The teenagers - aged between 15 and 18 - will be coached in the art of shooting baskets, as well as in the skills of life.

The idea is twofold. First, you provide a healthy, sporting activity during the hours used by some youths to break bus shelters and pinch car stereos.

Midnight basketball players in Oakland City, USA

Secondly, having baited them with the promise of free basketball and sports kit, you oblige them to take part in workshops on everything from CV-writing skills and diet to debating the use of drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.

The concept is one that - according to numerous testimonies - has changed the lives of thousands of participants in the 13 years it has been running in the US.

Founded in Maryland in 1986, the US version of the programme offers "vulnerable" young men and women the opportunity to take part in safe, structured activity during "high risk" periods.

The scheme there has had its struggles - principally in gaining financial support. In the early days, it was believed that voters preferred to see their taxes being ploughed into building more prison cells.

Teenagers may join becasue they have nothing else to do

Cash for preventative schemes had to come from private donations and corporate sponsorship. Washington DC took some convincing that basketball could have a direct effect on crime rates.

But the hard work and dedication of thousands of volunteers and participants has been translated into plummeting crime rates in more than 60 towns and cities - some areas have seen reductions of 70%.

Now youth workers, police, local authorities, and sponsors of the pilot schemes, the National Playing Fields Association, are hoping that similar results can be achieved here in the UK.

Alterations have had to be made to the scheme. Vicky Bailey, recreation and development manager at the NPFA told BBC News Online: "We have made a number of changes to the American model - first in the age range.

"The American scheme is for 15-25 year-olds. We have made ours for 15-18 year-olds.

Crime rates have dropped by up to 70% in some areas of the US where the scheme is in operation

"We also have broader aims and targets for Midnight Basketball. In the States, they very specifically target young people who have been involved in crime, or who they fear may become involved in crime.

"We are taking the attitude that no-one who wants to join will be turned away, and we will make every effort to accommodate the needs of all participants.

"It could be that youngsters join simply because they have nothing else to do in the evening - not because they would misbehave if they didn't come.

"We also want to provide a broader subjects for the workshops, concentrating on promoting self-esteem and the skills needed to get on in life. That could include talking about the steps you need to get or job - or discussing relationship issues."

The times during which the scheme runs will also be different. Because of the age of some American participants, basketball goes on there until 2am. Here it is planned to run until 11pm, although the Midnight name will remain.

'No stigma in joining'

Midnight Basketball spokeswoman Paula Laing said: "Obviously, the communities where the pilots are running will be able to identify vulnerable youngsters.

"The police, for example, may know of young adults who might have been involved in crime, or who may come from disrupted family backgrounds, who they would strongly recommend the scheme to. But it is open to everyone. There is no stigma in joining, that is very important."

But while basketball is a sufficient lure to keep young Americans off the streets, the power of its magnetism for teenagers in the UK remains to be seen.

Workshops will offer advice on everything from job-hunting to diet

The scheme's organisers are optimistic. They point out that it is an "equitable" sport which people of either sex, disabled or able-bodied can take part in. It has no class values attached, it can be played indoors or out, and doesn't require a lot of equipment.

Ms Bailey said: "The profile of basketball is heightening in this country. We think it is something that will capture the imagination of young people. It also doesn't necessarily require a lot of skill, so that people of all sporting ability can take part."

It is hoped that the scheme will develop from the three pilot areas - one in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, one in Cardiff and one in London - to form a nationwide league.

With the backing of several bodies, including the English Basketball Association and the National Youth Agency, Midnight Basketball has plenty of potential.