A new report has underlined the 'highly effective' role of sports schemes in helping combat youth crime and antisocial behaviour, as well as saving taxpayers' money.

The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation commissioned the Teenage Kicks research, which was produced by think tank and consultancy New Philanthropy Capital (NPC). Results from three community-based schemes were examined as part of the report - Kickz; 2nd Chance; and The Boxing Academy in Tottenham, North London.

Each of the projects, which use sport in a bid to engage young people in a wider programme of education and support, were found to be successful in reducing youth crime. Report author Camilla Nevill said: "Cuts to sport and youth projects are a false economy. Sport combined with targeted support has huge potential to engage hard to reach young people, change lives and communities, and provide value for money.

"For example, we found that one Kickz project creates £7 value for every £1 invested, by reducing costs to victims, police, prisons and court." Laureus World Sports Academy member Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson added: "This report has produced evidence which proves that sport in certain circumstances can also be a more cost-effective solution than traditional social means."