CHARITY NO: 1101562 COMPANY NO: 04543255 (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 |**Contents**
**Page**|**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| ## ~~—~~ 2 ~~Sa~~ LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION **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 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 Dr Fiona Davies _(Appointed 31/08/23)_ **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 3 LEADERSHIP FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 As a charity, Sporting Marvels is overseen by a Board of Trustees, presently made up of five individuals: ## **PHIL DAVIES** _Founder & Chairman_ **PHIL** founded Sporting Marvels in 2002 after being called iy / 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 just as committed to the cause as he’s ever been, 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. **FIONA DAVIES** _Trustee_ **Lawrie, left, pictured with the Sporting Marvels Trustees - from left - Fiona, Bob, John, Carl & Phil** **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 brought so much to the table for several years. But a couple of years into her final retirement she was delighted to become a trustee. 4 **The Sporting Marvels Council of Reference - from left - Lawrie, Rudi, Phil, Allen, Martin, Ruth & Nick, with inset, Ron.** ## **COUNCIL OF REFERENCE** In addition to 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. **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** ## **ALLEN CARTER** **ALLEN** is the Director of Donor Development at 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. (2003-2009) _Church Leader & BBC Sports Commentator_ **MARK DIJKENS** (2017-2019) _Regional Director CBN Europe (Creators of Superbook)_ 5 ## **SENIOR MANAGEMENT** While the Trustees oversee the charity, Sporting Marvels is run by its Senior Management Team comprising Managing Director Lawrie Davies, and Team Leaders Ian and Lauren Smith. The team are well supported by Phil’s full-time voluntary support in his Chair of Trustees role. ## **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 served in every operational role - Intern, Trainee, Primary School Marvel, Secondary School Marvel, Events Manager, Team Leader, and 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, which quickly became Wales’ largest female sports participation initiative. ## **IAN SMITH** _Team Leader_ **Ian** joined the ministry as an i 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 his success earned him a promotion to Team Leader in 2014/2015. He does a fantastic job of leading and motivating the Sporting Marvels team. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **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 of her roles and subsequently, was promoted to Team Leader at the start of the 2019/20 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 and coming through Covid. _**As a “missonary” organisation, the charity does its very best to support the efforts of all its key personnel to earn extra income around their ministry commitments, with the strategic aim of retaining our best people for longer than would otherwise be possible.**_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
Lawrie, pictured with Sporting Marvels
Team Leaders, Ian & Lauren
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6 **“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** 7 ## INTRODUCING SPORTING MARVELS **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** 8 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 ## _**DEPRIVATION (RHONDDA)[*]**_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
* Data from - latest (2019) survey
www.gov.wales/welsh-index-multiple-deprivation
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## _**NEGATIVE ROLE MODELS (RCT)**_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
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***** _Data from_ **www.publichealthwalesobservatory.wales.nhs.uk/phof** _- latest (2020) surveys_ **“I love all the lessons! Sporting Marvels has changed how I think and now, I feel that I can achieve anything I want to in my life!!” VERITY, MIGHTY MARVELS PUPIL 2022/23** 9 the start of our secondary school work 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. 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. Ugo (the 5th Marvel, Nigeria) and Sarah (25th Marvel, USA) surrounded by their class , September 2008 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!! Lotan (the 6th Marvel) - Malawi - at a Sporting Marvels Adventure Day in June 2007 10 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. \|iPc 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. Jy \w j . 11 CHAIRMAN’S OVERVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 After a brilliant but challenging “Comeback from Covid” during 2021/22, I was hopeful the year under review would have far fewer challenges for the charity and our team of Marvels to have to work through. But unfortunately, the post-Covid consequences many economists prophesied would come, which we were somehow spared during 2021/22, arrived with a vengeance during 2022/23! They came in the form of huge price rises due to circa 10% inflation, a big spike in interest rates that squeezed mortgage holders not on fixed rates, and significant wage increase pressures that were far easier for the public sector to contend with than those of us in the third sector. After all, charities like Sporting Marvels can’t go to a seemingly never-ending source of money to plug any type of fiscal hole and pretend the borrowed money will never have to be paid back, which is what seems to be happening in the UK when it comes to our government/ public sector debt. A 10% annual increase in staff wages/minimum wage gets issued in the UK public sector whether the country has to annually borrow £100 billion or not… because what’s another billion on the credit card when you’re already borrowing a hundred billion?! But on the ground in the third sector, these national shifts create extreme pressure on so many fronts, especially finance and people. In our case, knowing how tough it is/would be to immediately grow income by over 20% over a two-year period to keep up with rising costs, wages and inflation, we’ve had to make tough calls on people and had to work hard to empower our marvellous team of Marvels to be part of cost-effective and innovative solutions that enhance their lives, all without putting too much pressure on our fundraising efforts which have already had to succeed against a difficult backdrop over the last few years. Of course, the economic challenges of the year under review were not all post-Covid dominoes, because the Ukraine War also fuelled a sharp spike in the cost of gas, electricity and food way beyond inflation markers. This wasn’t only painful for households - and it clearly impacted our donor base given the sharp decline in individual donations during the year under review (despite several years of consecutive growth before 2022/23) - but also charities like Sporting Marvels that run multi-functional premises as part of their operation. Yes, there were plenty of challenges to grapple with during 2022/23! But ultimately, we thank God, our wonderful team of positive Christian role models, and all our magnificent partners and financial supporters for getting us through another challenging year that still saw us increase our reach and influence in line with our operational vision and action plan. However, admittedly, much of this was accomplished in faith and expectation that God will continue to financially bless and support our measured growth to eventually reach every kid and every school according to our Kingdom vision and purpose. As such, though we recorded a slightly larger operational loss than we projected for the year under review at £18,316 due to a greater than anticipated decline in individual donations, we at least had the reserves in place to come through the year in fairly strong fashion. The trustees were also please Christian Trust & Foundation income increased from 2021/22 as planned, by way of partial mitigation. However, it’ll be important for us to have a strong 2023/24 financially speaking right across the income spectrum, where the charity’s income more closely matches expenditure. “mers, **Founder & Chairman, Phil, pictured with** <-> **Doug#1, Doug#2, and their pals, at the Mighty Marvels Graduation, July 2023!!