European Health and Fitness Association (EHFA) is one of the eight associate partners of the European Union's (EU) new "MOVE" project.

The scheme is being funded by the EU Commission's Executive Agency for Health and Consumers and operated by the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA).

The "MOVE" project aims to promote physical activity to socio-economically underprivileged areas with a focus on disadvantaged groups - including ethnic minorities, immigrants and older people.

Herman Rutgers, EHFA's executive director, said: "This project underpins the developing role of the fitness sector in promoting the benefits and opportunities for people from all ages and backgrounds to take regular exercise.

"Our Standards Council is already developing specific standards for the further training and qualifications for exercise professionals all across Europe to be able to work with children/adolescents and for older populations."