European Handball Managers complete their first attendance phase in front of the screen
The current pandemic poses a great challenge to the participants of the sixth European Handball Manager course in their clubs and federations. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the participants from eight countries are taking on the one-year certificate programme European Handball Manager at the German Sport University Cologne. They successfully completed the first of a total of three attendance phases in online mode last week.
In view of the current pandemic, the current participants of the "European Handball Manager" certificate study programme have to master a multitude of challenges in their clubs and federations. In these difficult times for sport, however, they are taking on yet another challenge and are studying in-service training in areas such as the basics of sports economics, strategic sports management and sports governance. The contents of the first two of a total of five modules were taught online, followed by the basics of sports law at the end of November.
The sixth cohort could also look forward to some innovations and improvements. Thanks to the tailor-made study materials and e-learning units, the topic of leadership was considered for the first time in several units during the attendance phase. Jacqueline Mueller from Loughborough University London taught the participants the topic in a very practical and applied-oriented manner. "In addition to management skills, successful handball managers also need leadership skills. Especially in the current difficult times, these are more in demand than ever and these can be trained," said lecturer Jacqueline Mueller.
On the last day of the first attendance phase, Carlos Prieto, who played in many top European clubs and won numerous national and international titles, took the time together with the current coach of Telekom Veszprem, David Davis, to discuss the relationships and possible problems between players and managers and between coaches and managers. For the majority of the participants this was the highlight after an exhausting week of study in front of the screen. "The two units showed once again how important such an exchange between players, coaches and managers is. To sharpen the different perspectives, to understand the other side better and to develop understanding strengthens the leadership competence of managers tremendously", concludes Carlos Prieto.