Predstavujeme novú posilu v trénerskom tíme seniorskej reprezentácie! Je ním belgický tréner Hans van Hellemont.
Hans van Hellemont sa ku korfbalu dostal už ako 11-ročný a odvtedy mu zostal verný celý život – ako hráč, 20 rokov ako rozhodca a napokon aj ako tréner. Trénoval prakticky všetky vekové kategórie vo svojom belgickom klube v Leuvene aj v susedných kluboch a na medzinárodnej scéne viedol francúzsku reprezentáciu na EK Beach 2019, MS 2022 a ME 2023. Aktuálne trénuje U13 vo svojom klube a vedie mladých trénerov.
Slovenský tím pozná zo zápasov mládežníckych výberov U17 a U19 a už vtedy ho zaujala sila hráčov a dynamický štýl hry, ktorý sám presadzuje. Slovensko vníma ako logický ďalší krok vo svojej trénerskej kariére a do prípravy chce priniesť najmä skúsenosti z veľkých turnajov a dôkladnú znalosť súperov, ktorým Slovensko na ME čelí.
Prečítajte si rozhovor:
Could you introduce yourself briefly – what’s your korfball journey?
I began my korfball career at the age of 11 at a small club in my home town. A few years later, I moved to a larger club, Putse, where I spent the rest of my youth. As an adult, I played for Leuven’s first team for ten years, alongside the rest of my family, before devoting myself fully to a career as a referee. During my 20-year career as a referee, I have officiated many matches in the Promoleague (second division) and a few youth finals. I also had my first taste of international korfball.
I started coaching when I was 18 and have since coached just about every age group at my own club or at neighbouring clubs. I coached the first team at a neighbouring club. Through coaching courses and post-match discussions, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in Belgium. It all resulted in coaching the French national team at the EK Beach 2019 (France), WQ 2022 (Turkiye) and EQ 2023 (France)
I currently coach the U13s at my own club in Leuven and mentor some of our young coaches.
What made you take the Slovak national team, and what was the first thing you noticed about the squad?
I’ve never had the chance to play against the Slovakian team, but I’ve seen the U17s and U19s in action live on several occasions. Knowing that there is a strong youth programme is an important factor for me. When the idea of coaching the senior team first arose, I was impressed whilst watching the matches by the power the players displayed, alongside many elements of the dynamic korfball that I myself love and champion.
The Slovakian team feels to me like the next logical step in my coaching career.
You last coached France internationally in 2022 and 2023 – what do you take from that experience into this job?
The two main things I’m bringing to the Slovakian team from my experience in France are tournament experience – which is something completely different from a club competition – and a thorough understanding of Slovakia’s direct opponents.
Tešíme sa na túto spoluprácu a držíme si palce, nech sa nám spolu darí! 💪