** 12 The operational success of 2022/23, which saw us add one partner secondary school - significantly expanding our All-Star Leadership Programme in the process - and one partner primary school, was made possible by God’s grace and the continued support of our financial partners, and the trustees would like to thank everyone that plays a key part in the Sporting Marvels vision. The trustees were extremely delighted with the successful additions of Porth Community School & Penrhys Primary during the year under review, and the Headteacher appraisals were a joy to read. The trustees were also thrilled the year under review ended with confirmation that Penyrenglyn Primary (based close to of the most deprived wards in Rhondda Cynon Taf & Wales) would be partnering with the charity for 2023/24 through our Mighty Marvels Health & Wellbeing 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 2021/22, many Headteachers and pupils commented on what a huge difference the Marvels had made to so many young lives during a season of heightened anxiety following years of instability in the social and educational lives of young people, and the trustees were blown away once again with the extra efforts the team made throughout the year under review. 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. 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 (HLTA) - to our personnel development processes has helped us equip our team to be successful professionals as well as missionaries driving Sporting Marvels forward. 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 Leadership Team of five Marvels/former Marvels, and is 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 no-restrictions church returning during 2020/21 & 2021/22, the trustees were thrilled to report that through Sporting Marvels, a new venue was secured on a favourable 25year lease in May 2022. Following significant renovations by DCW Church to the building’s main hall and connecting rooms such as toilets, Sunday services recommenced December 2022, and it was brilliant to see the work of Sporting Marvels bearing fruit every Sunday. Services averaged just over 40 throughout the year under review to August 2023, and the trustees are excited to see DCW Church reestablished ready for the years ahead. ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES Philip R Davies Chair of Trustees & Director 28 June 2024 13 ## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 **“Sporting Marvels has had such a positive impact on my life, they are all such great role models, who give up so much of their time to help young people like me!” MALI, ALL-STAR LEADER, 2022/23** ## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES The trustees present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ending 31 August 2023. 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 and Team Leaders. Trustee meetings 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. 14 ## 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: - Rosenberg Tests and health and fitness assessments carried out at the beginning and end of the year on the Mighty Marvels Programme show that the programme has a tangible beneficial effect on primary school children’s health & wellbeing, selfconfidence, self-esteem, and fitness. - Feedback from primary school Headteachers, parents and pupils confirms the positive effect the Mighty Marvels Programme has on pupil behaviour, confidence, aspirations, and knowledge of Christianity through RE and broader personal and social issues through PSE. - Feedback from secondary school Headteachers testifies to the benefits of the AllStar Leadership Programme, and the support Sporting Marvels personnel bring to schools both from an in-school and extra-curricular perspective. Numerous staff have praised the Marvels’ ability to be intermediaries between staff and pupils, while commenting on the positive impact they have upon pupils’ attitudes and aspirations. - Multi-platform feedback from parents and pupils also shows the effectiveness of Sporting Marvels’ events in providing healthy out-of-school activities which bring Rhondda’s different communities together. The number of current and former All-Star Leaders who now support the work of other charities in the community is incredible. This is particularly evident from a female perspective in respect of the charity, Rhondda Netball. There are also current and former All-Star Leaders supporting the charitable work of Valleys Kids and The Fern Partnership, and this is testament to the developmental work Sporting Marvels is doing with young leaders in its partner secondary schools. A small sample of the incredible feedback we have had from the local community - much of this received during the year under review - evidencing the benefit of Sporting Marvels, can be viewed on the next two pages... 15 ## Kid Journal Feedback **Emily, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _Sporting Marvels has brought light and happiness to my life, and into the lives of loads of kids in Rhonda. I have loved learning especially about the lives of Christians. I’m really hoping to become an All-Star so that I can experience the amazing things I did this year once again. SM is a massive part of my life and I hope that it will grow to be an even bigger part because after I’ve been an All-Star I want to be a Marvel._ **Rosie, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _I love Liam and Taylar so much! They’ve done an amazing job with us, and it makes me so sad to know that I might not see them again!_ **Ajay, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _Thank you for educating all us young kids so that we have a better chance of going far in life. I know that I can’t, but if I could, I’d send you a really big donation Phil!! Your story has inspired me to work hard in life. You’ve made me so happy I can’t even explain it!!_ **Llanie, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _I am so grateful for SM, because I used to get bullied and Tay and Liam showed me how to deal with it… and my life has been much better ever since! I have learned what it means to be a Christian and I just wanted to thank you for everything you do for us kids!!_ **Emily, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _All the Marvels are so kind, respectful, inspiring, and most of all amazing!! I will always remember being a Mighty Marvels kid. I know it’s changed me forever!!_ **Ruby, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _Liss, Lucy, and Liam, are super marvels and super role models! They’ve taught me that commitment is the key to everything!!