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Sport can help combat crime in communities, a joint Nacro and Football Foundation conference heard last week.

Reported crime rates decreased by 77 per cent in Barking and Dagenham, east London where a football-based project has been operating, according to chairperson of Sport England and Football Foundation board member, Trevor Brooking.

Head of youth activities at Nacro, Chris Dare, said the charity was able to reach more than 1,000 young people each week in high crime areas of England and Wales, as a result of its partnership with the Football Foundation. "Tackling crime is not just an issue for police and courts, but for the whole of the community. Sport can foster self-discipline and self-worth and help youngsters stay away from trouble," Dare said.