What makes Thackray Williams’ sports sector unique?

Articles  |   23 March 2026

Written by
Lewis Glasson, Partner

It’s a good question – and the answer lies in the motivation and values that underpin it. What makes the Sports sector of Thackray Williams different is its mission to level the playing field for access to legal expertise, so it is no longer the preserve of the elite, instead enabling clubs and athletes at all levels to have the support they need in the increasingly professional and complex sporting world. 

Founded by Sports Partner Lewis Glasson when he joined the firm in 2024, in just two years it has become industry recognised for accessible, quality legal expertise. Providing a viable alternative to the established City sports departments has enabled Thackray Williams’ Sports Sector to grow in reputation, service offering and client base – showing that it meets a real market need.

The Sports Sector has experience in acting for a variety of stakeholders, including clubs, leagues, governing bodies, associations, athletes and third parties, such as corporate sponsors. With our regional and city presence, we have the flexibility to tailor our services for the largest institutions to the individual athlete, and everything in between.

Holistic legal services for sports clubs and athletes

Uniquely, Thackray Williams provides holistic legal expertise within one team, so that clubs and athletes can access all the legal advice they need to ensure seamless solutions across both professional and personal matters. 

The Sector includes specialists in contracts, including franchise agreements, endorsement deals, sponsorship agreements, broadcasting rights, image rights, ticketing terms and conditions, hospitality and concessionaire agreements. 

Our employment experts can advise both clubs and athletes on all aspects of employment contracts, from performance bonuses to termination. 

Our real estate specialists help clubs with securing land and development, and assist clubs and athletes with property investments, all aspects of freehold and leasehold property, lending and landlord and tenant matters. 

Our private client and family law help individuals protect the best interests of both themselves and their loved ones, while our sports industry litigators assist with contract and agency disputes, regulatory and disciplinary issues and corporate and commercial disputes.

Legal advice to improve standards in sport

Lewis Glasson gives his services voluntarily to the Football Association of Wales, serving as Vice Chair of the body responsible for Tier 3 Club licensing for a three-year term, starting from the beginning of this year (1 January 2026). 

Having grown up in North Wales, Glasson said on his appointment:  

“I’m delighted to be returning to my footballing roots and lending my expertise to the FAW by taking a proactive role in ensuring quality standards within Welsh football as it grows from strength to strength."

“My new role with FAW aligns with the goals of Thackray Williams’ Sports Sector, by proactively working with the FAW and its member clubs to ensure appropriate infrastructure, opportunities and cultures are available for both athletes and fans at all levels of the pyramid.”

Providing support for local clubs through proactive partnerships

Thackray Williams’ Sports Sector has created a strong presence in the South East through authentic local partnerships. Our partnership with Premier League side Crystal Palace FC includes pro-active support for the Palace for the Planet initiative, in alignment with Thackray Williams’ own ESG values. As part of this initiative the firm has combined with Crystal Palace women’s team to support EDI projects such as Black Legacy in Football, attended Super League 2 matches and we are putting together ‘lunch and learn’ projects focussing on legal developments such as new sexual harassment in the workplace laws. 

Thackray Williams is the official sponsor of the girls’ and women’s teams at AFC Greenwich Borough, sharing the club’s mission of encouraging opportunity and talent in our local community in South East London, particularly the academy’s role in inspiring grass roots enthusiasm, participation and fitness, as well as nurturing talent through to professional standard. As well as providing legal services to the club, Lewis Glasson and Co-Managing Partner Vikki Herbert presented awards to the ‘Players of the Month’ of each of the club’s 20 girls’ teams from under 7s through to the first team at their new home site, GB10 Sports, on 12 October 2025 and supported the club’s Christmas charity appeal for Chartwell Cancer Trust. Lewis even turned up on crutches after rupturing his Achilles tendon!

Sponsorship to put wind in the sails of local youngsters

We have also sponsored new sails on four of the club boats used in junior and youth development, coaching and racing at Chipstead Sailing Club near Sevenoaks.
The new sails were custom-made for Oppies, a heavier and more durable version of the Optimist dinghy, in which most children in Chipstead Sailing Club’s ‘Chipmates’ junior class learn to sail.

The sponsorship aligns with our values of nurturing local talent, by enabling the club to provide boats for youngsters from non-sailing families to get started. 

How our Sport Sector can assist you

Thackray Williams' Sports Sector has experience in acting for a variety of stakeholders, including clubs, leagues, governing bodies, associations, athletes and third parties.  If you need assistance or advice, please contact Lewis Glasson, Head of Sport at Thackray Williams on 020 8290 0440.

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