New Report Examines How Sport Can Support Youth Crime Prevention and Safer Communities

ICSN and SIRC release evidence-informed recommendations for policymakers, funders and community program leaders

OTTAWA — October 7, 2026 — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN), in partnership with the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC), has released Youth Crime Prevention Through Sport: Evidence and Insights for Sustainable Change.

Commissioned by ICSN, with research conducted by SIRC, the report examines how sport-based programs can contribute to youth crime prevention, positive youth development and safer, more inclusive communities.

The report comes at an important time. While Canada’s overall youth crime rate declined by 31 per cent between 2014 and 2024, youth violent crime increased by 10 per cent. Indigenous and Black youth also remain significantly overrepresented within correctional supervision.

The report emphasizes that sport alone does not prevent crime. Its greatest value lies in creating safe spaces, building trusted relationships, strengthening protective factors and connecting young people to education, employment, mentorship, leadership and community resources.

“When young people have access to spaces where they feel supported, represented and connected, sport can become more than an activity—it can become a pathway to confidence, leadership and opportunity,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN. “This report provides practical guidance for creating programs that respond to the strengths, realities and aspirations of young people.”

Drawing on Canadian and international evidence, the report identifies six key insights:

  1. Design sport intentionally to support positive youth development.
  2. Invest in trusted relationships and the people delivering programs.
  3. Create pathways to education, employment and leadership.
  4. Make equity and community realities central to program design.
  5. Build strong partnerships across sectors.
  6. Support long-term impact through sustainable investment and evaluation.

The report also features promising Canadian and international models, including ICSN’s Building Bridges program in Durham Region. The program uses sport, mentorship, leadership development and positive engagement with law enforcement to strengthen trust, belonging and access to future opportunities.

“The evidence supporting sport-based youth development continues to grow, but so does the need for stronger evaluation and sustainable investment,” added Veronica Allan, Director of Research and Strategic Initiatives for SIRC. “This report highlights both what we know and where gaps remain, providing a foundation for more informed decisions about how sport can contribute to positive youth outcomes and safer communities in Canada.”

Ultimately, the report concludes that sport is most valuable as a vehicle for connection, growth and opportunity. When intentionally designed and supported through strong partnerships, equity-focused approaches and sustainable investment, sport-based programs can help young people thrive and contribute to safer communities.

Read the full report in the ICSN Resources Hub: https://inclusionincanadiansports.ca/youth-crime-prevention-through-sport-evidence-and-insights-for-sustainable-change/

About the Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is a national not-for-profit multisport organization dedicated to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across the Canadian amateur sport system.

About the Sport Information Resource Centre

The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) is Canada’s leader in sport knowledge. Through research, insights and knowledge sharing, SIRC helps build a stronger, more inclusive and evidence-informed Canadian sport system. SIRC is a not-for-profit organization, incorporated in 1973 and funded in part by the Government of Canada.

For media inquiries, contact:

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN)
Brigitte Lefebvre-Okankwu
Brand & Creative Coordinator
communications@inclusionincanadiansports.ca

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
Taylor Matthews
Manager, Outreach and Operations
tmatthews@sirc.ca

SIRC and ICSN formalize partnership that brings research to Canada’s push for a more equitable sport system

OTTAWA — October 6, 2026 — The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) and the Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) have formalized an ongoing research partnership to build a more equitable and inclusive approach to sport in Canada, backed by evidence.

This partnership will combine ICSN’s community-based expertise, programming and connections across the Canadian sport system with SIRC’s research and knowledge-mobilization expertise to demonstrate the impacts of an equitable and inclusive amateur sport system.

“ICSN works directly with communities, while SIRC turns research into practical tools. Together, we can help sport organizations build on what’s already working, so everyone has the opportunity to participate meaningfully,” said Kim Gurtler, CEO of SIRC.

ICSN and SIRC have already kicked off multiple initiatives to review existing research across the landscape. The goal of this next project is to give sport organizations practical recommendations, showing how sport can help young people build skills, get an education and find career opportunities.

“Creating lasting change in sport requires us to connect evidence with the experiences of the communities we serve. Through this partnership with SIRC, we have an opportunity to build on what we are learning through our programs and networks and help translate that knowledge into meaningful action across the Canadian sport system,” said Shauna Bookal, President & CEO of ICSN.

As two recognized Multi-Sport Organizations (MSO) under Sport Canada, SIRC and ICSN are committed to collaboration and partnership in alignment with the Canada Strong for All strategy announced earlier this year. Both ICSN and SIRC wish to acknowledge that this partnership has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada.

About ICSN

The Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN) is a national not-for-profit multisport organization dedicated to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion across the Canadian amateur sport system. Through programs, community connection, education, professional development, leadership opportunities and strategic partnerships, ICSN works to create pathways for greater representation and safe, inclusive and accessible sport experiences across Canada for all.

About SIRC

The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) is Canada’s leader in sport knowledge. Through research, insights and knowledge sharing, SIRC helps build a stronger, more inclusive and evidence-informed Canadian sport system. SIRC is a not-for-profit organization, incorporated in 1973 and funded in part by the Government of Canada.

For media inquiries contact:

Inclusion in Canadian Sports Network (ICSN)
Brigitte Lefebvre-Okankwu
Brand & Creative Coordinator
communications@inclusionincanadiansports.ca

Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
Taylor Matthews
Manager, Outreach and Operations
tmatthews@sirc.ca