_ _but I need to be confident in myself and always do the right thing._ **Olly, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _I’ve been with Liam for two years now and he’s really affected my life! SM teaches us about stuff that no one else even talks about!!_ **Elizabeth, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _SM has changed my attitude to everything… from sports to Christianity!! The stories about Jesus have been really interesting and a great learning experience. I feel a bit sad because SM doesn’t have All-Stars in Treorchy Comp. I’d love to be an All-Star!!_ **Ffion, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _I love SM because they always make sure that we have fun, but they also make sure you do the right thing too! They teach us about right and wrong, good and bad, but they do it in a way that nobody else does. It’s great being a Mighty Marvels kid!_ **Alicia, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _Nothing and no one has ever encouraged me the way the Marvels have!! You really are the best!!_ a **Emelia, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _I thought it was really cool how Joseph could read and understand other people’s dreams and then explain what they meant as well! The Joseph lesson made me see that choices are really important because making the right choice at the right time can affect my future!_ **Whitney, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _The Noah lesson helped me understand that doing the right thing won’t always being easy_ **Honey, Mighty Marvels Pupil 2022/23:** _I’m Grant Adams’ daughter Phil. Your story made me feel so positive today. It’s really impressive to hear how you gave up your passion for rugby to start SM. My father moved from South Africa to become a Marvel. He met and married my mother, and that’s how my family started and I was born! I knew quite a lot about the Bible before doing SM, but now I know even more! The sports lessons encouraged me to join Rhondda Netball, and I’m loving that too!_ ~~a ee~~ 16 ## Headteacher Feedback **Ms Davies, Partner School Headteacher:** _The Marvels have excellent relationships with our staff, and are absolutely adored by our pupils who without question, develop and mature greatly under their guidance. They are truly inspirational and can be relied upon to encourage the children to follow the right path in life. They are a vital and integral part of Teulu Llyn y Forwyn._ **Mr Williams, Partner School Headteacher:** _Liam and Liss are excellent role models who are able to not just teach our pupils, but demonstrate through their own lives, how the children can lead positive and fruitful lives. They have outstanding relational skills and have helped give our pupils a much greater understanding of Christianity and its values.”_ **Mrs Hutchings, Partner School Headteacher:** _The Marvels have fitted seamlessly into ‘Team Pontygwaith’, and the relationships they’ve formed with our pupils (and staff too!) has been an absolute joy to see. They make learning so much fun that our pupils don’t even realise they are learning!! Sporting Marvels helps our children develop socially, emotionally, and academically, and honestly, words can’t convey how much we, as a school, appreciate you all!_ **Mrs Flannery-Davies, Partner School Headteacher:** _The children have really grasped the values they’ve learned in the Mighty Marvels lessons, and we’ve all noticed how what they’ve learned feeds through into their other lessons. They’ve widened their knowledge of Christianity and its values and understand how they can implement them into their lives. The Marvels have great behavioural management skills, and all lessons are well-paced and challenging. The children love them so much; I try not to be offended when they say Sporting Marvels Day is their favourite day of the week! Thank you one and all!!”_ **Ms Morris, Partner School Headteacher:** _The Marvels sessions are the highlight of the pupils’ week, and there is always a big ‘buzz’ around the school on a Tuesday! Well-planned and superbly resourced, the lessons are always age-appropriate and promote the right values and ethos. The benefits of having Sporting Marvels are, quite literally, endless! They constantly teach valuable life skills, boost confidence, and enhance the pupils’ sense of well-being!_ **Miss Phillips, Partner School Headteacher:** _“Liss, Lucy, and Liam are great role models, full of energy and enthusiasm. The_ AnotherLouise Jenkins amazing summer camp, it's a massive Se Porth Parentnat yA Charlie... ET Ch; _children can relate to them easily, and they always make sure_ thank you from my boys again and best wishes Was going to message you in a bit _that every pupil is fully engaged. It is noticeable that school_ Lucy Br oy & to say a huge thank you to you and _attendance is always highest on a Friday; Sporting Marvels Day!”_ ae1 ierene es ‘ ' theweekend marvels, but canthey hadtell they a great are ank you £0. much for ta ing goo beatin shattered even though they reckon Tyler-Jay this weekend and giving him the best they aren't @ : . Ws _—' memories he really thinks a lot of you all thanks Ha ha | know he's afraid of missing PT | \ \ 4 4 : again and good luck to Lucy on your next out on anything so doesn't like to >) mV ae S FS Re at gtas SA ee. 2 6.F & aS Bm a Thanks so much for taking good care of i > 8et iS e t M ¥ eS “en e 4 i] sa E> eames Hiya Liss, eS 1-3 = im, ete A | a ~ § a 9 j Sg : B ‘ r Rory and Jenson's mum. PSO Cee oe (8: / eu! eS Bak. 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~~||~~ 18 ~~|eel~~ six different modules throughout an 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 outlined, 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 over 80% of all Rhondda schools not including the Tonyrefail Community School cluster closer to the M4 corridor (see graph, left) 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 - albeit smaller - growth across 2023/24. 19 ~~a =~~ ## **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 this 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. _**“I’m so glad that SM came to Porth Community School, and that I’ve been given the opportunity to be an All-Star. I know the Marvels are going to be such a support for me through the highs and lows of school and family life. Naomi in particular already feels like the big sister I never had!”**_ Te **e** yay Es i‘ — Bon a, **EVIE-MAE, ALL-STAR LEADER, 2022/23** 20 **“Despite the challenges experienced by all over the past two years, we continue to be thrilled with our partnership with Sporting Marvels and all of the great work happening (and not only with us but throughout the Rhondda and with the cluster at every level) - it really does ensure such fantastic opportunities for pupils... I would also like to thank Lauren for all of her work with us - she has been, and continues to be, fantastic, and is so very well thought of by staff and pupils alike! Ardderchog. Thank you again. Diolch o galon...”