Volunteer Liability Insurance for Sports Clubs

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Protect your volunteers - and your club - against injury claims, accidents and legal liability arising from voluntary roles.

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We compare quotes from leading insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

PROTECT THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP YOUR CLUB RUNNING

Why Volunteer Liability Insurance Matters

Volunteers are the backbone of most UK sports clubs. From coaches and team managers to bar staff, committee members, stewards and grounds helpers, volunteers make organised sport possible. Yet many clubs underestimate the legal and financial risks associated with volunteer involvement.

If a volunteer is injured while carrying out club duties - or causes injury or damage to someone else - the club may still be legally responsible. Volunteer Liability Insurance helps protect both the individual and the organisation against claims, legal costs and compensation.

What Is Volunteer Liability Insurance?

Volunteer Liability Insurance is designed to protect sports clubs when volunteers are injured or alleged to have caused injury or property damage while acting on behalf of the club. In many cases, volunteers are treated similarly to employees under UK liability law.

This cover usually operates alongside Employers’ Liability and Public Liability insurance, ensuring there are no gaps when volunteers are involved in club activities.

  • Injury to volunteers while carrying out club duties
  • Claims alleging negligence by the club
  • Legal defence costs and compensation
  • Cover during training, matches and events
  • Protection for club committees and trustees
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Common Volunteer Risk Scenarios

Volunteers often perform a wide range of tasks, sometimes without formal training. Insurers recognise that these activities introduce genuine risk - particularly at busy community clubs with limited resources.

  • Slips and trips while stewarding or setting up events
  • Manual handling injuries during equipment setup
  • Accidents while working behind the bar or in kitchens
  • Injuries during grounds maintenance or pitch preparation
  • Claims arising from volunteer coaching or supervision
  • Incidents involving spectators or visiting teams
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Volunteers & Employers’ Liability Insurance

Employers’ Liability Insurance is legally required in the UK if your club employs staff. While volunteers are not always legally classed as employees, many policies extend Employers’ Liability to include volunteers because they work under the club’s direction and control.

This is particularly important for sports clubs, where volunteers often perform tasks similar to paid roles. Correctly structured insurance avoids uncertainty and ensures volunteers are protected if something goes wrong.

  • Supports legal compliance where staff are employed
  • Extends protection to volunteers where applicable
  • Covers injury and illness claims
  • Protects club officers from personal exposure
  • Complements Public Liability cover
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Knowing our volunteers were properly protected gave everyone confidence to keep supporting the club.

Club Secretary, Community Sports Club

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Are volunteers covered under public liability insurance?

Public Liability usually covers claims made by third parties. Injuries to volunteers are typically covered under Employers’ Liability or specialist volunteer cover.

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Do volunteer coaches need to be declared?

Yes. Coaching roles should be disclosed so insurers can confirm appropriate cover.

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Is volunteer liability insurance legally required?

There is no standalone legal requirement, but clubs may still be legally liable for volunteer injuries, making cover highly advisable.

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Does this cover apply at events and fundraisers?

Yes, provided the activities are organised by or on behalf of the club.

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Can volunteer cover be combined with other club insurance?

Yes. Volunteer liability is usually included within a wider sports club insurance package.

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