The event will take place in the city from July 7 to 16.

The Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) say the city is adjacent to Povoa de Varzim where many international boccia competitions have been held over the last 10 years.

Portugal’s Cerebral Palsy National Sports Association (PCAND) has welcomed the opportunity to host the event.

"PCAND and the city of Vila do Conde have the pleasure and honour to host the first World Boccia Youth World Championships," said António Barata, PCAND President.

"We consider it to be a recognition for the work dedicated over 38 years to athletes and the sport of Boccia.

"The overwhelming willingness to welcome young practitioners from all over the world, coupled with the accumulated experience of many successful international event organisations gives us the guarantee of being able to meet BISFed’s requirements and all participants’ expectations.

"See you all in 2023."

The BISFed said the organisation had received bids from Italy and Portugal to host the event.

The latter was ultimately awarded the inaugural World Youth Championships.

"I would like to thank both bidders from Portugal and Italy for the excellent standard of their bids," said David Hadfield, BISFed President.

"We are very excited to be able to stage the Boccia Youth World Championships in a familiar environment in Portugal.

"We are also delighted that the rapid growth of our sport will support this new competition and we expect the event will introduce the world to the boccia stars of the future.

"We look forward to seeing our young athletes in Portugal."

Eight teams will enter the team competition, with the same number competing in the pairs BC3 and BC4 events.

There will be a minimum of four athletes in the BC1 and BC2 events for men and women, with a maximum of 24 competitors.

The BC3 and BC4 events will have a minimum of 12 athletes and a maximum of 20.