You can’t have a conversation about beach handball without discussing the Ferrobús Mislata Handball team. From their junior leagues all the way up to the highest level, these sporting ladies know what it means to put their blood, sweat, and tears into our sport.
It’s been a hard few years across the world, and our sport has suffered from budget cuts due to sponsorships being pulled. But as the Mislata players have shown us, dedication and commitment to the sport can make miracles happen, and together we can make it work.
So, what is it that makes the Handbol Mislata team so special? Simple – they know how to breed champions. Huge names in the sport including Silvia Navarro, Lara González, Paula Arcos, Rosa María Ripoll, and Sabina Minguez have a strong working relationship with the team that has allowed them to grow as players.
For some, such as Sabina, the incredible work ethic she learned playing beach handball at Handbol Mislata helped her gain a spot on the European Beach Handball Championships and win a bronze medal with the national team. When asked about her experience, she commented:
“It’s difficult to keep up during the pre-season camp, so I’m glad they have asked me to return. I see it as a challenge. Seeing so many players from our club <in the European team> is exciting and shows what a good job they are doing.”
Her teammate Claudia Juan agrees, stating that “the fact so many girls from Mislata go to the championship shows the work is good.” She also highlights how the team is giving her plenty of opportunities to grow as a player.
The team wears the phrase “cultura del esfuerzo” on their shirts – meaning “culture of working hard.” And this sentiment is evident every time these talented players step up to the beach handball court.
