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Most grassroots sports clubs in the UK start in the same way. A group of people come together to organise training sessions, matches, and competitions for their local community. In legal terms, this type of organisation is known as an unincorporated association. For many clubs, this structure works well in the early stages. It is simple, flexible, and requires very little formal administration. But it also comes with important limitations and risks that club committees sho

Community sports clubs do far more than organise matches and training sessions. They create opportunities for people to be active, bring communities together, support wellbeing, and provide safe spaces for young people to develop.

Community Asset Transfer (CAT) can give sports clubs the opportunity to secure long term control of the facilities they rely on. This article explains what CAT is, why clubs pursue it, and the key stages involved, from feasibility and business planning through to formal application and handover. It also outlines the responsibilities that come with managing a community asset and how Club Development Solutions can support clubs throughout the process.

Every year, strong sports clubs miss out on funding. The problem is rarely the idea. It is the application. Funders do not fund shopping lists. They fund clear need, credible organisations, and projects that create measurable change. If you want to improve your success rate, you must understand how assessors think and what gives them confidence. Start with the Need, Not the Equipment Many clubs begin with what they want to buy. Goals. Bikes. Kit. Coaching hours. That is the w

Your committee shapes the future of your club. It sets direction, controls finances, manages risk and represents your members. When it works well, your club feels organised and confident. When it does not, decisions stall, volunteers burn out and progress slows. If you want to get more from your committee, you need structure, clarity and accountability. Here are 7 practical steps you can take to improve your committee’s effectiveness. Be clear about purpose Your committee exi

Many sports clubs still operate as unincorporated associations. It feels simple. It feels familiar. It also carries risk. If your club is not incorporated, you and your fellow committee members could be personally liable if something goes wrong. This is not theoretical. Trustees and committee members have been sued personally for £50,000, £85,000, even £800,000 when contracts or employment issues went wrong ClubStructureIncorporation. If your club owns property, employs staff

If you run a sports club, VAT can cost you thousands each year. It can also create risk if you get it wrong. Many clubs either ignore VAT or assume they are too small to worry about it. Here's what you need to know. When does VAT apply to your club? You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any rolling 12 month period. That threshold applies in 2026 and you should always check the current figure with HMRC. Taxable turnover includes income from: Bar

England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed that around £45m from the sale of teams in The Hundred will be invested into grassroots cricket, with a strong focus on inclusion. The money comes from the £520m raised through private investment into the eight Hundred teams. Ten percent of that total was ring-fenced for the grassroots game in England and Wales. The ECB has now created a new Strategic Facilities Fund. This fund will back larger-scale capital projects and is expect

If your club relies on memberships, donations, and fundraising, you could be missing out on thousands of pounds each year. Gift Aid allows eligible clubs to claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer. That means a £100 donation becomes £125 at no extra cost to the donor. Across the UK, hundreds of millions of pounds in Gift Aid go unclaimed every year. Many sports clubs either are not registered correctly or do not have the right systems in place. This is money

Club Development Solutions is proud to highlight its ongoing partnership with Gala Fairydean Rovers Community Trust, which has helped the Trust unlock around £20,000 in Gift Aid and significantly strengthen its long-term financial sustainability. Established in 2020 and run entirely by volunteers, the Community Trust plays a vital role in supporting football participation across the Scottish Borders. Like many grassroots organisations, however, navigating the complexity of Gi

HMRC estimates that around £560m of eligible Gift Aid was not claimed  because donors didn’t tick the box. The UK Government’s latest...

A survey published by Charity Finance Group (CFG) has revealed that while Gift Aid continues to be a lifeline for charities and community sports clubs across the UK, many are still missing out on vital income.

What’s Changing A new rates relief scheme (Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Relief) for 2025/26 gives eligible occupied leisure properties...

Grassroots clubs are brilliant at mobilising their communities to raise funds — but are we as good at handling the tough conversations...

The UK government has announced that future grassroots sport funding will be dependent on equality of access between boys and girls....

The most important factors for funders when considering applications for grants. Securing funding is one of the biggest challenges for...

We've been working with Athena Glasgow Women and Girls Academy in supporting their governance, finances and capacity. At Club Development...

At Club Development Solutions, we are proud to support community sports organisations across Scotland to strengthen their governance,...

Over the past few months, I’ve been approached by several sports clubs – including municipal and members’ clubs – who are facing...

Club Development Solutions is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new service designed to help charitable sports clubs access and...