Sports clubs need to be creative in getting money in through the door as the ongoing challenge of fundraising can seem never ending. However, you could be standing on a real asset.
Think about when your club has gone home and your space is left empty – could it be used by others? Your facility is an asset that you can hire out to raise income and much needed funds, as well as provide additional services to the community.
It might make the perfect space for a business meeting or children’s birthday party? Is it big enough for a wedding? Could you hire it out to other community groups – playgroups, other sports clubs or the Women's Institute? It could be a new venue for local evening classes, ballet lessons, pilates or yoga? The options are truly limitless.
Here are a few things to consider before you advertise your club’s space:
Put Together a Plan
There can be tensions caused by sharing the same space for club use and community use. The key is to have a clear vision that you can communicate to your members.
Spread the Word
Spread the news that your venue will soon be available by organising an open day and inviting local groups, schools, keep fit instructors and anyone else you can think of that would like to use facilities locally. Serve refreshments and offer tours, making sure you’ve got plenty of people on hand who know the building well and can talk confidently about how it could be used.
You should also make sure you’re listed on online listings for local venues. Also ensure people are aware of this availability by featuring it on your website and social media. If you have plenty of people passing your building, you could even have a banner printed!
Consider Booking Agreements
Booking agreements are important because both parties will need the conditions of hire set out. This should be agreed and signed, so there is a written agreement between parties.
When you enter into legal agreements, you need to ensure that your legal status as a club allows you to do this. Therefore, we would recommend seeking legal guidance when doing so.
Don’t Forget Health and Safety!
Whether your club venue has been hired by a toddler group or the local Women's Institute, you need to make sure the premises are safe for the intended use. Take a look at our health and safety pages
Ensure You’re Insured
We’d recommend checking whether your insurance policy covers outside groups hiring your facilities.
You’ll likely need to obtain written confirmation from any hirers that they have public liability to cover their activities while the club premises are being hired.
If the club facilities are being used by a private individual for a party, they should check with their household insurers that public liability cover would extend to include the organising of such an event.
As always, always seek expert guidance.
Check Safeguarding Policies
Any groups hiring your facilities should also provide written confirmation that it has a child protection and adults at risk policy, and that it uses the Disclosure and Barring Service. We have more information in our Safeguarding section.