Derby County Football Club - in partnership with Derby City Council's b-active initiative - is to pioneer a programme aimed at engaging young people in physical activity and helping them lead healthier lifestyles.

The three-year project, funded through the Premier League and the Professional Football Association Community Fund, will focus on inactive young people, especially girls throughout the city.

Young people will be able to influence and direct other activities that take place.

Research conducted by Derby City Council and Leeds Metropolitan University in 2006 showed that 57% of five to 16-year-olds in Derby are not active enough and that 66% of girls aged 15 do not meet the Chief Medical Officer's recommendations of one hour of heart-pumping exercise every day.

The council's b-active experts, along with the Rams' acclaimed Derby County in the Community team, have successfully secured over £500,000 and appointed Sharon Dale as project manager and Arron Winfield as project officer to drive the three-year scheme.

Derby County's President and CEO Tom Glick spoke of his pride that the club would be working together with b-active to tackle physical inactivity in Derby.

He said: "This is a momentous day for Derby County and I am immensely proud of Derby County in the Community is working in partnership with b-active on this innovative project which highlights the football club's position as a national leader in community activities.

"As the sporting figure head in the city and in the region we are in an extremely strong position to use our profile and the reputation to engage the local community that we serve."

Joe Naitta, Derby City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: "All 11 to 16-year-olds will benefit from this project.

"An 'active bus' will travel around the city, armed with health and activity information, experts and exercise and sport equipment.

"Girls of this age group have told us that they want to have access to dance and this will play an important role in getting young females more active.

"An extensive dance programme including street, hip hop and contemporary dance styles will hit the streets from January next year."

For further information about the youth initiative please contact Jess Wickham on 01332 641246 or email Jess.Wickham@derby.gov.uk.