** **CRAIG SPANSWICK, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER SECONDARY SCHOOL** 21 q3 Iz 11 13 15 14 16 ## **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 and leading classroom RE and PSE lessons and children’s events, including developing video resources. The programme takes a minimum of two years to achieve Level 4 status, but as enrolment on the Level 4 in QUALIFICATIONS Po i **Year 1: DBS Check First Aid at Work** ~~g G~~ **Safeguarding Children & Young People Level 2** Education & Training is subject to application, ~~G~~ **Education Workforce Council Membership** most trainees will complete our Training G **Level 3 in Teaching & Learning (TA)** Programme over three years. Eight trainees have now progressed successfully through G **UKCC Level 1 Sports Coaching** the programme to full Marvel status, with a ha **Year 2:** further two partway through the programme G **OE Mental Health Children & Adolescents** and progressing well. We are encouraging sixth formers with a possible interest in G **UKCC Level 2 Sports Coaching** becoming Marvels to join us for work ba **Year 3:** experience while still at school/college, as **Level 4 Education & Training (HLTA)** their timetables allow - this has resulted in one **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** **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 KRYSTAL 15 KIERAN 16 LISS** 23 of our outstanding All-Stars being committed to starting their training in September 2023. 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 4+ Marvels have already successfully completed the first few years of Open University degrees - see page 38 for more information on this. The aim for each of our Marvels undertaking a part-time degree, is 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 high level of debt incurred by being a full-time student. ## **CASE STUDY:** _**Liam Jones**_ **Liam** has been involved with Sporting Marvels since being a Mighty Marvel himself whilst in Year 6 at Tonypandy Primary School. He was then selected to be an All-Star at Ysgol Nantgwyn where he continued in the programme for the next 5 years. Liam was a hugely influential All-Star Leader, always attending events and excelling with every leadership opportunity he was given. During his time as an All-Star Leader at Ysgol Nantgwyn, Liam was the first ever leader to win 3 “Leader of the Year” awards in a row for his commitment, consistency and always doing more than is expected of him attitude. After he departed Ysgol Nantgwyn, Liam began his journey to becoming a Marvel. His huge heart for young people, coupled with his charisma and leadership capabilities, made him a great trainee from the start. Liam completed his Level 4 in Education and Training at the end of the year under review and has become a key part of our Mighty Marvels team. The energy and positivity he brings with him every day is infectious, and he’s already proved to be a great role model for all of the pupils he works with, especially young boys who have little or no male role models in their lives. We’re excited to see Liam thrive as a cornerstone of our Mighty Marvels Programme over the next few years! 24 ## **EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & EVENTS PROGRAMME** With Covid restrictions hampering the start of our 2021/22 Events Programme, the team were doubly determined to start 2022/23 with a bang from an events perspective! News of October half term’s Head-2-Head events spread quickly across Rhondda, and all three events (two Mighty Marvels and one All-Star) sold out in double-quick time! The same thing happened for the Mighty Marvels and All-Star Christmas Parties which saw the “Reserve List” (where someone gets a spot only if someone else drops out) for both events end up being more than 50 strong!! After all the disruptions, we were amazed that 80% of our entire All-Star Leadership Programme showed up for our 2021 All-Star Christmas Party, yet 12 months later, we somehow managed to raise the bar again in 2022. 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. Along with our outof-school events, weekly After-school clubs returned at Ysgol Nantgwyn and Ysgol Cwm Rhondda, in addition to the newly established All-Star Programme at Porth Community School. Our annual ‘Adventure Day’ at Ysgol Nantgwyn took place for their Year 4, 5 & 6 pupils during July 2023 after Ysgol Nantgwyn staff requested it for the fourth consecutive year not including the Covid-affected summer of 2020. Headteacher feedback in our end-ofyear appraisals showed again how much our partner schools (and their pupils) appreciate all the efforts we made throughout the year inside and outside of curriculum time. 25 TV'"•I EVENT ,1, 26 •* MIGHTY MIGHTY AYEIA QAY 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. **DCW SIGNED ITS OWN 25-YEAR“SUB-LEASE” MAY 2022** ‘ ’ -—— r ay we Se Zz **MARVELS GARLAND, LISS & CONNAH GET BAPTISED, EASTER 2023** as ine= : However, DCW was unable to hold Sunday services during 2020/21 _and_ 2021/22 due to the weekly venue DCW used being closed for hire. In February/March 2022, after Omicron had come and gone, Chelsea Davies (DCW’s Senior Leader), got in contact with Coleg y Cymoedd about a return (for the third time during the pandemic), but it was clear they didn’t want DCW to return in the near future. Caution surrounding Covid was still the main reason, but they also said they had a “long-term refurb” planned with new learning arrangements coming soon. Having already explored a number of other potential venues/dead-ends since September 2021, the church wasn’t really sure what to do next. But 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 the costs of running two premises until 31st August 2022, at which point Sporting Marvels’ tenancy at its Central Offices venue on Gelli Ind Est ceased. DCW officially signed its own 25- year “sub-lease” and this had the effect of saving DCW money on **IT TOOK A LOT OF HARD WORK, BUT THE CHURCH AND THE MARVELS RALLIED TOGETHER TO GET THE NEW “CHURCH ROOM” READY** 28 **THE FIRST SERVICE BACK, 11TH DECEMBER 2022, AND 50** ‘ **PEOPLE WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AND THE RETURN OF DCW IN ITS NEW HOME** what it previously paid Coleg y Cymoedd, whilst also slightly increasing Sporting Marvels’ “Office Sharing Income”. During the year under review, the Marvels, around their normal day-to-day activities, continued to make great efforts to refurb the building on behalf of DCW Church which had some money available to undertake works to bring the main hall and connected rooms/toilets up to a minimum standard to hold Sunday services. What a joy it was then on Sunday 11th December 2022 for DCW Church to have its first Sunday service in its new home! As you can see from the photos, the “Church Room” looked amazing. The best thing about the re-launch though, were that there we actually people eager to come, exactly 50 in total in fact, which in Rhondda terms at least, is a lot, even for a “launch”. The rest of the year under review went brilliantly, with Sunday services averaging 41 per week, and the trustees were thrilled to see DCW rebuild a young congregation. The Marvels hope that DCW will truly be a place young people feel loved. The trustees were also very happy to see DCW’s young men represent the church at the National Christian Football Festival in Shropshire (run annually by Ambassadors), and 7 young people (including Marvels Connah, Kieran & Liss) take the public step of faith to be baptised, Easter 2023 - in front of 80+ people and another 5000+ across our church Instagram and over 20+ personal accounts that aired the video footage. After so many push backs and delay, it was great to see the charity’s church vision reestablished. **DCW CHURCH @ THE AMBASSADORS CHRISTIAN FOOTBALL FESTIVAL, JULY 2023** **THE DCW BOYS BROUGHT HOME THE WIN, AND EVEN BETTER THAN THAT, IT LOOKS LIKE THERE WILL BE “TWO” DCW TEAMS SIGNING UP FOR JULY 2024** **----- Start of picture text -----**
The upstairs toilets - August 2022 - also need investment!
