What Insurance Does a Sports Club Need? (UK Guide)

A clear, practical guide to the insurance sports clubs need to operate safely and legally in the UK

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Understanding Sports Club Insurance in the UK

Running a sports club in the UK involves more than organising training sessions and fixtures. Clubs have legal responsibilities to members, staff, volunteers, spectators and the public. The right insurance protects the club financially, supports injured individuals and ensures compliance with UK law, league rules and venue requirements.

This guide explains the different types of insurance sports clubs commonly need, which covers are legally required, and how clubs can structure insurance efficiently as they grow.

Insure24 works with grassroots clubs, amateur and semi-professional organisations, community sports groups and multi-sport facilities to arrange insurance that fits how clubs actually operate.

Which Insurance Is Legally Required for Sports Clubs?

In the UK, only one type of insurance is strictly compulsory for most sports clubs:

  • Employers’ Liability Insurance – legally required if the club employs staff or uses volunteers

Employers’ liability insurance must provide a minimum of £5 million cover and applies even where staff are unpaid or volunteers are used occasionally.

While other covers are not required by law, many are required by leagues, governing bodies, councils, pitch providers or landlords.

Core Insurance Covers Most Sports Clubs Need

Although clubs vary by size, sport and structure, most UK sports clubs rely on a core set of insurance covers to operate safely.

Public Liability Insurance

Public liability insurance protects the club if a third party – such as a spectator, visitor or parent – is injured or has their property damaged due to the club’s activities.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

Employers’ liability covers injury or illness suffered by employees, coaches, instructors or volunteers while carrying out club duties. This is usually a legal requirement.

Personal Accident / Participant Injury Insurance

Personal accident insurance provides fixed financial benefits to players, members or officials who are injured during club activities, regardless of fault.

Equipment & Contents Insurance

Covers sports equipment, kits, training gear, goals, storage containers and contents within clubhouses or storage facilities.

Buildings & Facility Damage Insurance

Protects club-owned or club-managed facilities against fire, flood, storm and other insured property damage.

Additional Insurance Sports Clubs Often Need

  • Management / Committee Liability – protects committee members and trustees
  • Event & Tournament Insurance – cover for one-off or seasonal events
  • Business Interruption Insurance – protects income after insured damage
  • Theft & Vandalism Cover – for equipment and facilities
  • Professional Indemnity – for clubs providing coaching or instruction
  • Cyber & Data Insurance – for clubs holding member data and online systems

Do Sports Clubs Need a Combined Insurance Policy?

Many clubs choose a combined sports club insurance package rather than arranging multiple standalone policies. A combined policy brings together key covers such as public liability, employers’ liability, personal accident, equipment and facilities insurance.

Combined policies are often more cost-effective, easier to manage and reduce the risk of gaps or overlaps in cover.

How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Sports Club

When reviewing insurance, sports clubs should consider:

  • Type of sport and level of physical risk
  • Number of members, teams and age groups
  • Use of volunteers and paid staff
  • Facilities owned, leased or hired
  • League, governing body and venue requirements
  • Events, tournaments and fundraising activities

Insurance should be reviewed annually and updated whenever the club’s activities change.

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Sports Club Insurance – FAQs

+-Is insurance compulsory for all sports clubs?

Employers’ liability insurance is legally required if a club employs staff or uses volunteers. Other covers are often required by leagues or venues.

+-Do volunteers need to be insured?

Yes. Volunteers are usually treated as employees for insurance purposes and should be covered.

+-Is public liability insurance enough on its own?

No. Public liability does not cover employees, volunteers or members’ injuries without fault.

+-Do youth sports clubs need insurance?

Yes. Youth and junior clubs often have higher safeguarding and insurance requirements.

+-How often should insurance be reviewed?

At least annually, and whenever the club’s activities, facilities or structure change.

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