From June 26 to 29, Duisburger Schwimmverein von 1898 e.V. (DSV 98) will host an international U16 water polo tournament, welcoming some of the most promising young talents in Europe. The competition, set in the heart of Duisburg, will bring together national teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Georgia, Belgium, and Turkey—all preparing for the upcoming European Championships in Turkey just two weeks later.
Played in a round-robin format, the tournament is designed to give each team maximum game time against a variety of opponents. This structure ensures that players gain valuable international experience, helping them sharpen their tactics and teamwork ahead of one of the biggest events of their age group.
Building a Tradition of Excellence
What sets this event apart is not just the quality of the competition, but also the club behind it. DSV 98 is one of Germany’s most historic water polo institutions, with seven national championships at the senior level. The club was a cornerstone of German water polo success, particularly during the 1980s, when its youth development system produced numerous national-level athletes.
Since 2022, DSV 98 has been undergoing a revival, modernizing its structure and strengthening both the youth academy and senior squad. In 2024, the first team returned to the top-tier 1st German Bundesliga, successfully securing its place for the upcoming season—an important milestone in the club’s long-term vision.
DSV 98’s youth program is now once again among the most respected in the country, contributing several players to Germany’s national youth teams this summer. The club’s strategic focus on development and education, combined with its strong tradition, is creating a new generation of athletes ready to compete at the highest level.
A Tournament with Proven Impact
The DSV 98 Cup is quickly becoming a fixture on the calendar for national youth teams. At the last edition, three of the participating teams went on to finish in the top four at the World Championships, underlining the tournament’s growing reputation as a proving ground for elite junior talent.
This year promises to be even better. With national teams fine-tuning their squads and strategies ahead of the European Championship, spectators can expect high-intensity matches, tactical variety, and standout individual performances—all in the unique open-air setting of the DSV 98 pool in Duisburg.
Join the Action – Live or Online
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the sport, DSV 98 warmly invites everyone to join us at the pool and enjoy four days of top-tier youth water polo. The tournament will feature live play-by-play updates on Total Waterpolo, while all matches will be streamed live on YouTube.
