This report outlines a Literature and Methodological Review undertaken as part of this research project. The full report will be published in early 2010.

In commissioning this research EA Sports were prompted by a desire to understand where the lust for football comes from, to gain a fuller picture of the passion for the game and to facilitate a better appreciation of the extent to which football has come to pervade English society, in ways which extend far beyond the confines of the football stadium and images of the eccentric football fanatic.

From April 2004, a research team led by Professor Tim Crabbe was invited to conduct a two year programme of detailed qualitative research into Positive Futures, a national sports and activity based social inclusion programme, funded by the Home Office Crime and Drug Strategy Directorate.

The research itself focused on six case study projects located in Yorkshire, Merseyside and London which reflected the diversity of organisational and delivery cultures within the wider programme.

The report aims to enable a clearer understanding of the issues relating to youth-crime, particularly knife, gun and gang related violence and to identify the best ways to mobilise sport’s potential to address these issues.

Daly Thompson supported the recommendations through a ‘Laureus – Breaking the Cycle of Violence’ bike ride from Manchester to London. The ride ended in London on 14th July, when the report will be presented to the Prime Minister at No 10.