The Malta Handball Association (MHA) is organising its fifth Level 1 Course in Coaching Handball between September and December of this year. 

The 60 hour course, which commences on 5 September is open to all handball enthusiasts, players, present coaches without certificate as well as University PE students, PE teachers and other interested individuals.The MHA has received 25 applications for this course.

The European Handball Federation (EHF) has appointed Bent Dahl, a Norwegian lecturer to deliver the first part of the Level 1 course.

Dahl is an EHF Master Coach and was a national coach for Norway's women and men junior teams as well as beach handball between 1999 and 2012. In 2016, he was also the national coach for the Italian national team.

Bent also has vast experience as a club coach of different Norwegian clubs. Local lecturers will take over the second part of the course. 

The Level 1 course includes theoretical and practical sessions, and participants are expected to actively take part in both. Participants have to attend 90% of the Level 1 course to be able to sit for the written exam at the end. 

Successful participants will be awarded a 'Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Handball'. 

The MHA is a signatory member of the EHF Rinck Convention which has as its main objective that of harmonising the educational qualifications of coaches on a European level.

In the past 4 years, the MHA has introduced a new coaches' education structure and regulations. 

At present, the MHA has 68 qualified coaches in Levels 1 and 2. Every season all prospective handball coaches are required to attend a number of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) sessions to obtain a license and be able to coach in all MHA competitions. 

At the moment, there are also 12 coaches attending the 180 hours Level 2 Course.

More information about this course can be obtained by calling at the MHA Office on 21317175 during office hours or by email on [email protected].