Sportiw: reshaping handball recruitment worldwide
- léa
- Feb 27
- 2 min read
We spoke with Léa Gaget, co-founder of the startup Sportiw, about the origins of the platform, her ambition to create more opportunities for athletes and clubs, and the next steps for the project in handball and beyond.
Can you introduce yourself?
I’m Léa Gaget, co-founder of the startup Sportiw. Before launching the company, I worked in digital marketing and also had the opportunity to spend a season with Team Chambé, a professional handball club.
I later met my co-founder Zeljko Kiauta, and together we launched Sportiw.
What is Sportiw?
Sportiw is an international platform designed to increase visibility and create opportunities in sport.
For players, the goal is to give them more exposure and real chances to be spotted, whatever their level — youth, amateur, semi-pro or professional — thanks to a standardized sports CV: the Sportiw profile.
For clubs and recruiters, we provide solutions that make it easier to identify talent, recruit players and connect with them, using innovative tools based on data and AI that are adapted to the realities of the field.
The idea is really to make these connections more accessible, more structured and more efficient at every level. In practical terms, clubs enter the criteria of the profile they are looking for, and the system suggests the players who best match their needs.
Handball is already available on Sportiw. What are the next steps?
Handball is a strong focus for us. We continue to develop international connections, partnerships with clubs and opportunities for players.
We are also working on improving the platform experience and gradually expanding into new markets and profiles.
Is there a moment that particularly stood out to you since the launch of Sportiw?
All the feedback from players and clubs telling us how they found real opportunities through the platform. That’s when we really see the impact of what we’re building.
For example, Manuela, a handball player from Uruguay, was recruited by a Spanish club through Sportiw.
Alongside this interview, Team Chambé and Sportiw have launched “Champions of Tomorrow”, a global handball talent identification program.
The initiative is open to young players around the world, regardless of their country. The objective is simple: give them a real chance to be discovered and experience an immersion within a professional club.
After applying online, profiles are analyzed using Sportiw’s platform tools. Selected talents may then be invited to Chambéry for trials and could potentially be recruited afterwards.
It is a unique project aimed at making handball more accessible and giving everyone a chance.
Applications are open until March 31, 2026.
More information:
Men’s applications:
Women’s applications:
We would like to warmly thank Léa Gaget for her time and for this inspiring conversation. Through Sportiw, she and her team are carrying a modern and ambitious vision that is transforming handball recruitment by giving players around the world greater visibility and equal opportunities.
A mission that strongly resonates with Steazzi’s values: making sport more accessible, more open and fairer for everyone.
So to all talents looking for opportunities — create your profile, and good luck with your application. 🚀
