This dual structure, which is shared by several others sports, reflects the conflict between the desire of the home nations to organise the sport separately, and the need to have an overall body for international purposes, such as the Olympics.

The British Handball Association was founded in Liverpool in 1967 by four Liverpool teachers Phil Holden, Chris Powell, Jeff Rowland and Andy Smith.

In 1968 the Association was accepted as a member of the International Handball Federation.

[3] Prior to this the IHF had recognised the Hull Handball League which existed between 1958 and 1962 [4] The British Cup was a knock-out competition for British Handball Clubs.

Data sources: 1977–1982;[5] 1983;[6] 1986 & 1998;[7] 1987, 1996, 1999 & 2000;[8] 2005 British Handball Association;[9] 2006 London GD;[10] 2004 & 2007 Great Dane Handball Club Club Achievements.