Great Britain prepare for Greece challenge

A 15-man Great Britain handball squad will travel to Greece next Monday to prepare for their opening clash of the Men’s EHF Euro 2016 qualification campaign.

The team is a good mix of new talent and experienced players from the London 2012 Olympics, and will take on Greece on Wednesday, October 31, in the opening clash of a three-team group.

National champions Salford provide eight of the squad which will head to Loutraki, while others are plying their trade across Europe in Switzerland, France, and Denmark.

“It is hoped this will be the start of a new era for the Men's squad with a mix of Olympic Experience and the promotion and development of home grown players,” said Head Coach Bill Baillie.

“After our narrow defeat in Italy last June by three goals, we are hopeful that we can continue to close the gap. We know it will be difficult in Greece but we are all looking forward to the experience.

“This will be a challenge for this young squad but I am sure they will all view this as an opportunity, with many experienced players unavailable or retired.”

The team will train three times in Greece prior to the clash at the Stadium Georgios Galanopoulos (1730 CET), and following their return to the UK will begin their preparations for their two home matches in April against Italy and Greece (venues and exact dates TBC).

This is the first time a new qualification system will be used for the EHF EURO, which will see Phase 1 played on a home and away basis in three groups of three teams.

The change is aimed at providing Europe's emerging handball nations with more high level national team matches, and an opportunity to promote the sport at home to fans and the media as well as national partners and sponsors. 

Great Britain Squad for EHF EURO 2016 qualifier against Greece:

Rob Avery (GK) Salford, 20 years
Bob White (GK) No Club, 29
Nick Satchwell (GK) Basel, 21
Mark Hawkins (LW) No Club, 28
Jake Williams (LW) Salford, 22
Sebastien Edgar (RW) Valence, 21
Aden Woodall (RW) Salford, 22
Chris McDermott, (PV) Salford, 24
Simon Wittlin, (PV) Salford, 26
Rafik Tahraoui (PV) Salford, 25
Jack Hennessy (LB) Salford, 22
Gawain Vincent (RB) Bordeaux, 22
Ciaran Williams (PM) No Club, 24
Matt Lee (DEF) Salford, 22
Ryan Goodwin (PM) Aarhus GF, 18