Description:
An informal group bound by a constitution or rules. Not a legal entity—contracts and liabilities fall on individuals.

Pros:

• Simple and cheap to set up
• Minimal admin and reporting
• Suitable for small, volunteer-led clubs

Cons:

• No legal personality—can’t own property or enter contracts
• Committee members may be personally liable
• Limited access to funding and grants

Best for:
Small, local clubs with no employees or assets.

Setup Steps:

• Draft a constitution (template via Sport England or County FA)
• Elect a committee
• Open a club bank account
• Optional: affiliate with NGB or County FA

Useful Links:

• Sport England Constitution Templates
• FA Club Structures Guide (PDF)

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• Description:
  A formal incorporated structure without shareholders. Members guarantee a nominal amount (£1) if the company is wound up.

  Pros:

  • Legal personality—can own assets and enter contracts
  • Limited liability for members
  • Recognised by funders and governing bodies
  • Can register as a CASC or charity

  Cons:

  • Requires Companies House registration and annual filings
  • More admin than unincorporated model
  • Directors have fiduciary duties

  Best for:
  Medium-sized clubs with assets, staff, or funding ambitions.

  Setup Steps:

  • Choose a company name
  • Draft Articles of Association
  • Register with Companies House
  • Appoint directors and guarantor members

  Useful Links:

  • Register a CLG – Companies House
  • Model Articles – GOV.UK

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Description:
A tax status, not a legal structure. Can be applied to CLGs or other incorporated bodies.

Pros:

• Tax reliefs (e.g. business rates, Gift Aid)
• HMRC recognition
• Still allows trading within limits

Cons:

• Must meet strict eligibility criteria
• Limits on non-member income
• Can’t pay directors unless permitted

Best for:
Clubs seeking tax benefits but not full charitable status.

Setup Steps:

• Must be incorporated (e.g. CLG)
• Ensure constitution meets CASC criteria
• Apply to HMRC with supporting documents

Useful Links:

• Register as a CASC – HMRC
• CASC Guidance – HMRC

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Description:
A legal structure regulated by the Charity Commission. Combines charity status with incorporation.

Pros:

• Limited liability
• No need to register with Companies House
• Access to charitable funding and tax reliefs
• Clear governance model

Cons:

• Slower to set up
• Must meet charitable objectives
• Trading must be via a subsidiary

Best for:
Clubs with strong community focus and charitable aims.

Setup Steps:

• Choose a name and charitable purpose
• Draft a constitution (foundation or association model)
• Apply via Charity Commission portal

Useful Links:

• Register a CIO – Charity Commission
• CIO Constitution Templates – GOV.UK

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Description:
A limited company with a social purpose, regulated by the CIC Regulator.

Pros:

• Limited liability
• Can trade and pay staff
• Easier to set up than a charity
• Asset lock protects community benefit

Cons:

• No Gift Aid or charity tax reliefs
• Must pass community interest test
• Annual reporting to CIC Regulator

Best for:
Clubs with mixed commercial and social aims.

Setup Steps:

• Choose a name and draft Articles of Association
• Complete CIC36 form
• Register with Companies House

Useful Links:

• • Register a CIC – GOV.UK
  • CIC Regulator Guidance

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Description:
A CLG that is also a registered charity.

Pros:

• Full charitable status and tax reliefs
• Legal personality and limited liability
• Widely recognised by funders

Cons:

• Dual regulation
• Complex governance and reporting
• Trading must be via a subsidiary

Best for:
Larger clubs with charitable aims and capacity for compliance.

Setup Steps:

• Register as CLG with Companies House
• Apply to Charity Commission
• Draft governing documents to meet both regulators’ requirements

Useful Links:

• • • Register a Charity – GOV.UK
    • Register a CLG – Companies House

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Description:
Incorporated under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act. Owned by members.

Pros:

• Legal personality and limited liability
• Democratic governance
• Can raise capital via community shares

Cons:

• Less common in sport
• Regulated by the FCA
• Complex to convert from other structures

Best for:
Clubs with strong member ownership ethos or community share ambitions.

Setup Steps:

• Choose co-op or community benefit model
• Draft rules using FCA templates
• Apply to Financial Conduct Authority

Useful Links:

• • • Register a Society – FCA
    • Community Shares Unit

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Description:
Standard commercial company with shareholders. Used by professional clubs.

Pros:

• Full commercial flexibility
• Can pay dividends and raise equity
• Suitable for high-revenue operations

Cons:

• No tax reliefs or charitable benefits
• Shareholder interests may conflict with community aims
• Complex governance

Best for:
Professional clubs with commercial operations and investor backing.

Setup Steps:

• Choose a name and share structure
• Draft Articles of Association
• Register with Companies House

Useful Links:

• • • Register a Ltd Company – GOV.UK

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Description:
A dual structure: Ltd company for commercial operations, CIO or charity for community work.

Pros:

• Clear separation of commercial and charitable activities
• Access to both funding and trading opportunities
• Protects charitable assets from commercial risk

Cons:

• Requires careful governance and inter-company agreements
• Dual reporting and compliance
• Risk of mission drift

Best for:
Professional clubs with a community foundation or charitable outreach.

Setup Steps:

• Register Ltd company for trading arm
• Register CIO or charity for foundation
• Draft service-level agreements between entities
• Align governance and branding

Useful Links:

• • • • Register Ltd – Companies House
      • Register CIO – Charity Commission

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Securing funding is a vital part of sustaining and growing a sports club—whether you're upgrading facilities, launching community programmes, or covering day-to-day costs. This section provides direct links to trusted funding sources across the UK, including grants, development funds, and support schemes tailored to grassroots and community sport.

Each link is chosen for relevance, accessibility, and practical impact. Where possible, we've included guidance notes, eligibility criteria, and application tips to help your club make the most of every opportunity.