Incorporation and Legal Structure Options
A democratic, member-owned organisation that exists to benefit the wider community, often used by sports clubs and community enterprises.
A limited company structure that provides limited liability to members or directors, with CICs designed for social purpose and CLGs commonly used by non-profits.
A legally recognised charitable organisation with limited liability, regulated by the Charity Commission or OSCR, eligible for tax reliefs and Gift Aid.
Our Incorporation Process
We guide your club through every stage of the incorporation process, from choosing the right legal structure to registering with the regulator and transferring assets.
Our approach combines expert advice, practical templates, and hands-on support, making incorporation straightforward, affordable, and stress-free.
By the end of the process, your club will be fully incorporated, compliant with regulatory requirements, and ready to take advantage of benefits such as limited liability, access to more funding, and Gift Aid.
1. Explore Your Options
We’ll meet with your committee to explain what incorporation means for your club. Together, we’ll explore the range of legal structures available, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each, including charitable status.
2. Draft Your Governing Document
We’ll work with your committee to draft a governing document that fits your chosen structure. With pre-approved templates already agreed by regulators, we can make this process quicker and easier.
3. Register with the Regulator
Once your governing document is agreed, we’ll liaise directly with the relevant regulator, OSCR, Companies House, the FCA, or the Charity Commission, to officially register your new entity.
4. Deliver Compliance Training
We’ll run an educational workshop or webinar for your committee to explain both the “must dos” (such as annual reporting) and “best practices” in governance, ensuring your club is compliant and well-prepared.
5. Transfer Club Assets
We’ll help you transfer assets from the old unincorporated association into your new incorporated entity, making sure your club operates smoothly without disruption.
6. Register for Gift Aid
Where eligible, we’ll register your club with HMRC for Gift Aid, enabling you to claim an extra 25% on every donation made – boosting your fundraising capacity from day one.
The Benefits of Incorporation for Sports Clubs in Numbers
£0
Committee members and trustees are protected from being personally liable for club debts (except in cases of fraud/negligence).
25%
Registered charities and CASCs can claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated.
80%–100%
Charities and CASCs receive 80% mandatory relief on business rates, with many local authorities granting the additional 20% discretionary relief.
£10,000+
Many grant funders (e.g. Sport England, National Lottery) require clubs to be incorporated or charitable to apply to funding from them.
Club Incorporations
Expertise
With years of experience and over 40 successful incorporations, we bring unrivalled knowledge of legal structures for sports clubs. Whether your club is grassroots or semi-professional, we understand the unique needs of sporting organisations.
Clarity
We make the complex simple. From explaining the pros and cons of incorporation to drafting governing documents, we provide clear, practical guidance at every step.
