Building stronger, sustainable sports clubs.
We're a one-stop shop for community sports clubs with big ambitions. From funding and governance to impact measurement and capacity building, we provide the practical support clubs need to grow, sustain and maximise every opportunity available to them.
About Us.
Build Foundations. Access Funding. Grow with Confidence
Running a community sports club has never been more demanding. Research shows that 32% of grassroots clubs are now operating without any financial reserves, volunteers are giving more time than ever, and most clubs are managing governance, funding, and compliance with little or no external support.
Club Development Solutions exists to change that. We work with grassroots and community sports clubs across the UK to help them grow sustainably, access more funding, and build the legal and governance foundations they need to thrive. From charitable incorporation and Gift Aid registration to trustee training, grant applications, and digital tools, we bring everything together in one place, so your committee can focus on what matters most: delivering sport in your community.
What we do
Our services are designed to strengthen your club and keep your focus on delivering sport in your community.
01
We help clubs incorporate and secure charitable or CASC status to protect volunteers and access Gift Aid and grant funding.
02
We help clubs register for Google for Nonprofits and manage £7,500 of free Google advertising per month to drive traffic to their website.
03
We help clubs identify funding opportunities, submit applications and set up online giving platforms to increase donations.
04
We help clubs register for Gift Aid and maximise the income they can claim.
05
We deliver practical training and workshops to build confidence and capacity in clubs.
Our support packages
Club Access provides a low-commitment way for clubs to explore incorporation, funding, and governance support.
It includes access to selected Club Development Academy learning modules, a free 30-minute consultation call to discuss your club’s situation, and a monthly newsletter with funding opportunities and sector updates.
Club Assist supports clubs to put appropriate structures and compliance in place and to become funding-ready.
The package includes full support with incorporation as a CIO, SCIO, or Company Limited by Guarantee (including CASC where appropriate), full access to the Club Development Academy, HMRC registration for Gift Aid, and setup and management of Google for Nonprofits, including Ad Grants and monthly performance reporting.
It also includes a trustee training session covering compliance and trustee duties, JustGiving setup, registration with ActionFunder, and a monthly funding and sector update newsletter.
Club Maximise provides ongoing governance and funding support for clubs with more complex needs or growth ambitions.
In addition to everything included in Club Assist, this package covers Gift Aid management and ongoing claims, proactive grant funding management (including identifying opportunities and submitting an average of four applications per month), support with OSCR or Charity Commission reporting and filing, and secretary and governance support such as agenda preparation, minute-taking, and ensuring compliance with the club’s constitution.
Our Impact
in Numbers
Facts & Figures
70+
Clubs Supported
We've helped over 70 clubs save money and generate new income
No Upfront Costs
Much of our work is free until you're reaping the benefits and generating new income
£0
£560m
Unclaimed Gift Aid
Up to £560 million in Gift Aid went unclaimed by charities last year
Average New Income
How much extra revenue we can typically help sports clubs generate. See how much we can help you generate with our free calculator.
25%
50%
Rising costs
50% of clubs had to dip into their reserves just to meet basic liabilities
New funding exploration
Only one in three clubs intend to identify new funding opportunities.
1 in 3
32%
Clubs in need
32% of grassroots clubs are operating with no financial reserves at all
Average volunteer hours
The average club now relies on over 12 hours of volunteering per week.
12h +
Case Study
Gala Fairydean Community Trust x CDS
We are delighted to have helped Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Trust unlock over £20,000 in Gift Aid, with funds reinvested directly into grassroots football provision including coaching qualifications, new equipment, and girls', para and walking football squads.
When the Trust approached CDS, Gift Aid administration had proved difficult to manage without dedicated staff. Within weeks, systems were simplified, backdated claims submitted and new policies put in place.
"Within a fortnight Andrew had streamlined our system and taken a lot of weight off our shoulders." — Dave Scott, Trustee
The partnership continues to cover governance advice, policy development and financial sustainability planning ensuring no available income is left on the table.
What Our Clients Say
"CDS's support in gaining charitable status was just what we needed. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and we are now positioned to reap the benefits"
Salisbury Stingrays Swimming Club
"CDS guided us through the process seamlessly of rewriting our constitution and completing the application forms. They made it straightforward and simple due to their expertise and experience"
Turriff Community Football Club
"CDS were key in helping us transition to a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation and register with HMRC to claim Gift Aid"
Aberdeen Athletics Club
"We were so grateful to CDS's support to help us through the process of applying for charitable status. They were always on hand to answer any questions we had. I can't stress enough how invaluable their help was."
Niddry Castle Golf Club
"At all times the professional, punctual and friendly support from CDS was most welcome in navigating the path. Any other clubs seeking help or advice couldn't hope for a more progressive and calm influence than that provided by Andrew and CDS".
Kirkcudbright Golf Club
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