beginner sessions or development squads.

Consider Travel Time

Because handball clubs are less common than football, rugby or netball clubs, you may need to travel further. A club 30 to 60 minutes away may still be your nearest serious option.

Ask About Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and Junior Sessions

Not every club offers every category. Some clubs may have strong senior teams but limited junior provision, while others may be more youth focused.

Look for Coaching and Progression

If you want to improve quickly, check whether the club offers structured coaching, regular competition and opportunities to progress into higher level teams.

Why Handball Clubs Matter in Great Britain

Handball in Great Britain depends heavily on community clubs, university teams, volunteers and small groups of committed players. These clubs do more than provide training. They introduce people to the sport, create competition pathways and keep handball visible in areas where it may otherwise be difficult to access.

The growth of national governing body club finders, university competitions and performance pathways gives players more routes into the game than ever before. England Handball’s regional and national academy structures also show that there is a pathway for young players who want to progress beyond local club handball.

Conclusion

Great Britain may not yet have the same handball density as Denmark, Germany, France or Spain, but there are clubs and playing opportunities across England, Scotland and Wales. From London GD and Olympia in the capital, to NEM Hawks and Nottingham in the Midlands, Liverpool and Manchester-Trafford in the North West, and historic Scottish clubs such as Tryst 77, EK82 and Livingston, the British handball scene is broader than many people realise.

Use this directory as a starting point, then check official club finders, social media pages and local sport listings before attending. If you are new to handball, most clubs will be happy to hear from you, and many will welcome beginners who are willing to learn.