The Premier League will expand its Premier League Kicks community programme by working with the Government to support young people in areas affected by violent crime.

The scheme, designed to engage young people aged 11-19 in constructive football-based activities in neighborhoods affected by anti-social behavior and crime, currently reaches 75,000 participants a year. The new plans agreed on by the Premier League and Government will expand the programme to more participants after speaking at the Prime Minister’s Serious Youth Violence Summit to tackle knife crime.

"The Premier League and our clubs recognise that young people today face huge pressures in their lives," Bill Bush, Premier League Executive Director, said, "Our education and social inclusion programmes engage thousands of youngsters every week in areas of high need.

"Working in partnership with a range of Government and third-sector organisations we are determined to use our popularity and reach to strengthen local communities. This includes working together with young people and supporting them in understanding how to deal with the very real dangers of gangs and knives."

Sport England has also pledged to increase investment in sport and physical activity for children in hot-spot areas past it's current the £10 million-per-year rate. The increase in funds will lead to a rise in sports "satellite" clubs, which are held after school and at weekends for 14 to 19-year-olds and aim to bridge the gap between school, college and community sport.