This weekend, the Borussia Dortmund women's handball team began their preparations for the new season after a four-month break. Kit and instructions were given out on Saturday, followed by some team-building on Sunday.

Last Saturday, the handball ladies met at the Hotel l'Arrivée. Andreas Bartels, deputy head of department responsible for sport, welcomed the team and staff together with head coach André Fuhr.

The squad, including all six new signings, looked highly motivated and in good spirits. All the players were happy to finally get going again after a break from handball of around four months. André Fuhr presented his seven-week preparation plan: two training sessions a day, a week-long training camp in Denmark, 13 friendlies and a tournament are on the agenda. An ambitious programme. The team, who were top of the women's handball Bundesliga when the season was stopped in March, are looking to start the new season in the best possible way.

On Sunday, following an invitation from the long-standing sponsor and partner "Ebbinghaus Automobile", a team-building session was held as the team met up for the summer biathlon in Winterberg. From Monday, the sweat will really start flowing during lactate tests and strength tests... (br)