A new report compiled by Loughborough University has revealed how a London cricket scheme launched in July 2008 is helping to combat youth crime.

The study - compiled by the university's Institute of Youth Sport - found that StreetChance reached more than 6,500 young people and is also improving the image of cricket throughout the capital. StreetChance - supported by Barclays Spaces for Sport - is being delivered across 15 London Boroughs in nearly 100 primary and secondary schools.

The three-year project is designed to use cricket to engage young people in areas affected by crime and anti-social behaviour and is delivered by schools and out-of-school community sessions. Donovan Miller, StreetChance community coach in Hackney, said: "In this area, we have Muslim kids, Jewish kids, West Indian kids, and English kids. What I've got is them coming together playing a game. Now if the cricket wasn't there, who knows what they would be doing but they definitely wouldn't be together."

StreetChance is the result of a partnership between the Cricket Foundation; Barclays Spaces for Sports; Cricket for Change and the Metropolitan Police, as well as Positive Futures."