Mitigating Risk: How Forza Advisory Protects Soccer Clubs from Costly Mistakes

By Forza Advisory

Running a soccer club is more than scheduling matches and developing players—it’s also about protecting the organization from financial, legal, and reputational harm. Risk is everywhere: a poorly worded contract, a neglected safety protocol, or a failure to comply with regulations can have lasting consequences. At Forza Advisory, we help clubs identify, assess, and manage risks before they turn into costly mistakes. This ensures your leadership can focus on growth, development, and community impact.

Understanding Risk in Soccer Organizations

Every club—whether grassroots, competitive youth, or semi-professional—faces unique risks. These risks typically fall into four categories:

1. Governance Risks

   Weak policies, unclear roles, and ineffective board oversight.

2. Compliance Risks

   Failure to follow local, state, national, or governing body regulations.

3. Operational Risks

   Poor financial controls, inadequate insurance, or unsafe facilities.

4. Reputational Risks

   Negative public perception due to incidents, disputes, or miscommunication.

How Forza Advisory Minimizes Your Risk Exposure

We don’t just point out risks—we put frameworks in place so they are actively managed. Our risk management process includes:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessment

   We start by evaluating your governance structure, operational procedures, and compliance history. This reveals gaps that could lead to legal or financial exposure.

2. Policy and Procedure Development

   We create or update essential policies, such as codes of conduct, safety procedures, and financial protocols to ensure the club meets both legal and governing body requirements.

3. Insurance and Contract Review

   We review vendor agreements, facility leases, and insurance coverage to make sure you’re protected in case of disputes, injuries, or unforeseen events.

4. Safety and Player Welfare Compliance

   From concussion protocols to SafeSport compliance, we ensure your club meets the highest safety standards for players, referees, and staff.

5. Ongoing Monitoring and Training

   Risk management is never a “one and done” process. We provide board training, annual compliance checkups, and incident response support.

   
   

Real-World Risk Scenarios We Help Prevent

• A club facing a lawsuit after failing to follow concussion management rules.

• A facility injury claim denied because insurance coverage didn’t match actual usage.

• A loss of nonprofit status due to missed state filings and IRS deadlines.

• Damage to a club’s reputation from poorly handled internal disputes.

• In each case, proactive risk management could have prevented the crisis—or greatly reduced the impact.

Why Risk Management Should Be a Board Priority

Strong governance and risk management are directly tied to a club’s sustainability. When boards understand potential liabilities and address them early, they:

• Reduce legal and financial exposure.

• Build trust with members, families, and sponsors.

• Maintain credibility with governing bodies.

• Protect the club’s mission and ability to operate long-term.

Partnering with Forza Advisory

Forza Advisory brings unmatched experience in governance, compliance, and operational best practices for soccer organizations. We tailor our risk management services to each club’s structure, budget, and goals—ensuring you’re covered from boardroom to pitch.

📅 Take the first step toward safeguarding your club. Schedule your risk assessment consultation today.