From November 1st to 5th, 2024, as part of a mobility project focused on observing and learning club management, representatives of the Academic Beach Handball Club Zagreb (AKRP Zagreb) – Valentina Vrbanc, club member, Sandra Šiljeg, executive director, and Matija Šulc, president – visited Cologne, Germany.
The host of this exchange and project organization was NR Sports Volunteering Solutions (NRSVS), led by president Nada Rochevska. Nada was part of the Vardar handball club during its golden era and has been a long-time volunteer manager at many major competitions.
During the five-day mobility project, Nada shared her experience in club management, emphasizing how to properly implement effective club leadership. She placed great importance on volunteers, whose contributions and expertise facilitate tournament execution, competition organization, travel arrangements, and the overall functioning of the club. Our representatives had the opportunity to see how efficient club management significantly simplifies club operations and how a well-structured task distribution speeds up and streamlines decision-making for any challenges encountered. Engaging members in the club’s work and organization is one of the first steps toward successful club management.
Discussions also covered the involvement of major companies and business organizations as partners in projects. Their contributions in logistics (human resource coordination, volunteer promotion) and sponsorships (in the form of equipment, materials, or financial support) enhance the club’s visibility and strengthen its connection to the broader (sports) community. This, in turn, improves the club’s reputation and opens doors for new projects.
All mobility projects, experiences gained, and knowledge applied will be shared with club members at the upcoming general assembly, scheduled for the end of November.