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2022-08-31-accounts

TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022

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TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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Contents
 Page
Legal and Administrative Information 3
Leadership 4
Introducing Sporting Marvels 8
Chairman’s Overview 12
Report of the Trustees 14
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 42
Independent Examiner’s Report 43
Statement of Financial Activities 44
Balance Sheet 45
Notes to the Financial Statements 46
Overview of Income 48
Overview of Expenditure 49

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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
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Charity name:

Sporting Marvels

UK Registered Charity No:

1101562

Company No:

04543255 (a company limited by guarantee)

Website:

www.sportingmarvels.com

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/sportingmarvels

Instagram:

Registered office:

@sportingmarvels

During the year under review... Central Offices Top Road Gelli Industrial Estate Rhondda Cynon Taf CF41 7UW

From 1st September 2022... 236 Tyntyla Road The Old Ystrad Labour Club Ystrad, Pentre Rhondda Cynon Taf CF41 7SG

Trustees for year under review: Mr Philip R Davies (Chair) Mr Carl L Brettle Mr John K Cox Mr Arthur R Thomas

Directors:

Mr Philip R Davies Mr Lawrie R Davies

Accountants:

John Smart Chartered Accountants New Park Terrace Treforest Pontypridd CF37 1TH

Bank:

Barclays Bank plc

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The 2021/22 Sporting Marvels Team
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LEADERSHIP FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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As a charity, Sporting Marvels is overseen by a Board of Trustees, presently made up of four individuals:

PHIL DAVIES Founder & Chairman

PHIL founded Sporting Marvels in 2002 after being called out of a lucrative off-field career in professional Rugby Union where he was the architect of the Treorchy “Dream” before going on to hold some of the biggest jobs in Welsh and British rugby. The vision to put a positive Christian role model in front of every school pupil in Rhondda was timely, with less than 0.9% of Rhondda’s population regularly attending church according to the 2001 census, and it still burns brightly in his heart to this very day. At the beginning of the 2012/13 academic year, day-to-day management passed to Phil’s son, Lawrie, who had previously served his 5-year apprenticeship as a Marvel and then as Team Leader. A law graduate and a prolific writer, Phil is more committed to the cause than ever and he works every day helping Lawrie and the team on an unpaid and voluntary basis, the importance of which cannot be overstated.

CARL BRETTLE Trustee

CARL is a former United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) board level director who has extensive experience

in communications and engagement strategies, having worked with national and international ministries in the UK, USA, Uganda & South Africa.

REV. JOHN COX Trustee

JOHN is an established church pastor of over 30 years standing in the Ferndale/Maerdy area, Rhondda’s most deprived community, and has been a hugely respected pillar of the Rhondda community for over forty years.

BOB THOMAS Trustee

BOB is an accountant and long-term financial partner of Sporting Marvels. His heart, knowledge and experience with regards to financial reporting and administration has helped the charity immensely.

Lawrie, left , pictured with Sporting Marvels Board of Trustees, from left , Carl, Phil, Bob and John

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Lawrie addresses the Council of Reference with, in picture, from left , Martin, Phil, Ruth and Rudi.

COUNCIL OF REFERENCE

In addition to the Trustees meetings, Sporting Marvels also has a Council of Reference in place that meets annually. The Council is made up of successful individuals who have extensive experience in Christian ministry...

RON SPILLARDS

RON is one of the UK’s most respected ministry men. His wisdom and experience have been of immeasurable benefit over many years.

RUDI PLAUT, CBE

RUDI is a successful Cardiff businessman, and government advisor in matters of education, commerce and business. He is also an experienced church leader.

MARTIN HAWKINS

MARTIN is the European Director for KCM and is very experienced in all aspects of organisational and ministerial leadership.

ALLEN CARTER

ALLEN is the UK Director of CBN Europe and has extensive experience across the ministry spectrum.

NICK & RUTH DAVIS

NICK is a successful businessman and qualified accountant whilst RUTH is the former Head of Nursing at USW. Both now run their own foundation impacting Wales & East Africa.

Former members of the Sporting Marvels COUNCIL OF REFERENCE

ELFED GODDING (2004-2018)

Former National Director Evangelical Alliance of Wales

JENNY HILL (2003-2018) Former Leader National Prayer Breakfast for Wales

RICHARD FLEMING

(2003-2014) Managing Director TBN Europe

GERALD WILLIAMS

(2003-2009) Church Leader & BBC Sports Commentator

MARK DIJKENS (2017-2019)

Regional Director CBN Europe (Creators of Superbook)

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SENIOR MANAGEMENT

While the Trustees oversee the charity, Sporting Marvels is run by its Senior Management Team (alongside Chair of Trustees, Phil’s fulltime voluntary support), comprising Managing Director Lawrie Davies, Part-time Head of Development Dr Fiona Davies, and Team Leaders Ian and Lauren Smith.

LAWRIE DAVIES Managing Director

Lawrie joined the ministry as an Intern at the start of 2007/08 and is the only person in the organisation’s history to have done every operational role – Intern, Trainee, Primary School Marvel, Secondary School Marvel, Events Manager, Team Leader, and now Managing Director. Lawrie instantly helped the organisation become more efficient in every way, and no church or ministry in Wales reaches as many young people on a weekly basis with Christianity in secular schools, than Sporting Marvels. Like his Dad, Lawrie is also a law graduate with expertise in the commercial, marketing, and communications side of sport/community sport having founded Rhondda Netball in 2016/17, now Wales’ largest female sports participation initiative.

All key personnel are self-employed so that they are able to do extra work with other charities or businesses around their ministry commitments, given the “missionary” nature of the Sporting Marvels vision.

FIONA DAVIES Part-Time Head of Development

Fiona , a financial partner of the ministry since 2003, retired as a lecturer at Cardiff University in 2013, and Lawrie asked her if she’d help the ministry with grant applications and reporting 1-2 days per week. Her big heart wouldn’t let her say no and her skills and experience have brought so much to the table.

IAN SMITH Team Leader

Ian joined the ministry as an Intern in 2010 having come through our All-Star Leadership Programme at Tonypandy Community College. He is one of the best Marvels to have ever worn the jersey, and as a result was promoted to Team Leader in 2014/2015. He does a fantastic job of leading and motivating the Sporting Marvels team.

LAUREN SMITH Team Leader

Lauren joined the ministry as an Intern in 2014 having also come through our All-Star Leadership Programme. Since joining, Lauren has overachieved in all roles and responsibilities and subsequently, was promoted to Team Leader in 2018/2019 academic Year. Both Ian and Lauren have helped create the hard-working mission culture that has been foundational to the success we’ve seen over the last few years.

Lawrie, pictured with Sporting Marvels Team Leaders, Ian & Lauren

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“I’ve closely watched the Sporting Marvels journey of faith unfold over the years, with its many challenges and obstacles, with financial obligations and big vision to fulfil. Seeing God reveal His plan at each stage, including the transition from external missionaries from overseas to today’s home-grown team of Marvels, has been simply marvellous!” RICHARD FLEMING, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TBN EUROPE

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INTRODUCING SPORTING MARVELS
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CHRISTIAAN WELMAN, left and below , THE FIRST MARVEL & TEAM LEADER WHO ARRIVED FROM SOUTH AFRICA IN SEPT 2003, SERVED SPORTING MARVELS FOR SIX YEARS, AND CHELSEA, left inset , AS A 13 YEAR-OLD ALL-STAR, AND ONE OF TODAY’S TEAM MEMBERS!

“What God is doing through you guys is awesome! You have been consistent for years now, pouring the right values, beliefs and character into the young people of Rhondda; sowing seed into well prepared soil. A great transformation has taken place! I remember my first assembly at Tonypandy where I told the story of Moses and realised that they didn’t know who Moses was! They hadn’t grown up with Bible stories the way kids did in South Africa, helping prepare me for when I gave my life to Christ at age 21. It was tough ploughing up that ground. But today?!?!? I remember six years later, shortly after returning to South Africa, getting an email from Chelsea. She wrote these words straight into my heart: “I now know why you came to Rhondda because today, I committed my life to Jesus!” I cried that day I can tell you!! Today in Rhondda, kids know the Bible, they have fabulous role models, and they have hope for the future! It’s awesome and when I read the kids’ stories and appreciation for the work of Sporting Marvels, it fills my heart with joy!! The transformation you have believed for is happening! Keep going!!”

