Our History
Developing handball since 1972
Established in 1972, under the supervision of former GB goalkeeper Bill Holderness, it didn’t take long for the Eagles to find their feet, winning their first Women’s league title in 1977. The club was then known as the Graphite Eagles while being sponsored by Graphite Composites and later Robert Jenkins when they bought Graphite Composites. The Eagles women’s team enjoyed a fierce rivalry with Wakefield while the Men had many close battles with both Brentwood and Liverpool.
The women have enjoyed greater success over the years, and in 1982 became the first UK team to win a tie in European competition by beating the Belgian Champions over 2 legs. Domestically they enjoyed an unbroken streak of National league and cup doubles from 1991-2006 as well as 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012; all overseen by former women’s coach, player and GB Coach Mel Chowns. Mel was awarded the first ever lifetime achievement award by England Handball in 2014 as recognition of over 20 years’ service to the Eagles and handball in the UK.
Our men’s team are no pushover either, finishing in the top 4 of the Super 8 the Eagles are frequent visitors to Europe and the EHF Challenge Cup. After the tournament format of the 2012 competition, the 2013 edition saw the Eagles come close to an upset again HC Spartak Varna of Bulgaria. 2014 saw the Eagles visit Belgium to play HC Vise BM and in 2015 the Eagles took on the eventual winners ABC/UMinho of Braga in Portugal. While the Eagles often find themselves outgunned in Europe, the pride of flying the flag for English Handball ensures the Eagles put in spirited performances.
The Eagles are very active in London and we are a founding member of the London Handball association with our second teams competing in the South East Regional Leagues.
In 2013 the Eagles began a programme of Junior development in line with the requirements of the EHA Super 8. The 2014/15 season saw the Eagles form an official partnership with Ealing Handball Club, a club with a good track record of producing future start including Ealing, Ruislip and GB player Oliver Bray. Also enjoying a fruitful relationship with Brunel University HC and Imperial University, the Eagles talent pathway continues to develop and offer plenty of opportunities for new and old players to #SoarHigher.
In October 2016 the club decided to leave the Ruislip name behind and start a new era as West London Eagles Handball Club. We hope the new name will bring as much success as Ruislip did!
Achievements:
Women's Team
23x National Champion
25x National Cup Winner
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Men's Team
2x National Silver Medalists
4x National Bronze Medalists
5x National Cup Winners
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U21 Men
2022 English and British Champions
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U16 Boys
2021 Summer Cup Winners
2019 National Champions
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U14 Boys
2024 National Champions
U19 Girls
2019 National Silver Medalists
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U16 Girls
2022 National Champions
2021 Summer Cup Runners-up
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U14 Girls
2022 National Champions
2023 National Open Bronze
2024 London Youth Games Gold
2024 National Champions
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U13 County Championship
2023 Girls Silver
2023 Boys Silver
2024 Boys Bronze
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Club Awards:
Ealing Club of the Year 2019
Ealing Junior Club of the Year 2018
Eagle Legends
Bill Holderness, Club Founder
Bill was a true visionary and the founding force behind Ruislip Eagles Handball Club, which later evolved into the esteemed West London Eagles that we know today. Bill’s remarkable journey in handball, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, has left an indelible mark on the sport in the UK.
Bill not only founded Ruislip Eagles Handball Club but also played a pivotal role in shaping its identity and fostering a passion for handball in the region. His dedication to the sport was unparalleled, and his impact extended beyond the club, reaching the broader community of England Handball.
A multifaceted contributor to handball’s growth, Bill wasn’t just a visionary leader but also a skilled player. In the early days of handball in Great Britain, he stood as a goalkeeper for the national team, embodying his commitment to the sport both on and off the field. Under Bill’s coaching guidance, the Ruislip Eagles Women’s team achieved unprecedented success, reaching the second round of the European Cup and etching their name in history as the first team in the UK to do so. This accomplishment showcased Bill’s ability to inspire and cultivate talent, leaving a lasting legacy for the players and the club.
Bill’s influence extended to the international stage as he coached the Great Britain Women’s team for several years, leading them to the World Championships in Spain. His dedication and leadership were instrumental in shaping the trajectory of handball at a national level. As a member of England Handball, Bill’s passion, commitment, and infectious sense of fun endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on through the thriving West London Eagles and the broader handball community.