Higher-lever competition opportunities for youth teams

Because youth development and grassroots participation are priorities for USA Team Handball, the federation is attempting to work with as many communities as possible to create local, “in house” competition that does not require travel. There are certain clubs and coaches, however, that may want to accelerate player development – and seek higher level competition and/or “travel” opportunities.

Below, please find a list of playing opportunities for so-called “travel” teams in through end of summer 2010. Although not 100 percent comprehensive, it is intended to give coaches and players in the U14, U16, U18 and U21 age groups an idea of competitions open to them. For example, a coach with a high school age players (U16 and/or U18) has the following potential competition opportunities:

• April – HS tournament in NY
• May – HS tournament in Colorado
• June – International tournament in Spain or Sweden
• July – HS tournament in Utah
• July – California State Games
• July – HS tournament in Chicago at Nationals if enough interest
• August – International tournament in Florida

If you are coaching youth teams this year, and interested in participating in any of these events, please e-mail answers to the following questions to youth@usateamhandball.org:

1. What is the name of your club/organization?
2. In what age group(s) will you have teams ready to compete in 2010?
3. What events are you interested in attending?
4. Are your players / club capable of raising the funds required to attend the events you’re interested in?
5. Have you identified other organizations close to you for training and/or informal competitions, even if they are a different age group (i.e., adult club)?
6. What are your most pressing needs?
  a. Finding enough players
  b. Equipment
  c. Coaching
  d. Finding an affordable gym/court
  e. Parent volunteers

All events are for both genders unless specifically noted. Please note that the Florida Cup is a relatively expensive event – as it is designed primarily for high-level European clubs interested in combining a holiday with a handball experience.  Relatively inexperienced USA clubs should consider attending events in NY, Colorado, Utah, Florida and/or Illinois.

In addition, USATH has a tentative invitation for one (1) U14 team (one boys, one girls) to receive 10 days’ training in Sweden, plus entry into the Partille Cup, with all expenses paid on the ground. The federation also has an invitation to send a team to Granollers Cup in Spain, with all ground expenses paid. In both cases, the only cost is airfare. Please contact USATH immediately if you are interested in participating in either opportunity.

Who’s Playing?

Below is a partial list of cities and areas have teams and/or programs devoted to youth play. If you need help with a contact or for more information, please e-mail youth@usateamhandball.org:

• Southern California (Pasadena, LA, SD, others)
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Texas (Houston, Dallas others)
• Colorado (Denver and Colorado Springs)
• Bozeman, MT
• Chicago, IL
• Minneapolis, MN
• New York/New Jersey (Syracuse, Long Island, NYC, others)
• Florida (West Palm Beach, Tampa, Ft. Myers, others)
• Atlanta, GA
• New Albany, IN
• Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Northern Vermont
• Omaha, NE