CHRISTIAAN WELMAN, FIRST MARVEL, WRITING IN 2018

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Sporting Marvels is a Christian charity (No. 1101562) that works in partnership with primary/junior and secondary schools in the Rhondda Valleys of South Wales, one of the most deprived regions in the UK. According to the latest Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (2019), 29% of Rhondda areas fall into the most deprived 10% of areas in Wales, and over 90% of Rhondda areas are higher than the Welsh average in terms of deprivation. Rhondda scores particularly poorly on indicators relating to income, employment, health and education, which leads to many young people having low aspirations and expectations for their own future. With many people leading unhealthy and/or unproductive lifestyles and lacking motivation to change these, the adult role models available to young people are often a negative rather than a positive influence. Within Rhondda, the percentage of population regularly attending church is less than 0.9% (according to the most recent census that recorded this data at a local level).

With all the above in mind, Sporting Marvels was birthed as a vision on 5th July 2002 by Founder & Chairman Phil Davies, with its operational beginning point coming in September 2003 with the start of our secondary school work

DEPRIVATION (RHONDDA)[*]

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* Data from - latest (2019) survey
www.gov.wales/welsh-index-multiple-deprivation
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NEGATIVE ROLE MODELS (RCT)

*

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* Data from
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www.publichealthwalesobservatory.wales.nhs.uk/phof - latest (2020) surveys

“Because of SM I now understand how important being positive is. I feel much more positive now, and it’s had a positive effect on my health and wellbeing. Now, I don’t worry about the opinion of others at all!”

MAGGIE, MIGHTY MARVELS PUPIL 2021/22

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when South African, Christiaan Welman (see page 8), arrived in Rhondda as the first Marvel. The primary/junior school element of our operational strategy started in May 2005. The focal point of our work in primary/junior schools has become our RE, PSE & PE focused “Mighty Marvels Programme”, whilst the development of our “All-Star Leadership Programme” paved the way for greater success at secondary school level. In addition, September 2016 saw the start of the Sporting Marvels “Training Programme” for school-leavers; this was the formalisation of our old Internship process aimed at creating long-term sustainability in respect of personnel.

Ugo (the 5th Marvel, Nigeria) and Sarah (25th Marvel, USA) surrounded by their class , September 2008

The key operational goal of Sporting Marvels is to put a positive Christian role model in front of every school pupil, aged 10-18, in Rhondda, every day, forever, and to positively influence the choices young people make. By making the Christian message and its key values and principles relevant to today’s generation, we play an active role in empowering them to raise their aspirations, give back to their community, and achieve in life.

The catalysts for our influencing process are the ‘Marvels’, our agents of transformation, and today’s team are all products of the work of Sporting Marvels. Once influenced by former Marvels, they’ve all since become Marvels themselves (or are Marvels in training), and now they’re in front of children who sit where they once sat... as key influencers to the next generation! They are wonderful role models and the children absolutely love them, while Headteachers, staff and parents massively appreciate their work and the positive influence they have on Rhondda’s young people.

Kate (the 3rd Marvel) - USA - pictured at Boot Camp 2006 with a 14 year-old Chelsea who became a Marvel in 2010, remains a key part of the team today, and also heads Dream Centre Wales Church!!

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Lotan (the 6th Marvel) - Malawi -
at a Sporting Marvels Adventure
Day in June 2007
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The early Marvels were all from overseas - from left: Eric (USA), Danielle (South Africa), Lotan (Malawi), Christiaan (South Africa), Ugo (Nigeria), Kate (USA), Elroy (South Africa) - pictured, above, in Oct 2005.

The team pictured with their cars, June 2006

The late and legendary Elroy Duckitt (the 4th Marvel) - South Africa - pictured with a 13 year-old Jody Barnes who became a long serving Marvel, and today, plays a key role at DCW Church and supports the development of local netball through Rhondda Netball.

In January 2020, Christiaan Welman, the first Marvel, visited us in Rhondda, and spent a week with 2019/20’s home-grown team of Marvels, main pic . Inset right , he’s pictured with Sporting Marvels Managing Director, Lawrie.

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CHAIRMAN’S OVERVIEW FOR THE
YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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Well, it would be fair to say that 2021/22 was quite the “Comeback from Covid” for Sporting Marvels. With the restrictions associated with the pandemic easily making the previous 2020/21 year the most challenging in our history, the trustees couldn’t be happier with how the year under review went. Had most Covid restrictions in Wales not been removed in August 2021, there would have been considerable concerns regarding the future of the charity on a number of levels, but other than a period of anxiousness around Christmas time surrounding Omicron, the year under review was mostly unaffected by Covid-related restrictions.

The removal of restrictions reinvigorated our amazing Marvels, and the trustees were thrilled that the Senior Management Team were able to capitalise on the fantastic job the team did

Founder & Chairman, Phil pictured with the 2021/22 male Marvels, from left , Kieran, Connah, Smithy & Liam.

during testing times through 2020/21, and add two new primary schools to our family of partner schools for September 2021. This measured expansion was made possible for 2021/22 from a financial perspective by some cost-cutting measures from the pandemic, and it resulted in the charity’s reach and influence growing to its largest level in our history without significantly increasing expenditure.

The trustees were particularly thrilled to see the charity bounce back financially close to where it was in 2018/19 - the last full year unaffected by Covid - with income totalling £225,331 without factoring the exceptional income highlighted in the accounts (more detail on this in the Financial Review on pages 32 & 33). The fact this was

achieved after heavy reliance on direct (furlough/ flexi-furlough, rebating expenditure as income) and indirect (SEISS, reducing expenditure to personnel who would normally commit considerably more time to our mission when the charity is operating at maximum capacity) Government support during the previous two years, was all the more pleasing.

Of course, reliance on this Government support was wholly expected and necessary given that the various lockdowns and long-running restrictions that curtailed normality and operational activity, were all Government led. The concern for the charity - similar to what many commentators expressed about the wider UK economy - was simply around whether long-standing sources of income that inevitably dropped/were switched off during our two Covid-affected years, 2019/20 & 2020/21, would be restored when normality resumed. As previously stated, the trustees were both pleased and somewhat relieved that income streams were reactivated for the charity across the year under review.

Total expenditure was £251,764 for the year, but when removing exceptional expenditure (detailed in the Financial Review on pages 32 & 33), the total was £226,722 which was around £13,031 lower than 2018/19, the charity’s last “normal” year. This was mainly due to cost-cutting measures through the pandemic that continued throughout the year under review, as well as significant savings on Events expenditure, as some activities were not able to restart between Sep 2021 - January 2022. The trustees expect expenditure in this area to return to normal throughout 2022/23.

The success of 2021/22 was made possible by God’s grace and the continued support of our financial partners, and the trustees would like to thank each and every one of them for the key part they play in the Sporting Marvels vision.

The trustees were extremely delighted with the successful additions of Pontygwaith Primary & Porth Community School (the primary section) during the year under review, and the Headteacher appraisals were a joy to read. The trustees were also thrilled that the year under review ended with confirmation that Penrhys

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The team at Boot Camp, preparing for the 2021/22 academic year.

Primary (based in one of the most deprived wards in the UK) and the secondary side of Porth Community School would be partnering with the charity for 2022/23 through our Mighty Marvels Health & Wellbeing Programme & AllStar Leadership Programme. The consistent excellent feedback received from Headteachers, parents and pupils regarding our team of Marvels, and the difference they make in the community, has clearly played a huge part in this success. Like 2020/21, many Headteachers and pupils commented on what a huge difference the Marvels had made to so many young lives during the anxiousness surrounding Omicron, the Ukraine war, and the cost of living crisis, and the trustees were blown away with the extra efforts the team made throughout the year.

