Sports against crime

dropdown Youth crime and vandalism in the Patchway district of Bristol have fallen by 20% in just a few months. Why? Because young people have stopped encouraging each other to do stupid and antisocial things, and are now making sure that they keep out of trouble. And it's all the result of a new football league! dropdown "Peer pressure" is a strong force, specially among young people. Almost everyone can remember a moment when they have felt compelled to do something because their friends were doing it, or to buy something because their friends had bought it. Without peer pressure, advertising would be much harder. There would also be fewer of today's big social problems: drugs, crime and so on. dropdown Two Bristol policemen, have organised a six-a-side football league for teenagers in Patchway, one of the poorest parts of the city. Police in several parts of Britain organise similar football leagues or competitions. The aim is just to keep teens occupied, and build confidence between teenagers and the police. dropdown A new system was also introduced. In this system football results are linked to young people's behaviour off the pitch. Teams score points for winning their matches, but lose points if any team-member does anything he shouldn't.... on the football field or off it!