Sport as youth violence prevention

This article addresses the potential sporting and leisure activities have for the prevention of youth violence in urban settings. A side effect of the accelerated global urbanization process is the increase of young people living in cities, especially in marginalized and poor areas. They are often excluded socially and economically and are deprived of facilities that allow them a positive use of their leisure time. Planned initiatives involving sport, leisure, and cultural activities can empower those excluded youth, equip them with relevant social skills and offer an alternative to violent or criminal behaviour. The article is by no means meant to be exhaustive but its aim is to give a short overview illustrated by examples of intervention measures in Brazil, Sudan and the USA.