It is to be the first European-based international event featuring World Lacrosse Sixes, a shorter and faster discipline of the traditional game.

Competition is scheduled to take place in Vila Real de Santo António on the Algarve from February 25 and 27 2022 and has been organised by Portugal Lacrosse and the European Lacrosse Federation with support from World Lacrosse.

A total of 18 men's and women's national teams are expected to compete.

"World Lacrosse Sixes is intended to open the game to more countries around the world, making it universally accessible while maintaining a high level of competitiveness," said World Lacrosse chief executive Jim Scherr. 

"Just months after the launch of this new discipline, the European Lacrosse Sixes Cup will already showcase the power of sixes - not only by bringing an international tournament to a new region but in allowing the participation of emerging countries. 

"With 73 national lacrosse federations and counting, sixes creates a more level and inclusive playing field for our rapidly expanding membership base."

Men's teams already confirmed are Belgium, England, Germany, Portugal, Switzerland and Ukraine.

Belgium, England Under-23s, Germany, Britain, Italy, Spain and Ukraine are set to compete in the women's tournament.

World Lacrosse started its sixes event with wins for the United States and Canada in Maryland last month.