Notes and Guidance on How to Set up a Voluntary Sports Organisation
1. Establish how much interest there is in the village for the sports club you are considering.
2. If sufficient interest is shown, find out:
- What venues are available and times
- The cost of the venues
- Whether storage facilities are available for the equipment that is required
Ideally you should look to hire a venue which is available at a regular time, is easily accessible in Winter, does not cost more than you can expect to receive through annual subscriptions and has storage facilities for any required equipment
3. Find out what leagues operate in your area. To do this we suggest that you contact the Local League Secretary.
4. Once you've decided to go ahead and start up the club, there are a number of things that you need to do:
i. Establish a Committee, ie. at least : Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer
Decide key things ie. what equipment is required, level of subscriptions, membership rules etc.
ii. Draw up a constitution - This is a statement of the clubs' purpose, the democratic structure etc and should include details established above.
A model constitution is available here
iii. Establish a financial accounting system - this does not have to be elaborate but needs to include all income and expenditure.
iv. Fundraise to raise capital (see also next point).
v. Purchase the appropriate equipment.
The cost of purchasing capital items of equipment could possibly be offset by grants from Hambleton District Council,The Regional Sports Council (see address below), and possibly the Horizons Trust and the North Yorkshire
Small Projects Fund. You would be advised to discuss your proposals with
these agencies prior to purchasing the equipment as grant agencies will not normally consider retrospective applications.
5. District Sports Council - this body is a 'voice' for sports clubs throughout the district and can often give advice and help to groups that need it.
The Secretary of the Hambleton District Sports Council is:
Mr J Norwood
38 Hambleton Avenue
Romanby
Northallerton, DL7 8SW
Tel: 01609 770516
6. Have an opening day 'Come and Try' day and encourage as many people as you are able to accommodate to have a go.
We hope that this information is helpful and that you feel able to proceed with the idea of starting up a club.
Contact with Hambleton District Council at an early stage is also advised as they may be able to give you additional information appropriate to the Hambleton District.
The Sports Council
(Yorkshire and Humberside Region)
Coronet House
Queen Street
Leeds, LS1 4PW
Tel: 0113 243 6443
Fax: 0113 242 2189
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