The tournament, which is for under-21 players, will take place at the Nivea Sun Yellow on Brighton seafront between September 3 and 7 has attracted entries from 25 countries.

 

The venue will have a 2,000 seat grandstand and additional courts added to the existing facilities.

 

The Sheaf brothers (pictured) - 18-year-old Jake and 20-year-old Luke from Bath - are Britain’s lead pairing in the team announced today, although they will face tough opposition from last years defending champions, Italy's Francesco Giontella and Paolo Nicolai.

 

Jake Sheaf said: “I am really excited about playing at the World Championships in September. 

 

"It will be a great opportunity for the British public to see what beach volleyball is all about, in the context of a professional, international competition. 

 

"Too often people write the sport off as a holiday pastime, this will give them the chance to see how difficult it is to play properly and how well accomplished the athletes are. 

 

"It will also be great to have the support of a home crowd.”

 

Tristan Dampney and Chris Gregory will be Britain’s second male pairing and a wildcard entry has been requested for a third British men’s pairing of Josh Randall and Adam Smith.

 

At 6ft 9in, 17-year-old Gregory from Bath was spotted by UK Sport and directed into volleyball through the Sporting Giants programme and this will be his international debut.

 

Kim Smith, 19, and Phoebe Jeffery, 18, have been selected for the women’s event following their win at the British Under-21 championships in Margate.

 

Susan Hoare and Jessica Grimson are the second women’s pairing.

 

For more information on tickets and the event, see the new event web site at http://www.brightonbeachvolleyball.com.