|) (CA) AMBASSADORS
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29 ## **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’ trustee 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 project ‘Empowering Women in Muriet’ is going from strength to strength. All 5 initial participants now run profitable businesses and reinvest into the Moriah Women’s Group’s community fund - which enabled 3 more women (Doris, Upendo & Mary) to be supported in their own business ventures during the year under review. The fund also helped a family with 10 children - who were evicted from their rented home - to build a simple temporary house, saving them from homelessness. During summer 2023, Sporting Marvels ran a successful school activity, ‘A Mile for Africa’, linked to the Mighty Marvels lesson featuring Heart for Africa. Most partner primary schools got involved, with one holding a tabletop sale and several individual pupils deciding to raise additional money through sponsorship. Proceeds went towards buying goats, chickens, etc for partner organisations in Tanzania on our February 2024 trip. At the time of writing, 15 young people spent 10 days in Arusha witnessing firsthand the difference Heart for Africa makes in Tanzania. Heart for Africa receives a small monthly donation from Sporting Marvels and DCW Church. Several young people associated with Sporting Marvels and DCW Church also donate regularly to Heart for Africa. **----- Start of picture text -----**
é 4 a THE LATEST AFRICA TRIP, FEBRUARY 2024, WHERE 15 YOUNG PEOPLE SPENT 10 DAYS IN AFRICA WITNESSING FIRSTHAND
THE DIFFERENCE HEART FOR AFRICA MAKES IN TANZANIA.
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30
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RLL-*fR 'WbE•t 4&_'9 chlldrwi Tt*qrWp0ti￿ k)yiDgpec(*1o11 IEJII IDF Africa rea￿ ¥ppTe¢iaiei¢r the supptyl Brd I￿￿￿¥J doingfor Ali*a,Twwyo oul Center,mJtty bawe L*en rov¢ted lh￿ sukwt AknVghty'$tyess1n u ibiough yuu1 pnliTel￿eS 31 ## FINANCIAL REVIEW Total income for the year under review was £235,713 which represented a slight decrease from the 2021/22 when factoring that year’s exceptional income. However, without factoring 2021/22’s exceptional income, the year under review showed an increase in operational income of £10,382. The trustees were pleased with the growth in operational income, particularly the growth in income from Christian Trusts & Foundations, but were disappointed by the fall in individual donations. However, the year under review took place under a cloud of post-Covid rising costs, interest rate hikes, and it also marked the second year of circa 10% inflation in the UK. Add to this the obscene price of Gas & Electricity from October 2022 onwards, and it’s clear the challenging economic climate had an impact on the charity’s individual donors, with a decline in income in this area of £8,891 which, of course, also negatively impacted Gift Aid income. The trustees are grateful for the efforts of the Managing Director who, with far less experienced off-field support than in previous years, had to lead the charity’s fundraising efforts in the year under review, in extremely challenging circumstances, with rising costs/prices proving equally challenging on the expenditure front. Despite the context, income from Christian Trusts & Foundations was up significantly. The trustees are pleased that the charity continued to show resilience in its recovery from Covid, which obviously led to the demise of many small businesses and charities throughout the UK. The year under review also saw an uptick in income received from partner schools, totalling £10,000, mainly as a result of adding Porth Community School to our cohort of partner schools on a close-to-full-time basis, in order to establish a third All-Star Leadership Programme. In respect of the growth in income from Office Sharing, this was somewhat offset by increased energy costs as a result of the Ukraine War and inflation. Total expenditure for the year under review without factoring exceptional expenditure, was £254,029 which represented an increase of £27,307compared with the previous year’s expenditure without factoring that year’s exceptional expenditure. This was mainly a result of adding an additional partner secondary school, in the hope and expectation of significantly growing our All-Star Leadership Programme during the year under review and over future years. However, this growth in costs was also a result of adding two new partner primary schools - Pontygwaith Primary & Penrhys Primary - to our Mighty Marvels Programme. Beyond these two key moves, the charity also had to grapple with rising costs on several fronts. Despite the challenges of rising costs, the trustees were pleased that the total growth in expenditure was only a few thousand more than projected at the start of the year under review based on the charity’s measured expansion plan for 2022/23. The main disappointment for the trustees and Senior Management Team, was the fall in individual donations (and Gift Aid), which saw a combined £10,000+ decrease. Were it not for this, the charity would have made a much smaller operational loss, making the necessary exceptional expenditure from reserves more palatable. Including exceptional expenditure, total expenditure for the year under review was £269,995. Most of the charity’s exceptional expenditure (£15,966) was in relation to the charity playing an active role in several team members’ car and car insurance situations 32 during the pandemic. 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 take on. This ensured 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, which would have damaged the charitable operation beyond repair. During the year under review, costs in this area totalled £9,234. The trustees feel this 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 2020-2021, 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 February 2023, and the loss in this area across 2023/24 is set to be less again, with the ongoing losses coming to a stop upon the return of the charity’s last leased vehicle, December 2024. The other exceptional expenditure of £6,732 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. The building is in need of ongoing refurbishments, and though the trustees and Senior Management Team are aiming for these costs to be covered by capital grants in the future, or by long-term hirers of certain parts of the premises, the charity had to use some of its reserves for essential refurbishments (see Plans for the Future on pages 36 & 37 for further information on this). 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 this charity signed a 25-year sub-lease as part of Sporting Marvels striking the deal in the first place. In the years before 2022/23, the charity was 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 in the new premises. 