Bishop & Sewell LLP and PPW Workshops have announced that they will continue their partnership for another year, under which the firm provides specialist legal advice to help professional football players plan for their future.
The partnership sees Bishop & Sewell Partner David Little a specialist in commercial and sports law, deliver legal advice to professional football clubs via workshops and seminars.
So far in 2023, David and his team have provided advice to players at a wide range of Premier League and English Football League clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland, Luton, Watford and Charlton.
Around 20 teams have signed up for PPW Workshops during the 2023/24 season so far, including a quarter of the teams currently playing in the Premier League.
The legal aspect of the workshops focuses on a wide range of topics of relevance to PPW Workshops, including contract negotiations, wealth management, property investments, commercial investments, Wills and pre-nuptial agreements.
The PPW Workshops aim to help football players make more informed decisions when planning their professional and personal lives, and for their futures once they leave the sport.
David said: “PPW Workshops are predominantly aimed at younger footballers who are just starting out on their professional careers. Delivered in an informal, interactive style, the workshops help footballers to understand their rights, options and responsibilities, with plenty of opportunities for questions and to discuss issues that are important to their lives and careers.
“There have been several high-profile players who have fallen foul of the law in recent seasons or made bad decisions which have ultimately affected their lives and livelihoods. Our goal is to make our advice accessible and understandable and provide the right guidance from the outset, to help young professional footballers to make informed choices and avoid mistakes that could prove costly to their prospects.”
During the workshops players also receive advice from financial planning experts Fortis Private Wealth management and insurance from All Sports Insurance.
The PPW Workshops initiative was launched by Peter Etherington, father of ex Spurs, West Ham and Stoke player Matt Etherington.
Peter Etherington said: “Our workshops are delivered by specialists in various fields, including legal, wealth management, and insurance. David is an expert in this sector and is providing invaluable guidance to these PPW Workshops as they embark on their careers, and we are delighted to continue working together for the 2023/24 season.”
Contact our Head of Sports Law
For initial advice or to arrange a meeting with David Little Head of Corporate & Commercial and Sports Law, please email dlittle@bishopandsewell.co.uk, call 07968 027343 or contact the firm on 020 7631 4141
The above is accurate as at 29 September 2023. The information above may be subject to change.
The content of this note should not be considered legal advice and each matter should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
