Club History

London GD Handball Club formerly known as the Great Dane Handball Club, was founded by Anne-Marie Thrysoe and Andrew Ferguson in 1976. Its inception was rooted in the association of Danish girls affiliated with the Anglo-Danish Society Students Club, hence the club's initial moniker, "Great Dane."

Over the years, the club has firmly established its presence in the English handball landscape, transcending its origins as predominantly Danish. In 2010, the organisation underwent a transformation, both in name and legal structure, rebranding itself as London GD Handball Club and registering as a limited company. Presently, our club, situated in East London, boasts a membership exceeding 50 registered players representing a diverse array of nationalities, with many more individuals participating in our regular training sessions.

The club's initial venture into handball revolved around a women's team, with occasional male participation in practice sessions. Commencing with two training days per week at the Ruislip Eagles Sport Centre, the club soon relocated to the then-newly established Wapping Sport Centre in East London. London GD's primary home arena is now the Olympic handball arena, the "Copper Box," while Rokeby School the Leyton Score Centre continues to serve as a training venue for developmental teams.

From 1976 to 1986, London GD Handball Club played a pivotal role in advancing handball within the London region, spawning two sub-venues at one point, including Croydon and West London. The club also experienced a merger with another club overseen by Paul Bray during this period.

Around 1980, club members played a pivotal role in establishing the Greater London & South East Handball Association, collaborating with Asford Tanners, Ruislip, Ipswich, and other East London clubs. While the association is no longer active, London GD remains an integral part of the recently formed London Handball Association, established in 2010.

In 2000, the club, then known as the Great Danes, began to achieve notable success in both women's and men's handball, consistently ranking among the top three clubs in the country.

In 2005, London GD participated in its inaugural official European Competition, competing in round 2 of the men's Challenge Cup. Since that momentous debut, London GD has been a fixture in European competition every year.

In 2010, following their third Double (League and Cup Champions) victory, our women's 1st team ventured into the Challenge Cup for the first time, securing a historic triumph against A.S. Aris Thessalonikis from Greece.

The 2010/11 season resulted in both league and cup victory for the men’s team. This past September 2011 they have made history by winning their round 2 group in Malta to go through round 3 in Greece for the first time.

The 2011/2012 marked dual triumphs in the league and cup for the men's team. In September 2011, they achieved another milestone by advancing from round 2 in Malta to round 3 in Greece.

During the 2011/2012 season, London GD introduced two second teams in the development leagues, both men and women, with the men's team clinching the South Regional Championship.

Post the London 2012 Olympic Games, London GD's men's 1st team participated in the new EHF Cup, against the formidable Danish Club, KIF Kolding København, with both games played on foreign soil.

In the 2012/2013 season, London GD's women's team secured victory in the EHA Cup against Thames Handball Club, while our men's 1st team emerged triumphant in the Super 8 English National League, maintaining an unbeaten record. This accomplishment granted them a coveted spot in the EHF Cup once again, where they faced a Turkish team from Ankara in September 2013.

London GD Handball Club remains an inclusive organisation, welcoming players of all skill levels. We are proud members of both the England Handball Association and the London Handball Association.