Meet Sina: Women's Handball Player, Club Secretary, and Leader in Irish Handball

As part of Women in Sport (WIS) Week, we are celebrating the incredible contributions of women in handball. WIS Week, first held in March 2021 and celebrated annually ever since, is dedicated to ensuring that more women and girls feel empowered to participate in, lead, and thrive in sport.

One such leader making a difference in Irish handball is Sina Heins, a dedicated player and club secretary at Dublin City Handball. With a passion for giving back and fostering growth in the community, she has taken on leadership roles while also completing the OHI L1 Coaching and Club Management courses. We caught up with her to hear about her journey, her experiences, and her advice for women looking to get involved in sports management.

From Player to Club Secretary: A Natural Progression

"I’ve been playing handball since the age of nine, and throughout the years, so many people put in the effort to create the best experience for me," Sina shares. "When I moved to Dublin and joined Dublin City Handball, it became clear to me that it was my time to give back. So when the secretary position opened up, I stepped up."

Her motivation to contribute to the club stems from a deep appreciation for the handball community and a desire to support its growth.

Investing in Development: Coaching & Club Management

Eager to enhance her skills and leadership abilities, she participated in the OHI L1 Coaching and Club Management courses.

"I first heard about these initiatives directly from OHI and saw them as an opportunity to develop my knowledge further. I like to be well-prepared when taking on leadership roles so I can support the club in the best way possible," she explains.

The L1 Coaching Course, in particular, left a lasting impact. "It was a brilliant experience—I learned both theoretically and practically how to teach kids the basics of handball and make it fun. I hope to coach girls in the future and give them the same experience I had growing up—a place where they feel unconditional support and can enjoy playing together."

The Club Management Course provided equally valuable insights. "My biggest takeaways were learning how to organise the club efficiently and identifying areas for growth and improvement."

Balancing Roles: Player, Secretary, and Nurse

Juggling multiple responsibilities is no easy feat, especially when balancing a demanding career as a paediatric nurse alongside playing and managing a club.

"It is definitely a challenge," she admits. "But I could never do it without my amazing team of wonderful women. We step in wherever help is needed, support each other unconditionally, and always have each other’s backs. Dublin City Handball truly is a family."

Encouraging Women to Step into Leadership

As an active player, coach, and club secretary, Sina is passionate about encouraging more women to take on leadership roles in sports.

"My advice? Just go for it! It might seem overwhelming at first, and you may wonder how you’ll manage everything, but along the way, you’ll meet inspiring women who support and understand you. It’s incredibly rewarding."

With leaders like Sina driving the future of handball in Ireland, the sport is in great hands.

Check out website for upcoming courses or contact ohi@olympichandball.org for the latest coaching and leadership opportunities with Olympic Handball Ireland.