Both parties signed a memorandum of understanding and will work more closely with each other in future.

Adam Roczek and Matjaz Pecovnik, the President and secretary general of EUSA, signed the deal on behalf of their organisation.

They were joined by the EPF President and secretary general, Arnulf Wahlstrom and Ralph Farquharson.

"Some of the main objectives of the memorandum of understanding between EUSA and EPF include strengthening general cooperation and partnership between the two organisations, working together in activities and projects promoting university sport in Europe, promoting and contributing to the development of competitions in powerlifting disciplines among students, searching for wider synergies and new opportunities arising from the cooperation and encouraging gender equality in university sport while promoting sustainability, fair play and integrity within the sport," a EUSA statement said.

The first venture as part of the deal will be the organisation and promotion of the second European Open University Classic Powerlifting Cup.

This is scheduled to take place in Merignac in France between April 22 and 24 next year.

"The Memorandum of Understanding with EPF showcases EUSA’s progress and continued interest in partnerships and collaborations in the sporting sphere, with powerlifting adding to the wide range of sports offered in the EUSA programme," EUSA added.