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:
- Design sport intentionally to support positive youth development.
- Invest in trusted relationships and the people delivering programs.
- Create pathways to education, employment and leadership.
- Make equity and community realities central to program design.
- Build strong partnerships across sectors.
- 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