The trustees and Senior Management Team consider it vital for the Marvels to maintain high standards to remain a key part of primary and secondary school life, and everyone is delighted that this was achieved over the course of the year under review despite the first five months of the year still being somewhat under a cloud of “will/ should lockdowns return?”. The opportunity to teach young people about Jesus, Christianity and the Bible in schools in a respectful and powerful way, is one that the charity treasures greatly, and the charity’s unique and professional approach to doing this has garnered a lot of positive feedback and interest from around the UK.

From a personnel perspective, the trustees are pleased that Sporting Marvels took further steps in its effort to equip young people for a future in church-based youth work, teaching with an RE focus, and/or working with young people in a general capacity. Adding credible qualifications - such as the Level 4 in Education & Training - to our personnel development processes has positioned us well to support our missionaries in these early stages of adulthood.

Despite it being a separate charity, the trustees were also very pleased with the resilience shown by Dream Centre Wales - our youth-focused partner church - during the year under review. The church was established out of the work of Sporting Marvels and is led by a former Marvel and a Leadership Team of four other Sporting Marvels personnel, supported by numerous volunteers. Sunday services averaged 60+ between 1st September 2019 and 22nd March 2020 before the pandemic struck, and the depth of engagement with young people attending was at an all-time high. Whilst the church struggled to find a suitable venue that would permit norestrictions church returning during 2020/21 & 2021/22, the trustees are pleased to report that through Sporting Marvels, a new venue was secured on a favourable 25-year lease (see Future Plans on pages 36 & 37) as of May 2022, and it is a huge relief for the church - and Sporting Marvels - to be in control of its own facility for services and meetings. The refurbishment of the new facility should be completed to the required minimum standards by 9th December 2022, and there is tangible excitement about the 2022/23 year as a result of this step of faith.

ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES

Philip R Davies Chair of Trustees & Director 13 February 2023

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR
YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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“Even though Queen Esther was so beautiful, she never let her beauty outshine her character. It showed me that what I have on the inside is much more important than how someone thinks I look on the outside. I loved the “I am Special” card! Reading what the class wrote about me was nice, and it made me feel proud and super confident!” CALLIE, MIGHTY MARVELS PUPIL 2021/22

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The trustees present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ending 31 August 2022.

Trustee meetings are held regularly to discuss risks to the charity and to propose strategies to mitigate future risks.

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

Sporting Marvels was incorporated as a notfor-profit company limited by guarantee on 24 September 2002. Charitable status was granted on 15 January 2004. The charitable company operates under the provisions of the memorandum and articles of association incorporated 24 September 2002, as amended 30 September 2003 and 7 January 2004. The trustees oversee the charitable company while the day-to-day management and operation is carried out by the Managing Director, Team Leaders, and part-time Head of Development.

In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of Sporting Marvels, as well as the requirement for trustees to share the same Christian ethos of the organisation.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY

The primary objective of Sporting Marvels is to make the church and Christianity in general, and Jesus Christ in particular, relevant to the younger generation in the Rhondda Valleys through the medium of sport and education.

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PUBLIC BENEFIT

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. The trustees are satisfied that the charity meets the public benefit requirement through its programmes and activities. Specifically:

A small sample of the incredible feedback we have had from the local community - much of this received during high level Covid restrictions - evidencing the benefit of Sporting Marvels, can be viewed on the next two pages...

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Kid Journal Feedback

Lilia, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: The Marvels’ have completelychanged my life! I definitely want to be a Marvel when I’m older and spread the word of Jesus and help loads of Rhondda kids like you’ve helped me!

Katie, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: Jesus is so amazing! The lesson about purpose really affected me and everything’s been a bit different (and better) for me ever since. After each lesson I can’t wait to go my Gran’s and tell her all about what we learnt. She’s always impressed, and I can see by her face it makes her happy because I used to go to church with her but it was really boring and I didn’t understand it. I’m happy that I understand now! And SM hasn’t just affected my life, it’s affected the whole of the Rhondda.

Maddie, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: I’ve been through so much sometimes I don’t feel like getting out of bed, but SM has helped me with my mental health and my motivation. I hated being locked up in Covid and lost lots of people. Learning all about Jesus has helped me a lot and I’m really looking forward to Summer Camp.

Dylan, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: This has honestly been the best year of my life and it’s all because of SM! Learning about Jesus has taught me to always treat others how I want to be treated. It’s made things really different for me!

Alfie, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22:

The Marvels make me feel like God really cares about me and is watching over me. I have never felt so positive about things, especially about myself, and I’ve never had such positive thoughts!

Maisie, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22:

Sporting Marvels has taught me loads more than sport! I’ve learned about Christianity and about being resilient no matter how things turn out. And the biggest lesson of all for me, has been that I should always look to God for guidance.

Eva, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: I was really upset when they were so cruel to Jesus and cried when they nailed him to the cross so today, my heart almost stopped when he rose again!! I was so relieved and have never felt so happy!

Rhys, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: I was really shocked when I found out that people could be killed just for believing in Jesus! Without Sporting Marvels I’d never read the Bible or believe in Jesus!!

Cain, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: I hated watching Jesus die last week. It was horrible! But today, he came back to life and I can’t quite believe it!! It’s crazy! OUR KING, OUR PRINCE, IS BACK! I can feel it inside, in my stomach, in my head. In my heart! Jesus is real and this story will always be true! I know it!!

Callie, Mighty Marvels Pupil, 2021/22: Jesus rose again after being killed! How amazing is that? I would’ve loved to have been there to witness such an amazing miracle. The disciples couldn’t get their heads round it! He is truly the Son of God! Thank you Jesus, for doing what you done just because you love everyone, including me!!

Reigan, Parc: I would’ve hated seeing Jesus die on that cross. It was hard enough watching it on the video, but his poor mother and the disciples must have felt terrible! It’s no wonder they ran away. I think I probably would have too. But the story had a happy ending because Jesus came back to life! Yes, he really did!!

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Headteacher Feedback

Mrs Gould, Partner School Headteacher: The Marvels have such rapport with the children… Their delivery of both classroom and sports lessons is quite exceptional and I believe, this is a fundamental aspect as to why they have such a positive and remarkable influence on our children. A massive DIOLCH to Liss, Liam and to all at Sporting Marvels!

Mrs Dessent, Partner School Headteacher: The Mighty Marvels Programme has a hugely positive impact on all the children involved, helping enormously with their general sense of wellbeing and benefiting them mentally, physically and emotionally. The whole Mighty Marvels experience is thoroughly positive, promoting self-esteem, team building, cooperation skills and confidence.

Ms Flannery Davies, Partner School Headteacher: “The Marvels classroom management is fantastic, and their relationship skills are equally outstanding, even with the most challenging pupils and situations. One of my staff members, unprompted, told me that the Marvels were ‘amazing role models and always so cheerful, enthusiastic and polite to everyone.’ It was indicative of how highly thought of the Marvels are by everyone...

Mrs Anstee, Partner School Headteacher: The Marvels have a unique way of making every child feel special, and this undoubtedly has a huge positive impact on the children’s mental health and sense of well-being.

Mr Coole, Partner School Headteacher: The excellent Mighty Marvels Programme helps develop an understanding of the Christian Faith, and the Christian values taught are linked with the PSE lessons so that pupils fully understand the values, and can apply them in real life. The Marvels are outstanding role models for our pupils, their constant enthusiasm and effervescence always to the fore.

Ms Davies, Partner School Headteacher: Sporting Marvels is an incredibly inspiring organisation who are a huge asset to our school community! The Marvels are perfect role models for our pupils and help reinforce the message that the children need to make the right choices in life and follow the right path. They are very impressive, always professional and enthusiastic, and I can completely put my trust in them...

PARENTAL Feedback

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ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

The following pages highlight the charity’s three key programmes: The Mighty Marvels Programme, The All-Star Leadership Programme and The Training Programme. These pages are followed by details of the Extra Curricular Out-of-school Events programme that supports the key Programmes. Lastly pages 28-31 highlight the achievements and performance of our partner youth-focused church Dream Centre Wales and our partner charity Heart For Africa that impacts those most in need in the Arusha area of Tanzania.

