The 2018 WFDF World Under-24 Ultimate Championships is due to take place at the UWA Sports Park in Perth ©WFDF/Facebook

Australian city Perth will host the 2018 World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) World Under-24 Ultimate Championships (WU24), it has been announced.

Following a successful bid from the Australian Flying Disc Association (AFDA), headed by Simon Wood and Anna Haynes, the event is due to take place at the UWA Sports Park between January 7 and 13.  

"We received a great bid from an experienced tournament organiser and it is a pleasure to host this important World Championship in Australia, as we are mindful of the need for regional rotation," said WFDF President Robert Rauch.

"The teams from down under have been quite successful over the years, recently winning the silver medal at the 2013 World Games.

"We expect no fewer than around 35 teams and some 700 athletes for WU24 and are confident that the Tournament Organising Committee will make the experience of all Ultimate players travelling to Australia a memorable one.

"AFDA hosted a very successful World Ultimate Club Championships in 2006 at the same venue and, with the continued growth of Ultimate in the Asian-Oceanic region, Australia is a good location to encourage teams from many of these countries to attend this event.

"To ensure that the many top ranked and competitive countries sending teams from Europe, North America, and Africa are not deterred by the travel distance, WFDF makes this venue announcement two years in advance of the event to allow plenty of time for planning."

The WFDF was recognised by the International Olympic Committee in August 2015
The WFDF was recognised by the International Olympic Committee in August 2015 ©WFDF/Twitter

Wood, chief executive of the AFDA, added: "AFDA is extremely excited to be hosting the World Under-24 Ultimate Championships in Australia.

"We look forward to welcoming the world’s up and coming elite Ultimate players to our sunny shores and to enjoy the Aussie spirit."

WU24 was originally due to be hosted in 2017, but is being held early the following year owing to "seasonal issues".

The age eligibility criterion for the tournament will be based as if the event were in 2017, however. 

Accordingly, WU24 is open to all those who are 14 years old or older and do not turn 24 years of age during the calendar year 2017.

Therefore anyone born before January 1, 1994, is not eligible to play.

The event is held bi-annually and is comprised of national teams competing in three divisions - men’s, women’s and mixed.

Previously named the WU23, Toronto and London hosted the 2013 and 2015 editions respectively.

Last year, 900 athletes from 23 countries participated in the event.