Get to know our CEO – Stan Belinski
Can you tell us about your background in handball?
Oh, where to start? My handball journey kicked off way back when I was just a sprout, and I played professionally for a good chunk of my youth. It’s been a wild ride of teamwork, sweat, and the kind of discipline that makes waking up for 6am practices seem sane. After hanging up my professional sneakers, I didn’t just sit around watching handball reruns. Nope, I dived head first into the European Handball Manager course in 2018, because why not? Since then, I’ve been wearing different hats, from board member to chief bottle washer at both the England and International Handball Federations. It’s been a journey from the court to the boardroom, giving me a 360-view on how to sprinkle a little handball magic everywhere.
What is your favourite handball memory?
Ah, that’s easy. Picture this: the clock’s ticking down, palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy – wait, that’s a song. But really, we were seconds away from losing, and then, boom, we score the winning goal. It was like something out of a movie, complete with the slow-mo and dramatic music. The crowd went nuts, we were hugging it out, and I think someone even cried. It was the kind of moment that makes all the early mornings and missed parties worth it.
What brought you to Trafford?
Trafford, with its buzzing community and sports-crazy vibe, seemed like the promised land for handball. I saw the potential for greatness here… kind of like spotting a diamond in the rough. The success of Trafford Handball Club was the cherry on top, convincing me this was the place to be. Plus, they have great coffee shops, so how could I say no?
What motivated you to bring handball to the area?
Well, I figured if handball could steal my heart, why not spread the love? It’s more than just a game; it’s about building a community, teaching kids to high-five in victory and comfort in defeat, and maybe, just maybe, getting them to put down their phones for a minute. I saw a chance to mix things up in the local sports scene and thought ‘Why not handball?’ After all, variety is the spice of life!
What motivated you to set up the Handball Foundation?
Imagine a world where handball reigns supreme – OK, maybe not supreme, but you get the idea. I wanted to create something that would stick around longer than my ability to sprint down the court. The Handball Foundation is my baby, aimed at getting everyone, from toddlers to grandparents, excited about the game. It’s about creating a legacy of teamwork, health, and maybe scoring a few goals along the way.
If you could introduce one fun change to our charity, what would it be?
How about a Handball Festival? Think Coachella meets the Olympics but with more handballs and less confusing fashion choices. A weekend where the community can dive into the world of handball, with a side of workshops, food trucks, and maybe a handball-themed dance-off. It’s about celebrating the game and, let’s be honest, finding another reason to party.
Can you share a bit about your hobbies and passions outside of handball?
When I’m not living and breathing handball, I’m out embracing Mother Nature – cycling, swimming, hiking, you name it. If it’s outside, I’m there. Sauna time is my zen moment, and walks with my dog Chaos (aptly named for his personality) are never dull. Then there’s my love for music, stand-up comedy, movies, and, of course, food. Because what’s life without a little laughter, a good tune, and a lot of snacks?
What’s the first big goal you’d like to score for our charity?
First up on the agenda: getting handball into schools and youth clubs faster than you can say “goal”. I’m talking about turning handball into the new recess favourite, where kids are choosing it over dodgeball. It’s all about planting the handball seed early, watching it grow, and hopefully, not having to explain what handball is at every dinner party I go to. Here’s to making handball the talk of the town and building a healthier, happier community along the way.
