Member Article

Muckle win race for England Athletics contract

Newcastle-based commercial law firm, Muckle LLP, have won a two-year contract with the governing body for athletics in England, England Athletics, meaning Muckle will be the body’s sole provider of legal services during this time.

The firm reportedly beat nationwide competition to win the contract.

The contract is being led by Muckle partner and head of sport, John Devine, who will lead the team in advising England Athletics and helping them achieve their objectives.

England Athletics, which is headquartered in Birmingham, has three core objectives, involving increasing participation across communities, improving the experience of everyone taking part and supporting the development of the next generation of champions.

Statistics reveal that just over two million people are involved in athletics across England, with around 130,000 of those competing within 1,200 athletics clubs.

Muckle has experience in the sector, advising sports clubs, organisations and sports people, including Sport England, The Football Association, Durham County Cricket Club and the Caribbean Premier League Twenty20 cricket tournament.

John said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as advisers to England Athletics.

“The appointment reflects the strength of our sports team and builds on our national reputation.

“Our aim is to develop a strong partnership which we hope will be the start of a mutually successful relationship between our two organisations.”

“We believe passionately in the value of sport in the community and are determined to do everything possible to promote sporting participation.

“Last year we started a running club for our people; ‘Muckle Runners’ that now has 50 members.

“We are already discussing with England Athletics to share our experiences and help them develop new ways to increase participation in sport.

“In developing a close partnership, we frequently get involved in enthusiastically providing more than just expert legal advice.”

CEO of England Athletics, Chris Jones, said: “Having completed a rigorous tendering process, we are delighted to have contracted Muckle LLP as our sole legal advisers.

“The team at Muckle has demonstrated a clear understanding of our organisational objectives and showed great enthusiasm and passion for what we do.

“We already knew they had the capabilities and since meeting the team we are confident there’s a good cultural fit between us too.”