For athletes
Your path to the Women’s Team Handball Athlete Pool starts here
Played basketball, volleyball, soccer or another sport? You may already have what it takes for team handball. No handball experience needed — we’ll teach you the game and help you take it as far as you can go.
Who we’re looking for
Women athletes ready for a new challenge
Handball Futures introduces women athletes to team handball and creates a pathway to the highest levels of competition — including the Handball Futures Festival — referring standout talent to USA Team Handball for consideration and a possible Olympic future. We welcome athletes from any sport and any experience level — many of our athletes picked up a handball for the first time at one of our camps
To take part, you’ll need to be:
- A woman aged 18 or older
- A U.S. citizen
- Registered with us through the Prospective Athlete Form
- A current USA Team Handball member (a $15 trial membership is available)
- Up to date on Core SafeSport Training
How it works
From first touch to the athlete pool
Step 1
Tell us about you
Complete the Prospective Athlete Form so we can connect you with your regional coach.
Step 2
Get registered
Join USA Team Handball and complete your SafeSport training.
Step 3
Attend a camp
Learn the game from elite coaches at a Development & Skills Camp.
Step 4
Get evaluated
Development & Skills Camp evaluations are shared with the USA Women’s National Team coaching staff.
Step 5
Earn a Festival spot
Top athletes are selected for the Handball Futures Festival.
Step 6
Go further
Festival athletes are showcased for the USA Team Handball Women’s Team Handball Athlete Pool.
Upcoming camps
Development & Skills Camps introduce the sport, build skills and help us find the next generation of talent. Registration details are posted on our Development & Skills Camp page as each one opens. Schedule subject to change.
| When | Where |
|---|---|
| TBA | Community-Based Development Camp — Phoenix |
| Late January 2027 | Development Camp at the Cal Cup — Fremont |
| Mid-February 2027 | Development Camp at the Women’s Blue Cup — Chapel Hill |
| March 2027 | Community-Based Development Camp — location to be announced |
Athletes on the rise
Where our athletes are going
23
Festival athletes in the Women’s National Team Development Pool
3
Handball Futures athletes named to Team USA for the Pan American Qualifier
80
Athletes referred to try out for the Women’s National Team program
“The coaches at Handball Futures have been pivotal in helping me grow as a player and build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the game.”
Vicky Johnson
Handball Futures Development & Skills Camp Participant
Read athlete spotlight.
Mentorship Program
Learn from Olympians
Athletes who attend a Handball Futures event can be paired with an Olympian or former National Team member — mentors who have been where you want to go and can help you grow as an athlete and a leader.
Resources
Get ready to play
USA Team Handball
The National Governing Body for team handball in the U.S. Membership is required to take part in our camps.
SafeSport training
Core SafeSport Training is required for all Handball Futures athletes, coaches and referees.
The bigger picture
Follow the sport internationally through the International Handball Federation and the North America & Caribbean Handball Confederation.
Ready to play?
Tell us about yourself and we’ll connect you with your regional coach. Questions? Email info@handballfutures.org.