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 2023/24, they were pleased with the balance in the charity bank accounts at the end of the year under review, with pledged/ committed income adding to this to cover around six months of operational activity. This compared positively against the reserves policy, and this was without factoring the remaining Covid Bounce Back Loan balance - circa £36,889 as of 31 August 2023 - which continues to sit untouched in the charity’s main unrestricted account. Monthly repayments against this loan will take place for another eight 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. 33 ## 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 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 £23,540 of direct fundraising costs against a total income of £235,713 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 year under review, and the trustees are grateful to every supporter who helped the charity fight through the period amidst huge economic unrest, from the September 2022 budget unrest, to the Ukraine War, to rising costs and inflation. This made fundraising all the more difficult for the charity. The trustees are hopeful that 2023/24 will see inflation beaten and things return to a more settled place from an economic perspective. ## 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: £25,000 - £27,499 band. No trustees were paid. 34 ## 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. **----- Start of picture text -----**
“The Marvels are genuine, kind and awesome people to be around. I
choose to spend so much time with them, they are my second family!!! ”
REGAN, ALL-STAR LEADER, 2022/23
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35 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 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 the consequences of our nation’s response to Covid, 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 was 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 trustees were pleased 2022/23, following the acquisition of Ystrad Labour Club on a long term lease, saw the reestablishment of DCW Church. In order to make this so, the church was able to accomplish an adequate refurb of the main hall in good time before December 2022. > " :*>> 4 A4 The immediate plan for 2023/24 is to con-tinue to succeed in respect of school and > \ Headteacher feedback, impressing with ; : the team’s professionalism and willingness 7, " to adapt to new learning arrangements, all whilst building and growing the team sus- > : _**“No matter how sad I might be feeling,**_ tainably to accomplish the charity’s goals Nh, _**when I see the Marvels, they make**_ according to its Operational Action Plan. The _**me smile and feel happy inside!”**_ - trustees are also hopeful individual dona- **KRYSTAL, MIGHTY MARVELS PUPIL, 2022/23** tions will return to their pre-2022/23 levels. ## **2023/24 IN FOCUS** During 2023/24, the charity hopes to partner with just one more primary school following significant growth in 2022/23, the year under review. The charity will also be aiming to further improve the team’s efficiency, with the aim of keeping total annual costs as low as possible, despite recent growth, in order to negotiate any challenging months resulting from the financial concerns many homes, businesses and charities have regarding inflation and the cost of living which we felt during 2022/23. 36 **THE EXTERNAL BUILIDNG WAS GIVEN SOME MUCH-NEEDED TLC DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, AND SIGNAGE WILL COMLETE THE UPGRADED LOOK IN 2023/24** ## **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, was a huge coup for the charity. The size 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. During the year in review, sublease holder DCW contributed significant- **----- Start of picture text -----**
IN THE NEXT YEAR OR TWO, THE ABOVE
SPACE WILL BE FULLY RENOVATED TO
MEET THE NEEDS FOR THE MARVELS
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**GREAT PROGRESS WITH OUR NEW BUILDING’S “CHURCH ROOM” BEING USED FOR SUNDAY SERVICES SINCE DECEMBER 2022** ly to the makeover of the main hall, and in December they were able to hold their first church service. The front of the building was also improved, and the corridor started to undergo a transformation. We’re still waiting on “professionally” presented quotes for the rest of the key work that needs doing, and the upstairs Marvels room and downstairs lounge area - which we’d like to see converted to a youth/kids room - are high on the priority list. But until we get the right quote and tradesmen, we can’t apply for anything, and getting them without using a seriously expensive established construction firm, is really tough. Four tradesmen have promised they would deliver, but zero have come through as yet. The trustees are very pleased though that the building is proving to be a great asset to the charity and DCW Church. 37 ## **THE OPEN UNIVERSITY** Through the Open University, Marvels Lauren, Liss, Kieran and Krystal enrolled on part-time degrees. During Covid there was a greater push towards remote learning, and this enabled our Marvels to enrol onto a degree whilst serving Sporting Marvels. full-time. The ‘joining Sporting Marvels instead of going to uni’ issue was, for a very long time, one of the biggest obstacles to some potentially great Christian role models of the future, feeling unable to come aboard. It was just too much for their parents, who, as much as they loved us, didn’t see Sporting Marvels as a credible path to a solid long-term financial future/career. Well, all that’s changed now, because the part-time degree route is now providing short-term and longterm opportunities, particularly for those from deprived families for whom grants are more favourable. The trustees hope that part-time degrees will ensure our best young people serve the charity for at least six years. 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. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Year 2
Year 2
ib BA (HONS) A, f sk j ; ° H q ] ANG | °
Education Studies _ / Year 3 i sii \ Mey) BA (HONS)
My WW 4 Year 3 JD Childhood & Youth Studies
BA (HONS)
(Primary)
BSc (HONS)
Education Studies
Ee jp : (Primary) Psychology
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## **CASE STUDY:** _**LAUREN SMITH**_ Lauren Smith (nee James) joined the team in 2014. She has been involved with Sporting Marvels since she was 10 years old as a Mighty Marvel in Ysgol Yr Eos, and eventually graduated to become an All-Star at Ysgol Nantgwyn, formerly known as Tonypandy Community College. Lauren played a leading role in our Mighty Marvels Programme for many years having worked in 15 of Rhondda’s Primary Schools. After 5 years within the Mighty Marvels Programme, the 2019/20 academic year was a year of change for her, with her transitioning to the All-Star Leadership Programme at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, as well as taking on the role as Team Leader. Lauren always had a desire to do a degree, and in 2022/23 she enrolled on the OU’s BSc (Hons) Psychology course. The trustees are delighted with Lauren’s personal development. She is an incredible asset to the team and her degree is only going to benefit her in the future. 