Watson Burton supports top flight
THE Premier League has appointed Newcastle law firm Watson Burton to provide a legal support service to the community schemes of its 20 member clubs.
The Black Card Scheme is a bespoke service which provides direct access to specialist partners in all areas of practice across the firm via a dedicated helpline number.
The new facility was launched officially in February 2008 and provides a unique consultation service for club directors, heads of community and the trustees of the clubs’ dedicated community schemes, many of which have been awarded charitable status.
The Premier League invests more than £120m into community good causes activity each year.
Domestically, Premier League clubs delivered activities to 1.4 million participants during 2007/08 under the Creating Chances brand, significantly increasing sporting participation amongst children and young people and delivering projects that tackle important issues such as health, education, social inclusion and inequality.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: “Football’s ability to inspire and engage
communities is now universally accepted. What is less accepted is the sheer range, depth, quality and commitment of community work undertaken by the Premier League and our clubs.
“Much of this work relies on strong partnership and organisations such as Watson Burton are essential to supporting and guiding the clubs to continually improve and expand their operations.”
Watson Burton is recognised by The Legal 500 as having “a leading reputation” in the establishment and regulation of charitable community sports and education programmes, having advised the Rugby Football League and more than 80 professional clubs in football, rugby union, rugby league, cricket, ice hockey and basketball on their respective charity projects.
John Devine, partner in Watson Burton’s Sports Business Group, said “he Community Schemes perform a vital role in advancing education, promoting healthy living and encouraging participation in sport at all levels.
“We are delighted to be working with the Premier League to enhance the level of support and guidance they are able to offer to their clubs.”
