Tughans is among 15 law firms providing pro bono legal advice to sports organisations in Northern Ireland through the Legal Panel Framework.

Sport Northern Ireland has just joined the Framework, making £75,000 worth of free legal services available to local sports bodies.

The Framework for the sport and recreation sector was set up in 2013 by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, Sport England, UK Sport and Sport Wales, and has been refreshed this year.

Each of the 15 law firms appointed to the Framework will provide up to £5,000 of pro bono support per year to organisations with a turnover of less than £500,000 per year who need access to legal advice.

Patrick Brown, managing partner at Belfast firm Tughans, said: “Tughans is delighted to be part of the panel delivering expert legal services to Sport Northern Ireland’s participating bodies.”

Mr Brown added: “It is an exciting time for sport in Northern Ireland, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the British Open, and the bid to host the men’s Rugby World Cup.

“Sport, in all forms, is extremely important to the local economy and communities. Our focus is to support staff and volunteers to strengthen the sector, and enable ongoing growth and development.”

Emma Boggis, chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, said: “Trusted legal advice is incredibly valuable and we want the Framework to be a useful tool for all organisations in the sector.

“The commitment from the firms to provide pro bono advice will make a real difference to smaller organisations in dealing with legal issues that may arise and, who, despite less resources, share the same commitment to implementing good governance.

“We are particularly pleased that Sport Northern Ireland are now involved so the Framework can be of wider benefit than before.”