MIGHTY MARVELS PROGRAMME

At primary/junior school level, the charity runs the Mighty Marvels Programme for Year 6, with some younger pupils also joining the programme in smaller schools. The programme has been for many years now, fully National Curriculum compliant (Key Stage 2), almost covering the entire National Curriculum across RE, PSE & PE. However, our curriculum will need to be adapted over the next few years as the New Curriculum for Wales is gradually phased in. Lessons are two hours per week in each class, consisting of a one-hour classroom lesson (RE & PSE) and a one-hour sports lesson (PE). The classroom curriculum covers three modules per year, with three separate modules every other year to ensure no child repeats all of the same content if they are in a ‘top class’ being taught by Sporting Marvels for two years. Year 1 covers The Life of David, The Life of Jesus and The Life of the Church, followed by Year 2, which covers Old

Testament Heroes, New Testament Heroes and The Life of a Christian. Our partnership with CBN/Superbook allows Sporting Marvels to utilise the world’s best Bible animation images (see images scattered throughout this report) in our Mighty Marvels Journals and other teaching materials. The sports lessons cover six different modules throughout an

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90%
SPORTING MARVELS PARTNER SCHOOLS AS
80% C
A PERCENTAGE OF ALL RHONDDA SCHOOLS
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70%
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60%
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50%
R
40%
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30% E
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20%
10%
2003/042005/062007/082009/10 2011/12 2013/142015/16 2017/182019/202021/222022/23
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academic year with focus on health & fitness, invasion games and striking games. All lessons are designed to be fun and engaging whilst teaching important values and principles, and improving pupils’ self-confidence, self-esteem and achievement, preparing the youngsters for their transition to secondary school and for the handover to the Sporting Marvels workers there if applicable. Our PE lessons are essential in building meaningful relationships with the children we work with, and help to improve our platform of influence and establish our Marvels as genuine role models in their lives given the importance of sport in Rhondda’s culture. As previously explained (see pages 8-11) the operational goal of Sporting Marvels is to put a positive Christian role model in front of every school pupil aged 10-18 in Rhondda, and we are delighted to be able to say that the year under review saw us in partnership with 75% of all Rhondda schools (see graph) with the additions of two new primary schools to our roster: Pontygwaith Primary School & Porth Community School. The continued success of our schools work positioned us well at the end of the period for future growth in 2022/23.

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ALL-STAR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

In the secondary schools we partner with, we are primarily based in the PE/Health & Wellbeing faculty even though we also have scope to support RE, PSE and Welsh Baccalaureate.

Our All-Star Leadership Programme enables us to work closely with many of the most influential youngsters in each age/peer group, coaching, mentoring and developing them on their journey through secondary school. Years 7-9 are foundational years where the Marvels build up confidence and self-esteem, all whilst developing their raw skills and competencies in a leadership context. In Year 10, those who remain committed, start the intensive leadership development stage which runs until they leave school. Over the years, we’ve developed this programme in partnership with secondary schools so that it sees us facilitate the development of pupils identified as ‘more able and talented’ pupils in a PE/sporting context, and this has resulted in our programmes being

the primary delivery mechanism for schools looking to fulfil this obligation in their PE/Health & Wellbeing faculties.

Although we work with pupils throughout the school day in secondary schools, much of our interaction with the young people who are part of our All-Star Leadership Programme takes place outside of curriculum time; at events, lunch time, after-school clubs, etc. Everything we do is totally transparent from an educational and parental point of view, and each pupil we work with has copies of our brochures and In Focus magazine. Parents of All-Star pupils continue to be among our most vocal supporters, and the interest among 15/16 year-olds in undertaking work experience with us and joining our Training Programme in the future continues to be at a high level despite Covid having a slightly detrimental effect on momentum.

This programme also has the added dynamic of taking sixth-formers to Tanzania, East Africa. These trips give pupils the opportunity to experience what life is like in one of the poorest parts of the world. By engaging with orphanages, schools and church communities they then play a small part in projects aimed at having a sustainable impact on those in need. This is done in partnership with Heart for Africa (UK Reg’d Charity No. 1173027) which was set up in May 2017 to make an ongoing difference to lives in Tanzania - see pages 30 & 31.

The All-Star Leadership Programme - once completed by the All-Star - makes a staggering difference, and we know it’s helped many in their next steps whether that be in continued education, sport, job interviews, or other community leadership opportunities.

“We made so many fun memories that will last a lifetime! You’ve also really helped me grow in confidence in being a leader since being in Summer Camp, at times when I didn’t have faith in myself and made me realise that every leader has different strengths and not every leader is the same!” EVE, ALL-STAR LEADER, 2021/22

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“The pupils absolutely love Sporting Marvels and being able to see them, speak to them and engage with them has been essential during this incredibly challenging year. The impact they have is extraordinary and they play an integral role at Ysgol Nantgwyn, we simply would not be without them!” KIRSTY RETALLICK, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER SECONDARY SCHOOL

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I

TRAINING PROGRAMME

Our Training Programme for school-leavers was formally launched in September 2016 after a number of successful years improving how the charity develops people. Whilst preparing young people for Christian schools ministry and/or mission work, the programme enables participants to acquire teaching qualifications (QCF Levels 3 & 4), sports coaching awards (UKCC Levels 1 & 2), and experience in preparing

QUALIFICATIONS

Year 1:

DBS Check First Aid at Work Safeguarding Children & Young People Level 2 Education Workforce Council Membership Level 3 in Teaching & Learning (TA) UKCC Level 1 Sports Coaching

Year 2:

OE Mental Health Children & Adolescents UKCC Level 2 Sports Coaching

Year 3:

Level 4 Education & Training (HLTA)

Optional:

Level 2/3 Instructing Exercise & Fitness Level 2/3 Fitness Instructing Level 3 Personal Training

Level 3 Children’s Care Learning & Development Level 1 Netball Umpiring

Level 3 Health & Social Care (Children & Young People)

BA (HONS) Primary Education Studies BSC (HONS) Psychology LLB (HONS) Law

and leading classroom RE and PSE lessons and children’s events, including developing video resources. The programme takes a minimum of two years to complete to Level 4 status, but as enrolment on the

Level 4 in Education & Training is subject to application, most trainees will complete our Training Programme over three years. Five trainees have now progressed successfully through the programme to full Marvel status, with a further two partway through the programme and progressing well. We are encouraging sixth formers with a possible interest in becoming Marvels to join us for work experience while still at school/college, as their timetables allow – this has resulted in

Left... ONCE INFLUENCED, NOW INFLUENCING!! While the first Marvels were all from overseas (see pages 10 & 11), the impact of Sporting Marvels created a new generation of positive Christian role models; from influenced to influencers! Our photo-combo, left ... showcases 16 of them... From top left .. 1 SMITHY 2 CHELSEA 3 JODY 4 COUCHY 5 SAM 6 NAOMI 7 LAUREN 8 DEANNA 9 TAYLAR 10 HIEDI 11 LUCY 12 CONNAH 13 LIAM 14 RHIANNON 15 KIERAN 16 LISS

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one of our outstanding All-Stars being committed to starting their training in September 2022. We hope that this work experience pathway will increase potential trainees’ understanding of our work and what is expected of them as a Marvel, decreasing the likelihood of new starters dropping out of the programme. The programme is still attracting substantial interest among those we work with in the 15/16 age group, and their parents, and we are confident that through our Training Programme we will be able to grow and maintain our team at a size that will allow us to achieve our aim of reaching every Rhondda school.

When a pupil with high academic ability shows interest in Sporting Marvels, some parents have previously been concerned as they would prefer their child to go to university. However, we’ve always believed that it is possible to do both (as Managing Director Lawrie Davies

did, gaining a Law Degree while working as a Marvel) and the charity is fully supportive of any Marvels who want to extend their learning and improve their qualifications. In 2020 we liaised with local educational institutions to find parttime degrees that could fit around a Marvel’s timetable, as well as investigating suitable Open University courses. The trustees are delighted that two Marvels have already completed Year 1 of their part-time Open University Degree courses. One Marvel is studying Psychology (BSc) and the other Primary Education (BA), both of which complement their roles in the team. The aim is for Marvels undertaking a parttime degree, to complete their studies within 6 years. We believe this will become an attractive option for some of our All-Stars (and their parents) to consider, not least because they will avoid the level of debt incurred by being a fulltime student.

