The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] is proud to announce that for the first time, Australia will participate in a Women’s Junior World Championship when the Australian Junior Team attends the XVI Women’s Junior World Championship to be held in FYR Macedonia during 21st July – 3rd August 2008. This tournament will be conducted by the International Handball Federation [IHF] in conjunction with the Macedonian Handball Federation.
After a series of training camps wherein the players showcased their skills, the following players were selected to comprise the Australian Junior Women’s Team:
Player Name Position State/Location
No.
1 Taylee Lewis Goalkeeper New South Wales
2 Emma van Bussel Centre New South Wales
3 Kathryn MacDonald Back New South Wales
4 Monica Nadjovski Pivot Sweden
5 Lauren Keith Pivot New South Wales
8 Sally Potocki Back New South Wales
9 Gail Lucas Wing Victoria
11 Gizelle van der Merwe Back New South Wales
12 Leanne Perrins Goalkeeper New South Wales
14 Monica Cicak Back Victoria
15 Vanja Smiljanic Back New South Wales
18 Joanna Blondell Wing Sweden
22 Aminta Thomas Wing New South Wales
23 Emily Parker Wing New South Wales
The Australian Women’s Junior Team will be headed by Emma van Bussel who takes on the role of Captain. Sally Potocki is the Vice Captain of the Team. Sally who has only been playing handball for 18 months has represented Australia in six international matches. This will be Sally’s second world championship as she competed in Women’s Senior World Championships in France in 2007.
The Team has been receiving support and guidance from a highly dedicated and experienced Management Team comprised of:
Rajan Pavlovic Head Coach
Vella Vujaklija Assistant Coach
Kim Briggs Assistant Coach
Pernille Clarke Manager
The Team will undertake its last training camp in Sydney during 27th – 29th June 2008. This will be conducted initially at the Sydney Hills Grammar in Kenthurst on the 27th, followed by sessions at the HK Ward, Sydney University and in Sydney Boys High School on the 28th and 29th June respectively.
The Team will leave for Belgrade in early July to hold a camp prior to going to FYR Macedonia for the World Championships.
The Team is in Group C in the competition, with a tough draw to play against:
Brazil
Croatia
FYR Macedonia
Korea
The Team is looking forward to its participation in the tournament. The attention of the handball world will be focussed especially to its first match which will be against the host team FYR Macedonia, straight after the opening ceremony.
The AHF wishes the Women’s Junior Team a very enjoyable and successful participation in the XVI Women’s Junior World Championship.
For further information, please contact the AHF Media & Public Relations Officer, Violi Calvert by email: [email protected]. or by phone: + 61 408 22 77 94.
