FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Recruitment event aims to build Team USA pipeline ahead of LA28 Olympics
CHICAGO, IL (September 2025) — Handball Futures (HF), the national nonprofit assisting USA Team Handball, will host its Handball Development & Skills Camp in the Chicago area on Friday, October 24, 2025, at The Oaks Fitness Center in Mokena, Illinois.
The camp will take place prior to the Chicago Inter Handball Tournament and is designed to recruit and develop the next generation of U.S. women’s handball athletes.
Although team handball is played by more than 30 million athletes across 165 countries, it remains a hidden gem in the United States. With Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympic Games—and Team USA automatically qualified—Handball Futures is expanding the national talent pool to ensure the U.S. fields competitive teams on the world stage.
“This is an exciting milestone for Handball Futures and for the future of the sport in the U.S.,” said Michael D. Cavanaugh, HFF Tournament Director. “Our goal is to provide athletes with the resources and pathways they need to succeed, while strengthening the overall pipeline for USA Team Handball.”
The camp is open to female athletes ages 18+, from beginners to seasoned players, with or without prior handball experience. Athletes from sports such as basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball are encouraged to participate.
The camp also represents the first official step toward the 2026 Handball Futures Festival, a landmark event for the sport in the United States.
Event Details:
- Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: The Oaks Fitness Center, 10847 W. LaPorte Road, Mokena, IL 60448
- In conjunction with Chicago Inter Handball Tournament
Handball Futures extends a special thank you to Patrick Jalabert—Tournament Director, President of Chicago Inter, Chair of USA Team Handball Board, and leader of the Chicago Inter Handball Club—for hosting this event. His leadership exemplifies how partnerships with local clubs create opportunities for athletes and help grow the sport nationwide.
Registration & More Information:
- Event info: Handball Futures Development Camp
- Registration: Sport:80 Event Registration
- Chicago Inter: www.chicagointer.org
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizen
- Complete the Prospective Athlete Form (if not already submitted)
- Be a current USA Team Handball member OR apply for a trial membership
- Register via Sport:80
About Handball Futures
Handball Futures is a national nonprofit dedicated to developing the next generation of U.S. handball athletes, coaches, and referees. By creating opportunities for training, competition, and mentorship, Handball Futures strengthens the talent pipeline for USA Team Handball and helps grow the sport nationwide. Learn more at www.handballfutures.org.
About USA Team Handball
USA Team Handball (USATH) is the National Governing Body (NGB) for the Olympic discipline of Team Handball. USATH, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Colorado Springs, is a member of the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the North American and Caribbean Handball Confederation (NACHC).
Media Contact:
Lindalisa Severo – Communications Director, Handball Futures
📞 (678) 362-4847 | 📧 lindalisa@handballfutures.org | www.handballfutures.org