As the 2024 to 2025 season comes to a close, England Handball is proud to reflect on a year of exciting developments, rising talent and strong collaboration across our Talent Pathway.
This season saw more athletes than ever before involved in meaningful development opportunities, from our U14 Regional Academies through to the National Academy and Futures Programme. At every stage, the focus remained on athlete-centred growth, creating the right environment to challenge, support and elevate some of the most promising young handballers in the country.
One of the standout changes this year was within the Futures Programme, which was reshaped to increase contact time and broaden the scope of performance-level activities. Around 25 athletes per gender were involved, selected at various points in the season based on standout performances at U16 Regional Academy training and tournaments.
Led by GB coaches Mark Hawkins and Zoran Lukacs, and supported by TP coaches and current GB athletes, the programme gave athletes the chance to develop across handball, strength and conditioning, video analysis and tactical awareness. This access to elite-level insight and mentorship proved invaluable.
Joao Castro, Head of the Elite Performance Academy, shared his reflections:
“This season, we made a conscious shift in the Futures Programme to increase both volume and variety in our performance-level work. Athletes were identified through Regional Academy activity and selected based on the potential they demonstrated throughout the year.
GB coaches, with support from the TP team and current GB athletes, delivered a well-rounded programme focused on the realities of high-performance sport. It was brilliant to see the athletes step up to the challenge, engage with the additional hours and grow across all areas. The standard at the end-of-season U16 tournament was a clear sign of the progress made. We are excited to build on this next season.”
Across the National Academy, work continued to refine training structures and reduce unnecessary travel where possible. With U14, U16 and U19 athletes training at multiple locations, this year was about listening to feedback, making adjustments and improving the overall experience. The Regional Academies remained a vital stepping stone, supporting early-stage talent with quality coaching and regular competition close to home.
Ricardo Vasconcelos, Director of Handball, commented:
“This year has been another busy and rewarding chapter in our ongoing mission to empower young athletes on their journey. As the pathway grows, so do the challenges and opportunities, but our team is more committed than ever to delivering the best possible experience.
I continue to be inspired by the passion and dedication of our coaches, managers and volunteers. Their work is vital to the growth of our sport, and together we are building a stronger future for handball in England.”
Liz Roberts, National Talent Pathway Manager, added:
“It has been fantastic to see the direction the pathway has taken this year. There is a clear focus on what matters most. Giving athletes the support, access and development opportunities they need.
From improving logistics to increasing the Futures Programme, we are moving in a direction I am genuinely proud of.
There is always more to do, but the people behind this programme – the coaches, staff, referees and volunteers – are making a difference every single day. The future really is looking bright.”
As the season ends, England Handball would like to thank every athlete, parent, coach, referee, volunteer and staff member who contributed to the journey. Preparations for the 2025-26 season are well under way as we reflect on another incredible season and look forward to welcoming a new cohort as well as our continuing athletes, back on court in September.
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