CASE STUDY: Elicia Jones

Elicia has been involved with Sporting Marvels since she was part of the Mighty Marvels Programme in Year 6. From there, Elicia became one of our first All-Star Leaders at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda. She joined us in September 2021 after her official start was delayed due to the Covid pandemic. Since joining she has made excellent progress, gaining her Level 4 in Education & Training and her QCF UKCC Level 2 in Netball Coaching.

Both qualifications have helped increase Elicia’s competence and confidence in the role she has in the team whilst increasing the level of trust schools have in her. Alongside her qualifications, she has also completed Year 1 of her part-time Open University Degree in Primary Education (BA). 2022/23 will see Elicia take on more responsibility in the Mighty Marvels Programme as she continues to make progress with her degree.

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & EVENTS PROGRAMME

After 18 months with no out-of-school events due to Covid restrictions, 2021 saw the return of our full Events Programme; Christmas Parties, half-term events Head-2-Head & Sports Day, end-of year Presentation Evenings, and SummerCamp. We weren’t sure what the turnout would be after such a long period without events, but instead of attendance dipping, it actually rose and new records were set. Events sold out in hours instead of days, and the largest event in Sporting Marvels history took place, Sports Day 2022. This event broke all records to become our biggest ever event, with just over 420 young people in attendance across the required two days.

Our out-of-school events see hundreds of children engage with us and they are a great catalyst in establishing closer relationships with the children we teach. We’re all about positively influencing through relationships

and the events help us to build a platform for influence that lasts. The huge participation numbers represent the esteem in which the charity is held in the community, as no other initiative in Rhondda Cynon Taf attracted more young people to events than Sporting Marvels during the year under review.

The year under review also saw the return of our All-Star After-School Clubs at Ysgol Nantgwyn and Ysgol Cwm Rhondda. In addition, the staff at Ysgol Nantgwyn also requested another ‘Adventure Day’ for their Year 4, 5 & 6 pupils after the success of this event in summer 2021 just as Covid restrictions were easing. Headteacher feedback in our end-of-year appraisals shows how much our partner schools (and their pupils) appreciate all the efforts we made throughout the year inside and outside of their school life.

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2021/2 EVENT 27

CHURCH YOUTH WORK: DCW CHURCH PARTNERSHIP

Prior to the Covid pandemic, Sunday attendance at our partner youth-focused church - Dream Centre Wales (DCW) - was the highest it had been since the church was established in 2015/16, at an average of over 60. Depth of engagement and numbers in the church’s small group ‘Crews’ were also at an all time high. However, unfortunately, DCW was unable to hold Sunday services during 2020/21 or 2021/22 due to the weekly venue DCW uses being closed for hire. In February/March 2022, after Omicron had come and gone, Chelsea Davies (Pictured left), DCW’s Senior Leader, got in contact with Coleg y Cymoedd about a return (for the 3rd time during the pandemic), but it was clear they didn’t want DCW to return in the short term. Caution surrounding Covid was still the main reason, but they also said they had a “long-term refurb” planned with new learning arrangements in now in place. Having already explored a number of other potential venues/dead-ends since September 2021, the church wasn’t really sure what to do next. However, after the last Coleg y Cymoedd rebuff, DCW (and by extension, Sporting Marvels) had a real answer to prayer. Sporting Marvels signed a 25-year lease on new premises, an old Labour club, which has a hall with a 150 person capacity. The lease started on 3rd May 2022 which did mean a slight overlap in terms of costs running two premises until 31st August, at which point Sporting Marvels’ tenancy at its Central Offices venue on Gelli Ind Est ceased. DCW has officially signed its own 25year “sub-lease” and this will have the effect of

By the grace of God, Sporting Marvels acquired a 25-year lease on the old Ystrad Labour Club which ceased trading April 2022!

Former Marvel and current DCW Church driving force, Chelsea Davies, pictured with the keys to our new premises, April 2022.

Potential… a lot of work needed throughout the building, but there’s no doubt God came through for Sporting Marvels & Dream Centre Wales Church on the back of the pandemic which saw the church effectively ousted from what could be instead of what was! its publicly owned college facility. On our first visit at the end of April, we saw

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Some of the Marvels and young DCW church members doing their best in July 2022 to make the main hall into a suitable location for DCW Church Sunday services.

saving DCW money on what it previously paid Coleg y Cymoedd, whilst also slightly increasing Sporting Marvels’ “Office Sharing Income”.

During the latter part of this year under review, the Marvels, around their normal day to day activities, have made great efforts to refurb the building on behalf of DCW Church which had some money available to undertake works to bring the premises up to a minimum standard to hold services. At the time of this report, it is estimated that the necessary works will be completed by October half-term (2022) for DCW’s Sunday services to restart. These services will be supplemented by small group meetings and outdoor activities to boost reengagement.

We have a vision to turn the old “bar/lounge” into a space for the young people we work with each week, enhancing our reach and impact as well as impacting DCW Church.

The trustees are hopeful that DCW will rebuild attendance and engagement over time and experience a comeback from Covid similar to what Sporting Marvels experienced during this year under review. The trustees also look forward to seeing the full return of DCW’s special events that so many church members attend each year, such as Baptism Sunday and the summer Dream Girls Conference.

During the year under review, the trustees were delighted to see that 29 boys and young men (aged 15-30) represented DCW at the National Christian Football Festival in Shropshire, run annually by Ambassadors. DCW finished 3rd out of 15 teams, and the male members of the church are confident the 2021/22 Festival has helped promote DCW Church ahead of its first Sunday service at the new facility during 2022/23.

The upstairs toilets - August 2022 - also need investment!

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ORPHANAGES & SCHOOLS OUTREACH: HEART FOR AFRICA PARTNERSHIP

Heart for Africa was created in 2017 as a charity that could impact those most in need in the Arusha area of Tanzania, outside of Sporting Marvels’ biennial All-Star trips. Through these trips, Sporting Marvels has developed longstanding links with orphanages, schools, churches and communities, and the team felt a strong desire to provide them with more sustained support without placing a financial burden on Sporting Marvels. Lawrie Davies (Managing Director of Sporting Marvels) is Chair of Trustees, while Sporting Marvels Team Leaders Lauren Smith and Ian Smith, and Sporting Marvels’ part-time Head of Development Fiona Davies, are also trustees.

Heart for Africa’s team of five Community Coordinators in Arusha identify needs and act as a link between Heart For Africa and its beneficiaries, also helping to organise Sporting Marvels trips and being part of Sporting Marvels’ prayer partner network. Heart for Africa’s work focuses on education, supporting orphans and other children/young people in need to attend school/ college, and on prevention or relief of poverty, by providing grants, items and services to individuals and communities in need. Heart for Africa’s first two major projects helped a centre for street children and a church community. Currently, the charity is working in partnership with a community women’s group, investing in female small business owners to enable them to increase their profits, from which they will

reinvest into the community to help other women to start up in business, and meet edu-

cational/training needs. The vision is to kick-start a cycle of reinvestment, benefitting the whole community and enabling them to improve their standard of living. Heart for Africa receives a small monthly donation from Sporting Marvels and DCW Church. Several young people associated with Sporting Marvels and DCW Church donate regularly to Heart for Africa; many of them,

as well as staff from one of Sporting Marvels partner schools, supported a sponsored virtual run/walk in November 2021, and Sporting Marvels partner primary schools also supported a sponsored run in June 2022. A record number of All-Stars and Marvels are interested in the next Tanzania trip, planned for February 2023.

Heart for Africa’s third major project will be to support a Women’s Group in Muriet to upscale their small businesses, empowering them to give back to the community. Here’s Lauren with some of the group members, on our last visit to Tanzania in 2019.

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

Total income for the year under review without factoring exceptional income was £225,331 which represented a slight decrease from the 2020/21 year. However, the previous year had a significant amount of furlough/flexi-furlough income as a result of the various Governmentenforced lockdowns and restrictions. This type of income compensated for reduced income in other areas due to operational activity being reduced to schools-only when lockdowns were not in place. Therefore, the trustees are thrilled and grateful that the charity rebounded from a challenging 2020/21 to record the level of income it did during the year under review, with all Covid-specific support being received in the previous financial year.

