Both the men’s and women’s squads are on training camps in Germany and Spain respectively, but many have been clocking up the miles and taking part in trials in search of placements with competitive clubs.

 

Despite the funding cuts announced at the beginning of the year, the players remain dedicated to becoming the best players they can be.

 

Some have travelled to Iceland, Austria and Slovenia on trials, while opportunities in Norway and Denmark still remain from last season.

 

Lorraine Brown, British Handball's performance director, said; “We remain determined to give the players every opportunity to improve their game.

 

“Despite the funding cuts we still very much believe we will be able to reach our aim of being competitive by the London Olympics in 2012, and hope to build on our strong foundations to ensure handball continues to grow in Great Britain – both at an international level and the grassroots.”

 

This week the men’s squad are at the training facility in Essen, Germany, with their head coach still looking to finalise his long list of senior players.

 

Following on from this camp, the men’s team will travel to Serbia from June 8-12 for another training camp and hopefully some competitive games.

 

The women’s squad are in Vigo, Spain, for a week-long training camp, following which they will go to La Coruna for a Three Nation Tournament against teams from the Basque region.

 

After returning home on June 1, they will be on the move again later in June, with a week-long training camp at Fondi in Italy which will include competitive games.