Sports clubs, regulatory bodies and associations are in many ways no different from the business and public sector organisations that we all interact with on a daily basis. Those running them need to understand how a business works, what rules and regulations govern their areas of expertise and how to manage risk.
Here's how we can help
We provide support and advice when daily business issues become more complicated and where opportunities perhaps need some strategic input and specific technical expertise. We also put our advice into context. No jargon. Just commercial advice specifically tailored to your business.
The team draws on a huge amount of experience from across the firm in areas including:
- employment contracts;
- HR support;
- property and stadium development/relocation;
- commercial opportunities;
- investment;
- regulatory, corporate governance and "rule book" advice;
- community ventures and charitable foundations;
- contract and employment-related disputes;
- disciplinary proceedings; and
- mediation and arbitration.
Muckle LLP helping National Sporting Bodies
We are also appointed advisers for a new legal panel framework established by Sport England, Sport Wales, UK Sport and the Sport and Recreation Alliance. It aims to bring improved rates and a wide range of other value added opportunities to national governing bodies (NGBs) and wider sport and recreational organisations. The panel will provide services across nineteen areas of law including child protection, governance, athlete selection, EU sports policy and major events.
Muckle LLP was chosen based on criteria such as price, value-added services, its understanding and experience of working with sport and recreation organisations and its commitment to training and development.
What people say about us
“We were looking for a legal team who could handle all aspects of law, because of the breadth of issues that FA Charter Standard Clubs and Leagues have to deal with. We were very impressed by the Muckle sports team’s experience, desire to help and can do attitude. The legal issues they will face from the Clubs and Leagues will be varied and sometimes complex, but we believe they have the expertise to provide pragmatic and commercial legal advice, so that Clubs and Leagues can get on with what they do best – playing and enjoying football.”
Douglas Marshall, professional support lawyer, The Football Association
"Football has the ability to inspire and engage. Through Chelsea FC Foundation, we are able to support individuals and their communities, in the UK and overseas. John advised the Club on establishing the charity in 2009 and we invited him to become a trustee. The Foundation has grown to deliver a range of community, multi-sports, disability, anti-racism, health and social inclusion projects both domestically and abroad. John's expertise in this niche area has helped us to benefit fully from charitable status and we look forward to increasing the scope of activities and opportunities we can offer to children and young people worldwide."
Simon Taylor, Head of the Chelsea FC Foundation
“Since the inception of the Falcons Community Foundation in 2005 John Devine has not only been integral to the establishment of the charity, but has continually provided the Board of Trustees and Foundation staff with outstanding guidance to drive the work of the Charity forward. The Falcons Community Foundation aims to educate, motivate and inspire via the power of sport and work with up to 20,000 members of the community every year. Working across five pillars of activity, John’s advice has allowed us to expand our grassroots sport, health, education, social inclusion and club development objectives in a highly professional manner. John’s knowledge of the sporting charities sector is unparalleled and has enabled us to maximise the impact we are able to have on various community groups.”
Melanie Magee, Falcons Community Foundation Manager
"As a result of John Devine’s outstanding knowledge of the charity sector we have been able to understand and develop more effectively what we are doing in our communities, enabling us to build on our strengths and help us spot other important areas that may need support and advice.”
Andy Evans, CEO, QPR in the Community Trust
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to support children and young people both in the UK and Caribbean through The Jason Roberts Foundation. Since 2007, we have aimed to offer a sporting chance to those in need, creating opportunities for youngsters to increase their self-confidence and fulfil their potential in life. I have enjoyed working with John for over 7 years, both personally and through the Foundation. He has always given clear, pragmatic advice and I look forward to continuing to develop the Foundation with support from John and my fellow trustees."
Jason Roberts MBE, Blackburn Rovers FC, Grenada and Jason Roberts Foundation
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