Including exceptional income, total income for the year under review was £238,123. This exceptional income was related to the charity’s efforts to support several team members in respect of their car and car insurance situations

during Covid. With borrowing costs soaring, second-hand car costs rising, and supply-chain issues, the charity was able to secure extremely good deals on several business leases which the Senior Management Team felt were necessary, to ensure team members on flexi-furlough when schools weren’t closed, continued to work to keep the charity going rather than

attempting to save too much money by going through the pandemic without a car. During the year under review, costs for this were £16,942 and income from the respective team members was £12,792 which equated to a £4,150 loss. The trustees feel this small loss represented a huge success, as it not only supported some of our team through a challenging time, but ensured we were not placed in difficult situations with schools/team members in respect of the constant lockdown/varying levels of restrictions, and the furlough/flexi-furlough employee challenges many charities and small businesses faced. However, the trustees are also pleased that the agreements tapered down significantly from June 2022, and the loss in this area across 2022/23 is set to be less than £1,800 with all contractual agreements ending 31st August 2023.

Total expenditure for the year under review without factoring exceptional expenditure was £226,722 which represented an increase of £28,092 compared with the Covid-affected 2020/21 year. However, despite growing our reach and influence compared to 2018/19, the last “normal” year before the pandemic, expenditure for the year under review was £13,031 less than that year. The trustees were extremely pleased with this result as it showed how the Managing Director was able to maintain many Covid cost-cutting measures for the year under review without this having a detrimental effect on the Sporting Marvels mission. The trustees do recognise though, that certain Events were not able to be restarted during 2021/22, particularly from Sep 21 - Feb 22, and that going forward Events expenditure will likely surpass where it was prior to the pandemic due to the charity’s larger reach.

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Including exceptional expenditure, total expenditure for the year under review was £251,764. Most of this exceptional expenditure (£16,942) was in relation to the charity playing an active role in several team members’ car and car insurance situations through the pandemic, and this is explained in detail above, paragraph two. The other exceptional expenditure of £8,100 was in relation to the charity securing new premises - The Old Ystrad Labour Club which went out of business 17th April 2022 - on a favourable 25-year lease from 1st May 2022 onwards. As the premises is in need of significant refurbishment, the Founder & Chair of Trustees and Managing Director struck a deal with the Landlord that would see the charity pay an initial payment in order to secure a long period of no monthly lease payments, which the charity can instead direct towards essential refurbishment costs (see Plans for the Future on pages 36 & 37). This initial oneoff payment took place during the year under review whilst the charity continued to make monthly rent payments to the Landlord at the charity’s Central Offices premises on Gelli Ind Est, CF41 7UW - the tenancy agreement at this premises ended 31st August 2022. Therefore, the trustees feel this initial payment can be considered exceptional expenditure, and it was made possible out of reserves that accumulated during two lower-cost Covidaffected years, 2019/20 & 2020/21.

The trustees are looking forward to seeing the new premises benefit the Sporting Marvels mission as well as the Dream Centre Wales

Church mission, since that charity signed a 25-year sub-lease as part of Sporting Marvels striking the deal in the first place. In recent years, the charity has been highly successful in generating income by hiring out certain parts of its old premises, mostly for other charitable/community activities, and the trustees are optimistic that more success will be possible on this front, mainly thanks to the 125+ person capacity main hall. However, the trustees recognise the challenges the Managing Director will have in respect of rising energy costs, and there is collective recognition that capital grants and time will be needed in order to see a high level of financial success from the move.

Although the trustees would prefer that the charity had an even stronger balance sheet going into the next period, they are pleased that the current balance in the charity bank accounts plus pledged/committed income, equates to six months of operational activity. This compares positively against the reserves policy, and this is without factoring the remaining Covid Bounce Back Loan balance - circa £41,000 as of 31st August 2022 - which sits untouched in the charity’s main unrestricted account. Monthly repayments against this loan will take place for another nine years, and payments are made from the loan balance itself. Upon financial review of the year under review and the information to hand regarding the first half of 2022/23, the trustees consider that the charity is able to continue to operate as a going concern.

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FUNDRAISING

The aims of Sporting Marvels are realised by raising funds from individuals, trusts, foundations, churches, partner schools, events, and other activities, and principally using these funds to empower our positive Christian role models to impact school and community life. As such, fundraising is a key element of our operations. The day-to-day fundraising processes such as making funding applications are primarily undertaken by our Managing Director and part-time Head of Development, and these function in line with the overall financial strategy. The Managing Director has oversight of all fundraising efforts and commits time to key applications and relationship-building with potential donors, whilst our Founder & Chairman also commits substantial amounts of time to the charity’s fundraising activities on a voluntary basis. With £28,362 of direct fundraising costs against a total income (including exceptional income) of £238,123 during the year under review, the trustees are of the opinion that the charity was once again very efficient on the fundraising front. Fundraising was particularly challenging during the early part of the year under review, and the trustees are grateful to every supporter who helped the charity fight through the period where the organisation’s day to day activities were hindered by Covid restrictions. This made fundraising all the more difficult for the off-field team, but the trustees are delighted that Covid’s impact on fundraising and grant applications was less apparent Jan - Aug during the year under review.

----- Start of picture text -----
“Thank you for giving him memories
he will cherish for a lifetime.”
JADE, PARENT OF MIGHTY MARVEL, 2021/22
----- End of picture text -----

STAFF REMUNERATION

Staff remuneration is reviewed each year and the Managing Director makes recommendations to trustees based on the charity’s targets and accompanying financial strategy.

The charity continues to operate with a missionary heart and aims to preserve this with personnel support packages. To ensure this does not have a negative effect on the retention of key staff members, the trustees support all efforts the charity’s personnel make to supplement their income from other work, as long as this does not interfere with their Sporting Marvels roles.

During the year under review, the highest paid staff member’s support package fell within the: £22,000 - £26,999 band.

No trustees were paid.

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RELATED PARTIES

Founder & Chairman, Phil Davies, is the father of Managing Director, Lawrie Davies, and as such, is not party to any discussions or decisionmaking surrounding his remuneration.

The trustees consider the charities Dream Centre Wales & Rhondda Netball to be related parties due to the involvement of a number Sporting Marvels personnel in these charities. Office costs for the period, including space, gas, electricity, water, phones, internet, software, paper and other office materials, office-based printing etc, were shared with these charities where Lawrie Davies has significant influence. As the longest established entity, Sporting Marvels acted as the primary account holder for all the various costs, and income was received from the other two charities. These arrangements had the effect of saving all three charities thousands of pounds across the year, providing significant all-round benefit. As Dream Centre Wales also benefited from donated personnel time from Sporting Marvels, the trustees consider Dream Centre Wales to be a significant beneficiary of the charity.

The trustees also consider Heart for Africa to be a related party due to the involvement of Sporting Marvels personnel in setting up and running this charity. As this charity runs a small UK-based operation which manages a Tanzania-based operation, Sporting Marvels

donated office space as well as printer use and stationery where required. There was no way to quantify the exact value of this, but the trustees do not estimate this to be over £1,000 for the year under review.

DONATED SERVICES

Founder & Chairman, Phil Davies, continued to give a full-time commitment to the charity for no remuneration during the year under review. The value of this cannot be overstated and his heart to do this after so many years is one of the key reasons the charity is able to keep certain core costs to a minimum.

During the period, True Vine Media Limited, where Phil Davies has significant influence and control, also donated a significant amount of FOC design time to the charity. This enabled the charity to produce high quality and professional materials - both in-school and as part of our fundraising activities - for no design cost. As a Christian charity in one of the most deprived regions in the UK, this is incredibly helpful. It makes our programmes more impressive to educationalists, and it also helps us to attract the attention of prospective supporters who are impressed with what we’re able to teach based on how our materials can convey this. The business also provided trade printing costs to the charity, enabling the charity to save thousands of pounds on materials throughout the period.

