The women's tournament is being held by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralypmic Games (LOCOG) as part of the 'London Prepares' series of events in the lead up to next summer's Olympic Games.

It is the first time such a tournament has taken place in London, and VISA Europe's head of partnership marketing Colin Grannell said: "As a long-term sponsor of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, sponsoring the beach volleyball test event as part of the 'London Prepares' series gives us an opportunity to be at the heart of the action as excitement around the Games builds.

"It also allows us to prepare for London 2012 where we will be showcasing our latest payment technology."

VISA Europe will also be the presenting partner of Team 2012 (Britain's 1200 athletes battling for a place at London 2012), which includes Shauna Mullin and Zara Dampney, Britain's number one women's beach volleyball pair.

Tickets are currently available to the general public via LOCOG.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]