World championship water polo comes to Southern California on the eve of the 2008 Olympic Games when USA Water Polo hosts the 2007 FINA Men’s Junior World Championship (JWC) August 18-26 in Los Alamitos and Long Beach. The FINA JWC features the top water polo teams from 24 nations, each comprised of male athletes age 20 or younger. While a select few of these rising stars will play for their respective Olympic teams in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the action next month also provides a sneak peek at likely participants for the 2012 London Olympics.

JW Krumpholz of Team USA

Defending medal-winning teams from Serbia, Croatia and Spain will attempt to lead the field against fierce competition from Team USA and Top 10 finishers from the 2005 FINA JWC, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Australia, Russia, Japan and France. Other nations sending teams include Slovakia, Egypt, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Canada, Iran, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Argentina, Germany and Kuwait, making it truly a one-of-a-kind international water polo experience.

“This tournament features the greatest young male water polo players in the world,” said Christopher Ramsey, CEO of USA Water Polo. “The teams will play more than 100 games over nine days, and we plan not only the highest level of competition, but also a festival atmosphere featuring world music and entertainment to celebrate this wonderful infusion of diverse world cultures.”

Held biannually, the FINA JWC was last held in Argentina in 2005. Recent championships have been held in Italy (2003), Turkey (2001), Kuwait (1999), Cuba (1997), France (1995) and Egypt (1993). Games will begin each morning at 9 AM, with the final game each day beginning at 7 PM.

America’s national junior team is coached by Doug Peabody with support from assistant coaches Dan Klatt and Tim Reed. Team USA is preparing for the championship by traveling to Spain, Slovakia and Croatia this summer for advanced training and competition.

Ticket prices for the FINA JWC range from $5-$15 per session for general admission, with special pricing available for VIP seating, all-day and all-event passes.