TRAFFORD Handball Club was only formed last year but have reached the national finals with both their under-14 teams.

It is undoubtedly an impressive result from both the boys’ and girls’ teams, competing in their first season of the England Handball Association National League.

Coach Stan Belinski said: "It is great to see all the hard work paying off, especially so early into our journey.

"We started the club in September last year with only a few players, and now we have more than 70 active members joining our sessions every week.

"All the hard work and commitment of our players and coaches is paying off and the results clearly show that.

"We are extremely grateful for all the support received and we promise to keep on giving our best.”

The club has been growing significantly over the last few months and getting the support of schools and local authorities to grow and develop handball in the community.

In addition to training, the club has been promoting the sport in and outside of schools, organising after-school clubs, primary and secondary school leagues and sourcing talented players to the club.

The next challenge is for the u16 teams to go through play-offs to reach the national finals, where they can join their u14 colleagues at the Derby Arena in May.