MEN’S U21 HOSTS MEXICO ON THE WAY UP

Lausanne, Switzerland, September 10, 2015 - The Mexican Volleyball Federation has a vision. It wants to be a major world player in volleyball by 2030. And the North American country is on the right track

For the first time in 32 years, both of Mexico's teams took part in the FIVB Volleyball World Championships last year. The men finished 17th, the women 21st. Mexican teams have also been involved in the FIVB’s most important annual competitions – the World League (men) and the World Grand Prix (women) – for the last two years.

“These international competitions are good for the national teams and promote volleyball in Mexico. We want to encourage more people to attend matches and play volleyball,” said Mexican Volleyball Association President Jesús Perales Navarro. The association does a lot to promote the sport in a country with a passion for football, and regularly organises competitions focused on junior teams. In 2013, the FIVB Volleyball Women’s U23 World Championship was held in Mexico. And next up is the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U-21 World Championship, which takes place from September 11-20. Navarro: “We invest in the future.” 

The competitions take place in Tijuana and Mexicali, which provide the perfect setting. The two cities also have an abundance of experience when it comes to staging major events - the Men's U21s will be the sixth World Championship competition organised by the Baja California Sports Institute since 2007. 

A few days ago, the Mexican U21 squad were officially presented to the press at a media day held at the Baja California High Performance Centre. The Mexican players also received their official uniforms from the local organising committee.