Reviving NYC’s Handball Culture: An Interview with Ameer Shaw, Founder of Project Handball

July 5, 2024 9:47 AM

Introduction

Handball has long been a staple of New York City’s sports culture, bringing together people from all walks of life to engage in this dynamic and competitive game. Ameer Shaw, founder of Project Handball, is on a mission to revive and expand the handball community. Through his initiative, he aims to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, improve their game, and foster a sense of camaraderie. In this interview, Ameer shares his journey, the impact of handball on his life, and his vision for the future of the sport.

Interview

Getting to Know Ameer Shaw

1. Ameer can you share with the audience what the handball culture is like in New York City? How did the sport of handball influence you to become the player and person you are today?

Ameer Shaw : Handball culture in NYC is diverse, inclusive, and competitive. Players from all walks of life—young, old, students, retirees, entrepreneurs—come out and have fun on the court together. For me, handball helped shape my perception of myself and others. It put me around people who were passionate about achieving goals on and off the court. I wouldn’t have the same drive I have today without handball.

2. How was the game of handball introduced to you? What age did you start playing?

Ameer Shaw : I started playing handball when I was 17 years old. It was introduced to me by my friend Alec and his sisters.

3. What area of New York are you from? And what handball court did you grow up playing on?

Ameer Shaw : I was born in upstate NY, and I’ve been in Queens for the past 17 years.

4. Were there any local players/handball duos or teams that you idolized as you were developing your skills? Were there any memorable handball games or rivalries that will forever stick with you?

Ameer Shaw : Definitely. I used to look up to my friends David Martir, Alec Driskell, Ace, Dillion, and a couple of others. I admired their calm, cool, collected demeanor on the court. As I began watching handball on YouTube, Timbo became a quick favorite for me. I loved his consistent aggressiveness on the court and limitless hustle. As for rivalries, a year into playing handball, I used to spar a lot with a guy named Divine, who became a good friend later on. He was a big trash talker, which used to annoy me a lot. Around 2014, I met my friends Eugene and Jason, and we had a few seasons of really competitive singles games amongst each other. They helped me improve my game a lot.

Handball Gear and Rituals

5. Can you share what the average handball players wear? What makes you most comfortable to play your best game of handball?

Ameer Shaw : I’m picky with my handball shoes, and at the same time, I like to look and feel good while I play. My go-to kicks for handball are the Zoom Cage 3’s, which sadly aren’t in official circulation anymore (Nike, bring these back, please!). Other essentials for me are a sweat towel and maybe a pair of gloves.

6. Many athletes have pregame rituals and routines. What are you thinking about before you enter a handball match? Do you have a pregame song, favorite pregame meal or snack, or a lucky color that you must wear?

Ameer Shaw : Before a match, I’m usually visualizing winning rallies down to the finishing shot I’m going to hit. I like to imagine challenges as well and how I’m going to adapt to win the game. I love to drink coconut water while I play. And I play best when I feel good about my outfit (I’ve destroyed a lot of good clothes playing handball).

The Handball Project: How It Started

1. At what point during your handball career did you feel the need to start Project Handball? What did you envision it becoming, and how has it exceeded your expectations?

Ameer Shaw : I began documenting and sharing my personal journey with handball about three years ago. A couple of months into this process, I started receiving requests from the community to make videos of their games as well. Project Handball was born out of the need for myself and others to have a platform to share their strengths, weaknesses, and progress on the court. My goal was to highlight my community as well as I had been doing for myself. I introduced a journalistic aspect, covering local tournaments and interviewing athletes, as well as providing coaching tips and tricks for players looking to improve. Project Handball is growing into something I could never have imagined, and the support has been unbelievable. I recently designed some tees, shorts, and sweat towels to spread awareness about handball to non-players and the youth. The proceeds have helped me enhance the content I offer. I livestream games every day on YouTube and give players positive reinforcement and feedback on how they can improve. I’ll also be starting a private community soon for people who want to train together, share ideas about growing the sport with social media, and support Project Handball more.

2. How many active handball players are part of the Project Handball community?

Ameer Shaw : I consider everyone who follows our pages a part of our community. That’s 1800 on TikTok, 2700 on YouTube, and 18.5k on Instagram.

3. As the founder of a sports community, what are your thoughts on embracing inclusion across all races, genders, and ability types? Do you and your Project Handball team have plans to include people with disabilities and women athletes within the community as well?

