Positive Futures uses sports and other activities to engage young people, but the research has shown it is the personal and social development that follows the engagement that is critical.
The programme was set up in 2000, and now includes more than 100 projects in England and Wales. The study, Knowing the Score, is the result of two years of research focusing on six projects, and was led by Sheffield Hallam University.
Professor Tim Crabbe, the author of the report, said successful projects build relationships with young people. "That involves linking youth work skills with sport development," he said. "But youth work is at the centre. Some of the most successful projects just buy in the sport provision."
Gary Stannett, director of Positive Futures, said a lot of the general comments made in the report back the direction the programme has been taking.
The report says an intermediate agency should be set up to work between the national programme - which is run by Crime Concern - and local partners.
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