SINGAPORE - About 2,000 youth took part in the June edition of Delta League - a community engagement programme aimed at keeping youngsters away from crime during the June and December school holidays.

The league, which ended on Friday night at the Jurong West Stadium, is organised by the police and National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). Now in its seventh edition, the programme uses football as the key platform of engagement, drawing youths into a series of "self-improvement and crime awareness activities" said a police spokesman in a statement on Saturday.

"It is one of the largest football competitions for youths in Singapore," he said. "Through the twice-yearly football tournament and customised programmes - such as mentoring and community-involvement, the league promotes diligence, teamwork and discipline."

To date, Delta League has reached out to more than 5,000 youths from all backgrounds. The next edition will be organised during the December school holidays.