Ameer Shaw: I believe everyone deserves the right to fun and exercise outdoors with others, regardless of background. I make an effort to give female players shine, and at local tournaments where men and women compete together, I vouch for balances to be put in place to even the playing field. I welcome women to come out and play. I believe they are a big asset to our sport, and I love how they exemplify the qualities of sportsmanship and integrity while remaining very competitive. As for making handball accessible for people with disabilities, it’s something that I’ve thought about for a while and would love to explore more.

4. What are some of your favorite cities that you’ve visited or played in thanks to the sport of handball? How do other communities you’ve interacted with view the New York City handball scene?

Ameer Shaw : Hollywood, Florida, has been my favorite place to travel to so far. The handball courts are a 10-second walk to the beach and the boardwalk, and the energy there is just amazing. I’d take the friendliness and welcoming demeanor back to NYC. Sometimes breaking the ice with someone visiting your city or park can go a long way.

5. What impact and legacy do you hope to leave behind with Project Handball? How do you hope to inspire young people in urban communities through the game of handball?

Ameer Shaw : I hope Project Handball is remembered for inspiring a new generation of youth to maybe not put down their devices completely but to replace some screen time with outdoor time with friends, a ball, and a wall. In a world where kids and adults alike are spending more time alone and looking at screens, more wholesome outlets are sorely needed. Handball is great for brain function, it builds teamwork, and it improves physical fitness. It can save kids’ lives; I know because it saved mine. It starts with building awareness.

Growing the Handball Community

1. From your knowledge, the game of handball is viewed as a sport that older people enjoy. With Project Handball, how do you hope to re-energize the handball scene in New York?

Ameer Shaw : With content creation. YouTube and social media are growing at a fast rate, so what I’ve been doing is taking popular trends and putting handball spins on them. The reception has been phenomenal.

2. What team-building aspects and qualities do you hope new members and players of handball learn through not only the game but also being a member of the Project Handball community?

Ameer Shaw : I’d like everyone in the Project Handball community to know that it takes a team. You’re stronger in a group than as an individual, and that applies on and off the court. So I give everyone who supports Project Handball the same time and attention as every other because we are all a team.

3. As an entrepreneur and founding member of Project Handball, what would you like to share with the New York community and the audience about the need for awareness and support with the game of handball? How can we help you further your initiatives and grow your brand and outreach?

Ameer Shaw : To the New York community, I want to say I appreciate every one of you for making New York the most unique and diverse place on the planet. Every one of you has your own story and journey, and that’s what we all share in common. It’s important that we work together to spread awareness about handball for the next generation of kids who might feel like they don’t have enough positive outlets available to them. The best way to support is to buy a T-shirt from ProjectHandball.com, and if you’re not able to do that, then subscribe to our YouTube page and share our videos. Everything helps.

4. Are you looking to keep the clothing merchandise part of the brand small, or do you hope to expand it into a full-length clothing line highlighting the handball community?

Ameer Shaw : I plan to expand this part of the brand and continue providing the community with clothes they can feel and look good in, on and off the court.

5.What are your thoughts on collaborating with the NYC Parks Department to host tournaments and events to give back to the origins of New York’s game?

Ameer Shaw: That’s a great idea. Currently, I have plans to work with the parks department.

Closing Remarks:

Handball is not just a sport; it’s a community that brings people together across New York City. Ameer Shaw’s Handball Project exemplifies the power of sports to inspire, unite, and create positive change. By fostering inclusivity and encouraging youth participation, the Handball Project aims to rejuvenate the handball scene in NYC and beyond. Through his journey and the support of the community, Ameer continues to build a lasting legacy that will benefit future generations.

Handball Community Information

1. Well-known handball courts for newcomers:

• Victory Field Park, 174 Park, 88 Park, Hoover Park, IS10 Park in Queens, St. Johns Recreation Center, Knickerbocker Park, Wingate Park in Brooklyn, and Grand Street Park in Manhattan.

2. Project Handball social media accounts:

• YouTube, TikTok, Facebook: ProjectHandball. Instagram: Project_Handball.

3. Shoutouts to handball players:

• Friends at Victory Field Park. Players: Michael Schneider, David Velez, Tywan Cook, Timbo & Pito.

4. Popular handball tournaments:

• USHA Nationals, King of The Court.

5. Current handball leagues:

• USHA, Wallball Universe on Facebook.

6. Contact information:

• Call or text: 929-273-9663. Instagram: Project_Handball.

7. Upcoming clinics or events:

• Follow on Instagram for updates.