Canada will be one of 16 teams competing at the 2012 worlds. (Associated Press)

Whitehorse will host the women's world softball championship in 2012, the International Softball Federation confirmed Wednesday.

The Yukon capital previously hosted the junior men's worlds in 2008.

"It's great," Softball Yukon executive director George Arcand told CBC News on Wednedsay.

"I think after having done the first one, this is going to be a lot of fun and a great experience. This could only be as much fun or better."

"A lot of it has to do with the organizing committee — having an active organizing committee that can put everything together," ISF president Don Porter said, noting that Whitehorse has "excellent facilities" and community support.

Arcand, chairman of the organizing committee, figures the women's worlds will attract 370 players — and twice as many spectators — to Whitehorse and possibly spark renewed interest in local women's ball.

"It worked with having the junior men here," he said. "We now have fastpitch back playing in a league situation so it may, in fact, do the same for the women."

Sixteen countries will be represented at Whitehorse, including Canada, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Greece, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, United States and Venezuela.

The 10-day tournament is tentatively scheduled to be played in the month of July, when the Yukon boasts 20 hours of sunlight — reducing the need to light diamonds.

This year's worlds will be played in Venezuela from June 23 to July 2.

With files from The Canadian Press