38 ## **NEW CURRICULUM FOR WALES** The trustees are very happy with the continued progress that the Senior Management Team have made to evolve the Mighty Marvels Programme with the new Curriculum for Wales in mind. The change was implemented in schools from September 2022 though guidance for the 2008 curriculum will continue to be used for some learners until all schools and settings are using the Curriculum for Wales with all their learners from the 2026/27 academic year. 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 been given to teach their pupils. The Mighty Marvels team plan to incorporate further changes to our primary school curriculum for 2023/24. The Senior Management Team are confident that any changes will not have the effect of diminishing what the charity seeks to achieve from teaching point of view, so long as the Marvels continue to be marked as excellent by our partner schools, since RVE (Religion, Values & Ethics), previously known as RE (Religious Education), is mandatory for all learners in Wales from aged 3-16 (see below from the gov.wales website). Our partner headteachers have been delighted with our Mighty Marvels Programme during the year under review, and you can a small selection of feedback from some of our Headteachers, _right_ ... more feedback can also be found on page 17. ## Headteacher Feedback **Ms Elliot, Partner School Headteacher:** _Our pupils always respond with enthusiasm and motivation, reflecting the energy the Marvels give off. The lessons promote strong values, good sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership skills. Connah’s been a brilliant Marvel over many years now, and Krystal and Logan have formed great relationships with both staff and pupils this year. We really appreciate our partnership with Sporting Marvels!!_ **Mrs Pennington, Partner School Headteacher:** _The Marvels bring real expertise to our PE and RE provision. Liam, Liss, and Naomi are really excellent and make learning ‘fun’ and exciting for the children, who are always fully engaged!_ **Mr Williams, Partner School Headteacher:** _All our pupils have enjoyed the Mighty Marvels lessons, and Thursdays are so obviously their favourite day!! Taylar and Liam are quality role models who possess excellent relational skills! The relevant and purposeful lesson content has given our pupils extra opportunity and encouragement to build the confidence they’ll need for secondary school._ **Mrs Dessant, Partner School Headteacher:** _Having the Marvels each week in our school has given our pupils more confidence and brought them closer as a class. The lessons are engaging and relevant and are delivered in an exciting way. The Marvels cover important topics and provide a ‘fresh’ twist on learning that is relevant._ 39 ## 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 procepe dures 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 » During the year under review, the timescale of the UK’s full recovery from the Covid pandemic was 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 concerns regarding the ongoing price of gas and electricity. Should the Government not intervene to cap prices through the winter like for example, the French Government does, then concerns will remain for homes and businesses regarding the volatile 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, but the overall impact of embedded hikes is conerning. »> 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 knowing how inflation and the cost of living have become prominent concerns throughout 2022/23 negatively impacting individual donations, we will 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 2022/23, developing people and personnel sustainability is the next toughest challenge we face. This was the reason for creating our Training Programme. Marvels 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 schools have be- ~~|a~~ 40 ~~aeel~~ we hope to be able to continue to monitor and manage this risk effectively moving forward. come 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 as it has. » 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 around their ministry commitments. 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 ## 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. **“We see Connah, Liss and Lucy as a peripatetic part of ‘#TeamTon’. The children love the Mighty Marvels lessons, and the interaction with the Marvels makes a huge contribution to their mental, physical, and emotional well-being! Thank you for all you do for us in terms of the curriculum and indeed, the support you are to the children and to the staff too! At Ton Juniors, we all recognise how amazing you all are! Long may it continue!!” IAN EVANS, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOL** 41 ## STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES 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 28 June 2024 ~~|a~~ 42 ~~|~~ OOOO—O———————————————————————————O————————————————————O—OO——OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—O—O—O—e—e—eeeeeeeeeeenD9DN9—' INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SPORTING MARVELS I report on the accounts for the period ended 31 August 2023 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: - examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act - to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and - to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. ## **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: - the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or - the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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 29 May 2024 43 ## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 |||**Year Ended**|Year ended| |---|---|---|---| |||**31.8.23**|31.8.22| ||Notes|**£**|£| |**INCOMING RESOURCES**|||| |Charitable income||**235,713**|238,123| |**RESOURCES EXPENDED**|||| |Direct charitable expenditure||**269,995**|251,764| |**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**|3|**(34,282)**|**(**13,641)| |Transfer - Contingency fund||**-**|-| |**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE PERIOD**||**(34,282)**|(13,641)| **“Taylar and Kieran are right out of the top drawer!! They are such a big hit with the children because they care so much and are always ready to go the extra mile! They are an integral part of our team and the staff and pupils love interacting with them!!” MARK REES, HEADTEACHER, PARTNER PRIMARY SCHOOL** ~~| ee~~ 44 BALANCE SHEET - 31 AUGUST 2023 |**g**|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||**2023**|||2022|| ||Notes|**£**||**£**|£||£| |**FIXED ASSETS**|||||||| |Tangible assets|6|||**5,000**|||5,500| |**CURRENT ASSETS**|||||||| |Debtors|8||**-**||4,500||| |Cash at bank||**68,816**|||92,276||| |Cash at bank – restricted fund||**2,077**|||12,000||| |||**70,893**|||108,776||| |**CREDITORS**|||||||| |Amounts falling due within one year|9|**10,808**|||10,021||| |**NET CURRENT ASSETS**||||**60,085**|||98,755| |**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**|||||||| |**LIABILITIES**||||**65,085**|||104,255| |**CREDITORS**|||||||| |Amounts falling due after one year|||||||| |Covid Bounce Back Loan (Repayable over 10 year)||||**(30,889)**|||(35,777)| |||||**34,196**|||68,478| |**NET ASSETS**|||||||| |**RESERVES**|||||||| |General reserves|10|||**32,166**|||56,478| |Restricted reserves|10|||**2,030**|||12,000| |||||**34,196**|||68,478| The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 August 2023. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledges their responsibilities for: - (a) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386 and 387 of the Compani Act 2006 and - (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end each financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financi statements, so far as applicable to the company. 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 29 May 2024 45 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 ## 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 are of the opinion that 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 did not quite meet this minimum target as far as banked income was concerned. However, when factoring committed income at the start of the next period, the target was met. ## **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| |---|---|---| ||**31.8.23**|31.8.22| ||**£**|£| |Depreciation and loss on disposals - owned assets|**2,423**|2,271| |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 2023, or for the year ended 31 August 2022, due to the charitable nature of the activities undertaken. 46 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 ## 6. **TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** |||||||**Plant and**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||||**machinery**| |||||||**etc**| |||||||**£**| ||**COST**|||||| ||At 1 September 2022|||||**52,021**| ||Additions|||||**1,923**| ||Disposals|||||**-**| ||At 31 August 2023|||||**53,944**| ||**DEPRECIATION**|||||| ||At 1 September 2022|||||**46,521**| ||Charge for year|||||**2,423**| ||Eliminated on disposal|||||**-**| ||At 31 August 2023|||||**48,944**| ||**NET BOOK VALUE**|||||| ||At 31 August 2023|||||**5,000**| ||At 31 August 2022|||||5,500| |7.|**EMPLOYEES**|||||| |The average monthly number of employees during the year were 9|The average monthly number of employees during the year were 9|||||| |8.|**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**|**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**||||| ||||**2023**||**2023**|2022| ||||**£**|**£**||£| ||Other debtors - prepayments||||**-**|4,500| ||||||**-**|4,500| |9.|**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**|||||| ||||**2023**||**2023**|2022| ||||**£**|**£**||£| |Trade creditors|Trade creditors|||**190**||-| ||Taxation and social security||**568**|||1,621| ||Other creditors||**4,050**|||2,400| ||Bank loan||**6,000**|||6,000| ||||**10,808**|||10,021| |10.|**RESERVES**|||||| |||**General**|**Restricted**|||| |||**reserves**|**reserves**|||**Totals**| |||**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**| ||At 1 September 2022|**56,478**|**12,000**|||**68,478**| ||Movement for the period|**(24,312)**||||**(24,312)**| ||Movement for the period – restricted funds|**-**|**(9,970)**|||**(9,970)**| ||At 31 August 2023|**32,166**|**2,030**|||**34,196**| 47 OVERVIEW OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 **£** 100,000 **£** 90,000 **£** 80,000 **£** 70,000 **£** 60,000 **£** 50,000 **£** 40,000 **£** 30,000 **£** 20,000 **£** 10,000 |**Categories**|**Year ending**
**31 Aug 2023**| |---|---| |Trusts & Foundations (unrestricted)
Trusts & Foundations (restricted)|**£**
83,000
0| |Trusts & Foundations (restricted)
Individuals (unrestricted)
Individuals (restricted)
Organisations, Churches & Ministries
Office Sharing Income
Gift Aid
Partner School Donations
Events
*
**|0
57,017
6,750
29,940
35,680
13,326
10,000
0| ||£235,713| **----- Start of picture text -----**
Trusts & Individuals Office Organisations, Gift Aid Partner School Individuals Events Trusts &
Foundations (unrestricted) Sharing Churches & Donations (restricted) Foundations
(unrestricted) Income Ministries (restricted)
**----- End of picture text -----**
- _Higher than in previous years due to an increase in utilities support from hirers/sub-letters between October 2022 - May 2023 when gas and electricity prices rocketed. However, the Senior Management Team have been successful in ensuring this additional income will stay at this higher level moving forward._ - ** _Due to Sporting Marvels running some of the largest young people events in Wales with school-age children, the huge volume of money in/money out made it necessary for the charity to enter into a partnership with an external events organisation several years ago. This partnership has been an unmitigated success, with Sporting Marvels events no longer having to be subsidised by the charity at over £10,000+ per year. The partnership has also saved the charity thousands in respect of internal financial managements and accounting._ 48 OVERVIEW OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2023 **£** 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 2023 £** Mighty Marvels Programme 97,329 All-Star Leadership Programme 63,426 Training Programme 28,047 All Fundraising Activities & Costs 23,540 Office Rent & Utilities * 17,990 Events & Bible Giveaway ** 9,677 Accountancy, Bookkeeping & Financial Support 4,567 Church Youth Work & Mission 2,913 East Africa Schools & Orphanages Work 1,200 Key Person Life Insurance 1,256 Bank Charges 221 Depreciation of Tangible Fixed Assets 2,423 (Computer Equipment) Covid Bounce Back Loan interest 1,440 £254,029 **Exceptional Income** Car Leases & Car Insurance *** 9,234 Capital Work on New Building **** 6,732 £15,966 ~~=—~~ | **Total** £269,995 I Mighty All-Star Training All Office Rent Events & Accountancy Church Depreciation Covid Key East Africa Bank Car Leases Capital Work Marvels Leadership Programme Fundraising & Utilities Bible BookYouth Work of Tangible Bounce Person Life Schools & Charges & Car on New Programme Programme Activities & Giveaway keeping & & Mission Fixed Assets Back Loan Insurance Orphanages Insurance Building Costs Financial Interest Work Support - _Costs were much higher than anticipated in this area following the outbreak of the Ukraine War. More detail on this can be found in our Financial Review on pages 32 & 33._ - ** _Almost exclusively our annual Bible Giveaway with our Events Programme now only subsidised at a very small level purely due to specific SummerCamp residential requirements important to the charity’s Team Leaders._ - *** _[The outworking of this essential financial/strategic move that helped the charity ] survive through Covid, is nearly complete. Losses in this area during 2023/24 are set to be just a few thousand before expiring completely in December 2025. More detail on this can be found in our Financial Review on pages 32 & 33._ - **** ai‘ _[Essential building refurbishment works the Senior Management Team felt had ] to be made out of charity reserves. More detail on this can be found in our_ o-,d ; > a ens é _Financial Review on pages 32 & 33._ Amyi( / 7 49 VVWW.SPORTINGMARVELS.COM