Odense Handball Loses Key Player Helena Elver to Foreign Club

Danish international handball player Helena Elver is leaving Odense Handball at the end of the season to pursue new challenges abroad, bringing an end to her four-year stint with the club.

Danish international handball player Helena Elver has announced that she will be leaving Odense at the end of the current season to pursue new challenges abroad. Elver, who played a crucial role in Denmark's journey to the final of the European championships in December last year, has exercised a clause in her contract to depart the club.

According to Elver, her decision to leave Odense is driven by a desire to “challenge herself outside of Denmark.” In a press release, she stated, “I have developed as a person and as a player here in Odense, and therefore I am also ready for a new adventure after the summer. I will do everything to finish as well as possible.” Elver has been with Odense since 2019 and has experienced a range of highs and lows during her time with the club.

Trine Nielsen, sports director at Odense Håndbold, praised Elver's remarkable journey, saying, “Her story speaks for itself. Two nasty cruciate ligament injuries and a comeback to handball when most people thought it was impossible. But you get far with will and a great love for handball, and she has played at an amazingly high level especially in the autumn.” Nielsen acknowledged that Elver's departure would be felt, but also expressed pride in the role the club has played in her development. “Now the adventure must have a new chapter. While I am really sad that she is leaving Odense Handball, I am also proud of the part that the club has played in her way to the top,” Nielsen said.

Elver's departure comes at a time when Odense is enjoying significant success, having won all their matches in the Danish league this season. The team is also considered a strong contender for the Champions League trophy.