Two Men's National Team Pool training camps announced

USA Team Handball announced today two training camps have been established, taking place Aug. 28-30 in Atlanta, GA, and Sept. 4-7 in Chicago, IL, to name the first official Senior Men’s National Team Pool. All athletes wishing to be considered for the MNT Pool must attend at least one and are encouraged to attend both. Players based in Europe are excused from attending, but are welcome if it is financially feasible.

MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM POOL
The MNT pool will be a fluid list that will be updated at least twice a year. Approximately 30 players will be on the list at any given point during the calendar year. The Senior MNT Pool will consist of the players most likely to be considered for selection to the Senior National Team for upcoming events. (Junior National Team players, dual passport holders playing abroad and others may be eligible for selection as well based upon merit.) Players in the MNT Pool will be required to participate in the USADA Registered Testing Pool. 

JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM POOL (Born after 1/1/89 only)
The Junior MNT pool will be a fluid list that will be updated at least twice a year. Approximately 30 players will be on the list at any given point during the calendar year. The Junior MNT Pool will consist of the players most likely to be considered for selection to the Junior National Team (U21 for most competitions) for upcoming events. (Younger players, dual passport holders playing abroad and others may be eligible for selection as well based upon merit.) Players in the Junior MNT Pool will not be required to participate in the USADA Registered Testing Pool. 

EVENTS
Following the success of the U23 Men’s tour in Germany in June, expect additional opportunities for international tours in the coming year. USATH will look primarily to its partners in Germany, Poland, Denmark and other European nations for competitive opportunities. A European tour sometime between November and January is in the works; details are yet to be confirmed. Information regarding participation in continental federation events will be forthcoming shortly.

COACHES
USA National Teams will continue to be guided by a “committee” of coaches under the direction of USATH technical director Mariusz Wartalowicz. Recently, USATH has consulted and/or convened the following coaches for assistance with camps: Boban Zivovic, Marko Brezic, Mika Maunula, Kathy Rex, Greg Morava, Christian Hentschel, Darrick Heath, Matt Sabatino, Chris Cappelmann and Adam Hodges. USATH will continue to provide a broad range of opportunities for interested individuals to participate in its national programs and thank them for their participation.

CAMP SELECTION
A maximum 40 spots per camp are anticipated. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Athletes must meet the following criteria to be considered for the camps:

USA Passport or likelihood of receiving one in the next 24 months

AND

Previous experience on USA Men’s National Team –or-
Participated in USA U23 trip to Germany in June 2009 –or-
Met minimum criteria at USATH Tryout between Oct. 2008 and May 2009 –or-
Recommendation of USATH-recognized coach or technical director

COSTS
A fee of $99 will be required whether you attend one or both camps. This fee will include a 2009-10 membership in USATH ($60). Athletes will be asked to provide their own transportation and room/board. Hotel information is forthcoming. An application for scholarships is available here.