“I love all the opportunities we are given as All-Stars, I look up to all of the Marvels – they have such great confidence and passion for what they do. In the events were encouraged to be confident in who we are and not to worry about looking silly or being judged. Showing your true character is what’s important and that will stick with me forever! ” LEXI, ALL-STAR LEADER, 2021/22

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PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The charity had originally developed a clear Operational Action Plan through to the end of the 2023/24 academic year. This was revised during 2020/21 as a result of the Covid pandemic, and has been extended to cover 2024/25. This Operational Action Plan defines the charity’s plans for growth, in terms of both partner schools and personnel, for each accounting period. The charity hopes

“Thanks for the last 5 years, the best times of my life and I’ve loved every single moment of it even the leadership challenges. This group will always be a part of my family.” KEAAN, ALL-STAR LEADER, 2021/22

fruition of the plan will culminate in the realisation of the vision to see every Rhondda school partnering with Sporting Marvels. Due to the pandemic and its far-reaching impact on life and society at large, the original plan was effectively extended by one year, as it was impossible to make the required arrangements to take on a new secondary school for September 2021, when it was unclear how the charity’s operation would be affected. As it happened, “normality” returned at the beginning of the year under review, and other than the Omicron scare, Covid had a minimal impact on operations through 2021/22. In fact, the charity has been more successful operationally speaking during this year compared to any previous year. The trustees are only disappointed that the same could not be said for DCW Church (see pages 28 & 29), but the board are hopeful 2022/23, following the acquisition of Ystrad Labour Club on a long term lease, will be a successful year for the church. In order to make this so, it is paramount the church is able to accomplish an adequate refurb of the main hall in good time.

The immediate plan for 2022/23 is to continue to succeed in respect of school and Headteacher feedback, impressing with the team’s professionalism and willingness to adapt to the impact Covid, and the current cost of living crisis, has had - and is having - on many young lives, all whilst building and growing the team sustainably to accomplish the charity’s goals according to its Operational Action Plan.

2022/23 OPERATIONAL PLANS

At this time, the charity hopes to partner with one more secondary school and one more primary school during 2022/23, whilst also adding at least one new trainee onto our Training Programme. The charity will also be aiming to further improve the team’s efficiencies, with the aim of keeping total annual costs as low as possible, in order to negotiate any challenging months resulting from the financial concerns many homes, businesses and charities have concerning inflation and the cost of living.

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW BUILDING

Securing a 25-year lease on a new building that is over twice the size of our former office base on Gelli Ind Est, for a fraction more per month than the charity was paying, is a huge coup for the charity. This should give the Senior Management Team greater scope to increase the charity’s Office Sharing Income, all whilst enhancing Sporting Marvels’ youth activities. The size

The aim is to turn the main hall into an impressive Church Room fit for modern day contemporary church, as well as being multi-purpose for rental purposes helping to generate income for the charity.

Significant progress has already been made on the essential aspects of the refurb and the trustees hope this will continue throughout 2022/23.

of the building does present a challenge in terms of finance, as external capital grants will be needed in order to see the building serve Sporting Marvels and the sub-lease holders effectively. However, a large part of the building is needed first and foremost by DCW Church, a sub-lease holder, and so it is the responsibility of this charity to make its own efforts to raise money for capital works to enhance its operations.

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THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

With three Marvels now undertaking parttime degrees through The Open University, as well as the greater push towards remote learning on the back of the pandemic, the charity will be aiming to raise the awareness of this opportunity for future Marvels. The trustees hope that part-time degrees will ensure our best young people tie their role

with the charity to their degree. This should ensure the period of time Sporting Marvels benefits from those it trains and invests in to become Senior Marvels, is much longer, creating significant operational benefit.

For 2022/23, we expect to see...

CASE STUDY: Krystal Evans

The charity has added Krystal Evans to the team as an Intern. She has been involved with Sporting Marvels since she was 10 years old as a Mighty Marvel in Tonypandy Primary School, she then went on to become an excellent AllStar Leader in the Nantgwyn All-Star Leadership Programme.

Her heart, passion, and skill set makes her a great addition to the Mighty Marvels team especially, she loves the children, and the children love her!

We have great expectations for her future in the ministry, she already has enrolled on the Level 4 in Higher Level Teaching Assistant and a parttime degree in Education Studies.

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NEW CURRICULUM FOR WALES

The trustees have been delighted with the efforts the Senior Management Team have made to adapt the Mighty Marvels Programme to the New Curriculum for Wales (see image, below), which is being phased in over the next few years. The team attended several meetings at partner schools throughout the year under review to better shape what Sporting Marvels does around the new discretion schools have to teach their pupils. The Mighty Marvels team plan to incorporate further changes to our primary school curriculum for 2022/23 according to Headteacher

and class teacher feedback received at the conclusion of the 2021/22 academic year. The Senior Management Team are confident that any changes will not have the effect of diminishing what the charity seeks to achieve from a Christian point of view, so long as the Marvels continue to be marked as excellent by our partner schools.

“Sporting Marvels helps us deliver the RE curriculum, and their expertise in PE is very beneficial for the health, wellbeing and fitness of all our pupils. The excellent Mighty Marvels Programme helps develop an understanding of the Christian Faith, and the Christian values taught are linked with the PSE lessons so that pupils fully understand the values, and can apply them in real life.” MR COOLE, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOL

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RISK ASSESSMENT

The trustees are aware of factors both within and outside the charity’s control that are relevant to the achievement of its objectives including relationships with employees, key partners and funders and have a risk management strategy in place which comprises

A review of the risks at each trustee meeting. The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified.

The implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

PRINCIPAL RISKS & UNCERTAINTIES

At the time of writing, the timescale of the UK’s full recovery from the Covid pandemic is still a little uncertain, with worries over the cost of living and inflation dominating news headlines. Thankfully, following the success of the vaccination programme, all Covid restrictions were removed in August 2021. However, if further lockdowns or periods of restrictions are

announced, particularly if this is without accompanying support as with the furlough/SEISS schemes, this could have a negative effect on the charity financially speaking. The trustees would hope that if the Government does implement more lockdowns, it will also reimplement the furlough/flexi-furlough and SEISS schemes in order to support charities and businesses whose income streams are harmed as a result.

There are some immediate concerns for 2022/23 regarding the price of Gas & Electricity. Should the Government not intervene to cap prices through the winter like for example, the French Government has, then extreme concerns will remain for homes and businesses regarding the price of these resources. From the

charity’s perspective, this has the potential to significantly add to costs. However, recent and future sub-lease agreements will have wording to ensure increasing utility costs are shared. This should mitigate the charity’s exposure in some way this coming winter.

Sporting Marvels relies on income affected by the economic climate and Government spending policies. Fluctuations in these spending patterns may adversely affect the level of funding available to supporters of the charity. In consideration of this risk, and in the knowledge of how inflation and the cost of living have become prominent concerns throughout 2021/22, we continue to seek support from a wide range of sources to minimise the impact from this risk.

The trustees have identified the individual donor base to be made up mostly of people aged 55+ and new donors aren’t of a young age. The charity has not found it easy to engage new younger donors, and while this may be a reflection of the giving trends of modern-day young people, it is important that the trustees and Senior Management Team are able to be innovative in attracting new support.

After raising the required income to keep the charity in a position to not only sustain its operations, but grow its reach and influence for 2021/22, developing people and personnel sustainability is the next toughest challenge we face. This was the reason for creating our Training Programme. Sporting Marvels workers are encouraged to identify potential future Marvels during their time on the All-Star Leadership Programme and make them aware of the Training Programme as an option when they leave school. However, well-paid apprenticeships for school leavers are more popular than ever in the Valleys since some secondary

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schools have become age 3-16 schools, which creates a natural change in environment after Year 11. It will be important for the Senior Management Team to continue to mitigate against the increased competition in creative ways, especially if wage inflation continues to spiral.

In an area as deprived as the Rhondda Valleys, keeping costs to a minimum is imperative to the charity’s success. The Managing Director has devoted a lot of time over the last few years to creating an efficient operation without sacrificing the quality of provision which is so important in maintaining Sporting Marvels’ reputation. On top of this, several personnel are self-employed so they can earn extra money from doing work with other charities or businesses. It is possible that in the future Sporting Marvels will need to commit more resources to keeping its best people suitably motivated as most of them could earn more money outside of serving the charity. However, the Christian cause is already the main driving force for all key personnel, so we hope to be able to contin-

ue to monitor and manage this risk effectively moving forward.

