Darwin group combat juvenile crime with basketball

A grassroots group in Palmerston is using basketball as a way to drive down juvenile crime.

It's started up a youth diversion program called StreetBall, which runs in the suburb of Moulden on Saturday nights.

Serena Dalton from Grassroots Action for Palmerston told 9NEWS it's a big community effort.

"Just trying to encourage kids to find something better, more constructive to do," Ms Dalton said.

The sessions are run by three American professional players, who teach kids the three-on-three game.

Deola D-Brown Folarin said it's a good way to build friendships.

"That brotherhood, that lasts a lifetime," he said.

StreetBall was born out of a series of community meetings earlier this year, where frustrated residents called for more action to curb youth crime.

The NT Government has funded the program for four weeks, but organisers are hoping to continue it.

The last session will be held at 6pm this Saturday.