The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has chosen the city to host Britain's first appearance in the competition with matches against some of the top countries in Europe at the English Institute of Sport at Sheffield (EISS) on tomorrow and Sunday.

 

Both the newly formed men and women squads will be competing in the round-robin competition with the aim of reaching the next round of the World Championships.

 

Britain's men have been drawn against Belarus and Israel and if they finish top of the three-team group, they will face Germany, Slovakia and Croatia in the next round.

 

The women are competing against Israel, Portugal and Montenegro to qualify for a place in the next stage with the Ukraine, Belarus and Azerbaijan.

 

A good performance would boost the sport's chances of receiving funding in the build-up to London 2012.

 

They were among eight sports or disciplines overlooked when the Government agency UK Sport announced their first round of funding last month.

 

The British men and women squads continued their preparation for the World Championships last Sunday  with 3-1 friendly wins against Sweden and Austria respectively at the EISS.

 

Tickets for the World Championship first round event, supported by Yorkshire Forward, are priced at £8 for adults and £4 for concessions.

 

They are available in advance by visiting www.volleyballengland.org, calling 0114 223 5742 or from the EIS - Sheffield reception, Coleridge Road, Sheffield, S9 5DA.