
STRUCTURE
LEGAL STRUCTURES
Our legal structures matrix will help you gain a better understanding of the different legal structures available.
Gaining a better understanding of them is important to help ensure your club is structured in the best way possible, not just for the here and now but to support your future ambitions too. Exploring different legal structures can help determine whether your club is a separate legal entity or not, how liability sits with members and how your club is viewed by others.

CONSTITUTION GUIDELINE & TEMPLATE
Having some basic principles outlined for your club can help your members understand their roles and responsibilities whilst maintaining good relationships with those both inside and outside your club.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
Every club will have mandatory roles within their structure. What begins to differ from club to club is the additional roles and the structures these sit within.
This will vary due to the number of teams; the skill sets of the members and needs of the club, there is no one size fits all. Club structures should be evolving and reviewed annually to ensure your club is set up in the right way to support growth and retention.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
There are many different roles required to run a grassroots football club. A summary of some of these roles with a brief explanation of their responsibilities and the key skills needed to be successful at the role can be found within this section. Mandatory roles are required as part of the club accreditation with FAW and others are roles or functions that should be considered based on your own club’s circumstances. A template job description has been provided for each of the mandatory and recommended roles. You can use these to help you with resource planning, new volunteer recruitment and induction.
RUNNING THE CLUB EFFECTIVELY
Demonstrating that you are a well-managed club can help show your members and stakeholders that you are the right club to build a connection with. By regularly meeting to discuss matters, evidencing agreements and next steps, it can positively keep you on track with your aspirations, whilst proving your efficiency.
STRUCTURE CASE STUDY
All clubs have a story. It is about connecting and learning how they structure their club.
STRUCTURE
What it is
An appropriate structure which helps your club operate in the right way with the right people.
Why it matters
Having appropriate structures will support better decision making, win confidence in members, partners and stakeholders and help you achieve your ambitions.
PEOPLE
What it is
Clubs do not run without people. Widening your reach of individuals from different backgrounds, communities and skill sets can strengthen your club whilst demonstrating you are a club for all.
Why it matters
Having people who have diverse skill sets, experiences and backgrounds can help enable good decision-making, show representation of your wider audience and win confidence in members, partners and stakeholders.
COMMUNICATION
What it is
Providing consistent, relevant and transparent communications to members, stakeholders and the wider community.
Why it matters
Sharing key information about your club is a great way of letting people know what you’re up to.
POLICIES
What it is
Having a series of guidelines can ensure that everyone keeps on track and the club remains compliant both within the football world and in wider society.
Why it matters
Understanding your responsibilities, complying with laws and regulations and following appropriate guidelines will ensure things are done correctly and you instil trust with members, partners and stakeholders.