The Journey from USA
We’re traveling all the way from San Francisco to Gothenburg — more than a ten-hour flight. It’s a long journey, but one that’s absolutely worth it. That’s part of the excitement — watching the group come together, find chemistry, and grow throughout the week.
This is part five of our series The Journey. Take part of Martin Bilello, Coach – San Francisco CalHeat's story below.
This summer marks San Francisco CalHeat’s third year participating in Partille World Cup, and I couldn’t be more excited. Each year, we try to grow our presence, and this time we’re bringing three teams - including, for the very first time, a girls’ team. That’s a huge milestone for us and a sign of how handball is developing back home.
For our players and their families, this tournament is more than just games - it’s a global handball experience. It shows them just how big the sport really is, how many people around the world play it, love it, and live for it. That kind of perspective is priceless.
Our expectations this year are the same as always: meet new people, make new friends, have fun, and of course, compete. The memories we make at Partille are what truly matter - it’s those shared moments, on and off the court, that stay with us forever.
Because we don’t have a regular league system in the U.S., our preparations are a bit different from other teams. We try to hold as many practices as we can before the tournament, especially to get used to playing with glue and on grass with cleats - things our players aren’t typically exposed to. It’s not always easy, but we make it work.
Funding the trip is another challenge. Unfortunately, we don’t receive external financial support, so our players and their families pay their own way. It’s a big commitment, and it can make recruitment and planning tough. Still, every year, we find a way to put teams together and proudly represent the U.S. on the international stage.
We’re traveling all the way from San Francisco to Gothenburg - more than a ten-hour flight. It’s a long journey, but one that’s absolutely worth it. That’s part of the excitement - watching the group come together, find chemistry, and grow throughout the week.
One of the things I love most about Partille World Cup is reconnecting with friends we’ve made from around the world. You only see some of them once a year, but the bonds are real. That sense of community, of global friendship through handball, is what makes this tournament so special.
We can’t wait to get back on the field, compete, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of the journey.
By Martin Bilello, Coach – San Francisco CalHeat