CHILD PROTECTION & SAFEGUARDING

Sporting Marvels takes child protection & safeguarding very seriously. We review and modify our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy annually. The most important aspect of our policy is to ensure that all our schools’ workers possess an up-to-date, enhanced DBS check and acquire a “Safeguarding Children & Young People Level 2” certificate. This ensures that all personnel in contact with children are fully trained to handle the same kind of child protection issues as a qualified teacher. Due to the position of influence our Marvels have in the lives of young people, it is important that our team follow our policies and procedures so as not to put themselves, young people, and the charity at risk.

“Working in Rhondda’s Special Educational Needs school means the Marvels have to adapt to work effectively with our children. They are so engaging and inspiring to our students and it’s so easy to see how much they care! It’s why they are so popular across the key stage and school community and it’s very much to their credit as to how much our pupils always look forward to seeing them. It’s a key highlight of their week!!”

MR. BRADLEY, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOL

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STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
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Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the movement in funds of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

Prepare the finance statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity legislation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies.

ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES

Philip R Davies – Chair of Trustees & Director Approved by the trustees on 13 February 2023

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO
THE TRUSTEES OF SPORTING MARVELS
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I report on the accounts for the period ended 31 August 2022 set out on pages 44 to 47.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.

The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of the independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

John Smart Chartered Accountant New Park Terrace Treforest Pontypridd CF37 1TH

18 November 2022

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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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Year Ended Year ended
31.8.22 31.8.21
Notes £ £
INCOMING RESOURCES
Charitable income 238,123 232,446
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Direct charitable expenditure 251,764 198,630
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 3 (13,641) 33,816
Transfer - Contingency fund - -
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE PERIOD (13,641) 33,816

“The Mighty Marvels Programme has a hugely positive impact on all the children involved, helping enormously with their general sense of wellbeing and benefiting them mentally, physically and emotionally. The whole Mighty Marvels experience is thoroughly positive, promoting self-esteem, team building, cooperation skills and confidence. The Marvels are all lovely young people who are seen as friendly but dynamic positive role models by all our Year 6 children. ” MRS DESSENT, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOL

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BALANCE SHEET - 31 AUGUST 2022
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g
2022 2021
Notes £ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 6 5,500 6,750
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 8 4,500 3,138
Cash at bank 92,276 112,895
Cash at bank – restricted fund 12,000 7,000
108,776 123,033
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year 9 10,021 6,164
NET CURRENT ASSETS 98,755 116,869
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES 104,255 123,619
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due after one year
Bank Loan (35,777) (41,500)
68,478 82,119
NET ASSETS
RESERVES
General reserves 10 56,478 75,119
Restricted reserves 10 12,000 7,000
68,478 82,119

The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2022.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2022 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledges their responsibilities for:

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small charitable companies

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

P R Davies – Chair of Trustees & Director

13 February 2023

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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1. STATUTORY INFORMATION

Sporting Marvels Ltd is a charity and private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. The company’s registered number and registered office address can be found on the Charity Information page.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 1A “Small Entities” of Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Funds

The layout of the financial statements follows the statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting for Charities”. This layout introduced terms “Restricted” and “Unrestricted” funds. Restricted funds are those received for specific purposes. The trustees and senior management declare that the majority of all funds received are unrestricted funds, and are available to meet all of the company’s aims and objectives.

Reserves

Fund balances consist mainly of unrestricted funds are available to meet all of the company’s aims and objectives. The trustees aim that unrestricted funds not committed or invested in fixed assets (free reserves) held by the charity should equate to between 3 to 6 months of resources expended. At this level the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in the level of funding. At the end of the year under review, reserves had met the minimum side of this target.

Fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rate in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life: Fixtures, Vehicles, Computers etc - at varying rates on cost.

3. INCOMING RESOURCES

The incoming resources and expenditure of the charity are attributable to the principal aims and activities of the charity.

4. NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

The net movement in funds is stated after charging:

Year Ended Year ended
31.8.22 31.8.21
£ £
Depreciation and loss on disposals - owned assets **2,271 ** 2,250
Trustees' emoluments and other benefits etc - -

5. TAXATION

Analysis of the tax charge

No liability to UK corporation tax arose on ordinary activities for the year ended 31 August 2022, or for the year ended 31 August 2021, due to the charitable nature of the activities undertaken.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Plant and
machinery
etc
£
COST
At 1 September 2020 51,000
Additions 1,021
At 31 August 2021 52,021
DEPRECIATION
At 1 September 2020 44,250
Charge for year 2,271
At 31 August 2021 46,521
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 August 2021 5,500
At 31 August 2020 6,750
7. EMPLOYEES
The average monthly number of employees during the year was 11
8. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2022 2021
£ £
Covid support grants - 3,138
Other debtors - prepayments 4,500 -
4,500 3,138
9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
2022 2021
£ £
Taxation and social security 1,621 164
Other creditors 2,400 -
Bank loan 6,000 6,000
10,021 6,164
10. RESERVES
General Restricted
reserves reserves Totals
£ £ £
At 1 September 2021 75,119 7,000 82,119
Movement for the period (18,641) (18,641)
Movement for the period – restricted funds - 5,000 5,000
At 31 August 2022 56,478 12,000 68,478

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OVERVIEW OF INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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£ 100,000 £ 90,000 £ 80,000 £ 70,000 £ 60,000 £ 50,000 £ 40,000 £ 30,000 £ 20,000 £ 10,000

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Year ending
Categories
31 Aug 2022
£
Trusts & Foundations (unrestricted) 64,500
Trusts & Foundations (restricted) 1,500
Individuals (unrestricted) 67,658
Individuals (restricted) 5,000
Organisations, Churches & Ministries 31,880
Office Sharing Income 26,950
Gift Aid * 18,515
Partner School Donations 7,000
Events 2,328
£225,331
Exceptional Income
Car & Car Insurance Hire ** 12,792
Total
£238,123
Individuals Trusts & Organisations, Office Gift Aid Partner School Individuals Events Trusts & Car & Car
(unrestricted) Foundations Churches & Sharing Donations (restricted) Foundations Insurance
(unrestricted) Ministries Income (restricted) Hire
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OVERVIEW OF EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2022
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£ 100,000 £ 90,000 £ 80,000 £ 70,000 £ 60,000 £ 50,000 £ 40,000 £ 30,000 £ 20,000 £ 10,000

Year ending Categories 31 Aug 2022 £ Mighty Marvels Programme 88,738 All-Star Leadership Programme 52,201 Training Programme 27,234 All Fundraising Activities & Costs 28,362 Office Rent & Utilities 11,991 Events & Bible Giveaway 4,866 Accountancy, Bookkeeping & Financial Support 4,500 Church Youth Work & Mission 2,700 East Africa Schools & Orphanages Work 1,525 Key Person Life Insurance 1,256 Bank Charges 340 Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets 2,271 (Motor Vehicles & Computer Equipment) Covid Bounce Back Loan interest 738 £226,722 Exceptional Expenditure Car Leases & Car Insurance for Hiring * 16,942 New Building Lease Initial Payment ** 8,100 £25,042 Total £251,764 Mighty All-Star All Training Office Rent Events & Accountancy Church Depreciation East Africa Key Covid Bank Car Leases New Marvels Leadership Fundraising Programme & Utilities Bible BookYouth Work of Tangible Schools & Person Life Bounce Charges & Car Building Programme Programme Activities & Giveaway keeping & & Mission Fixed Assets Orphanages Insurance Back Loan Insurance Lease Initial Costs Financial Work Interest for Hiring Payment Support

* See previous page asterix** as well as the Financial Review on pages 32 & 33.

** See Financial Review on pages 33 and Plans for the Future regarding the charity’s move to new and much bigger premises with far more incomegenerating potential on a 25-year lease, for a monthly increase in rent/lease payments of just 6% per month compared to the previous smaller premises.

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