Leathes Prior are pleased to announce their appointment as legal advisors to the recently formed Association for Performance Scientists in Sport.

The Association is a representative body for all practitioners who work in professional football in sports science, nutrition, performance analysis, psychology or fitness roles. Offering their members access to a range of specialists services, given the highly pressurised and niche nature of the industry in which they work, Leathes Prior are proud to have been appointed as the sole advisers on employment law and legal matters.

Dan Chapman, head of Leathes Prior’s Employment and Sports Teams, explained “I have worked in various capacities with Dave Carolan, the founder of the Association, for many years and it was a privilege to be asked whether we would be interested in providing the members with legal support and representation, where necessary. Over the last 15 years or so, we have represented many individuals in this field and whilst the issues are often no different to any other employment law issues, the nature of the work is often time critical, sensitive and often has to play out within a few hours - as part of the arrival or exit of a management team at a football club. Given our experience in the sector – which includes acting both as lawyers and agents for players and clubs – we are very familiar with the inner workings of most clubs and the industry and well placed to give the Association’s members the dynamic and pragmatic advice that may from time to time need, in what can be quite a brutal and unforgiving industry. By forming this Association, Dave is performing a fabulous duty for his sector and it is one we will be proud to support.”

Dave Carolan said “Dan is a highly experienced Partner who has provided professional advice and support to a huge variety of people working in elite sport, across a number of sports, who is highly regarded. He has done a great job for some of our colleagues over the years so we are delighted to have him and his Team on board.”

The Association is also providing its professional members with support in finding new employment opportunities, insurance, offering continuing professional development and – in many ways – seeking to fill the void between those that represent professional football players (the PFA - Players’ Football Association) and those that represent managers (the LMA - League Managers’ Association).

For more information, please visit the website here.