## **Annual Report for Year ended 31/08/2025**
## **Overview**
## **Year ended 31/08/2025**
**Chairman Mrs Kathryn Brewster Treasurer Mrs Samantha Morrison Club Secretary Ms Louisa Clarke Membership Officer Welfare Officer Mrs Samantha Robinson**
**Bank Details Natwest**
**Bulwell and Hucknall Branch 75 Main Street**
**Bulwell**
**Nottingham NG6 8QP**
**Contact name and address Mrs Kathryn Brewster Hucknall Swimming Club c/o Hucknall Leisure Centre Linby Rd, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 7TX**
**Charity Registration number: 1108343**
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## **Aims of the Club**
Hucknall Swimming Club was formed in January 2023 as a merger between Hucknall & Linby Dolphins and Falcons Amateur Swimming Club. Hucknall Swimming Club aims to provide a swimming club to Hucknall, Linby and the surrounding areas. We aim to provide accessible swimming to the early beginner through to the competitive swimmer who can enter various galas and open meets.
Our swimming journey starts with the Foundation Squad – developing competitive swimming skills from Swim Lessons. These are designed for our youngest swimmers. Once a child progresses enough, they are then able to join our Academy squads, where they can continue to achieve to the best of their ability. Progression then moves through the Development and then Performance squads, with those swimming aiming for counties, regional championships and beyond. Some of our older swimmers stay at the club whilst at University and beyond.
Our coaching programme is designed by our head coach to develop the childrens’ swimming not only to progress to competitive swimming but also to enjoy swimming at our club. We strongly believe that if children enjoy themselves, the results will be far better.
The club currently has 47 Club Train and 58 Club Compete members, with another 38 Club Support volunteers. This year, the focus has been on stabilising the club after the previous turbulence, and there has been a focus on recruitment, and promotion of swimmers. The membership numbers are slowly increasing to previous levels.
## **Major Activities and Achievements in the Year.**
The club has maintained the number of Level 2 coaches and the number of poolside helpers has remained constant, although more support is coming through. The number of parent volunteers is slowly increasing, which includes team managers and officials.
County relays saw our 9/10 year old teams reach the finals once again, and achieving a silver, 2 bronzes as well as a 4[th] and 7[th] placing. In the individual county championships we achieved a handful of final placements, as we will be looking to improve this over the coming years.
We continued to host our highly successful Sprint meet, with an impressive 88 PBs over the day. Not only was this a successful event for our swimmers, but also sold out in terms of entries.
## **Financial Activities**
This financial year demonstrates the challenges in the current climate, with a huge increase in pool fees, and a loss of swimmers over the first half of the year as a full out from the previous year.
Total income for membership and training: £65,375
Total membership and training expenses: £75,583
Net deficit: £10,208
There needs to be concerted effort over the next year to ensure the financial viability of the club as it moves forward.
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## **Chairperson’s Report**
It is hard to believe that it was only a year ago that the club felt like it was in turmoil, and these issues were only resolved shortly after the AGM this time last year. Ripples have still been felt throughout the first half of this year. However, this past year has been a focus on the ‘Team’ rebuilding and refocusing on the importance of the swimmers. We have continued to drive our Coaching Team forward, and look forward to some new faces supporting us poolside. We have rebuilt our Welfare Team, and now have 3 dedicated members to support this aspect of the club. We are still rebuilding our membership numbers, and will continue focus on recruitment over the next year.
Once again, we have seen huge increases in our costs of pool hire, which has put incredible pressures on our finances. Reflecting on last year’s finances, the club made a significant loss, as we tried to balance the costs to our parents to ensure that the club was affordable and the increasing costs to hire. We had accounted for a 5% increase, and this actually came through as an 11% increase, which we hadn’t expected. Our monthly subs payments stablised over the last half of the year, and there was a £1427 reduction in gala income. However, the club open meet made £7800. In addition, expenditures due to pool hire has increased by £11,281. It is important to recognise that our overall income increased over the year, but hire costs increased by a considerable amount. The committee made a conscious decision to defer raising fees until April and run at a loss to avoid losing swimmers through increasing costs. The decision to raise fees in August was made by committee, and this has helped to support finances. However, there needs to be a strategic overview on fundraising to support the club’s development.
Our training continues to improve, with 4 teams making county finals and individuals also making finals. We have new swimmers with first time county qualifying times, and we will be looking to increase this between now and counties.
This year we once again passed our Swim Mark accreditation and we continue to hold this important accreditation to show how well we run as a club.
## **The Future**
I am thankful for developing the stability this year and the efforts to rebuild have enabled us to be in a position of strength to move forward. There is still work to be done to ensure financial viability, both in terms of membership numbers, charges to parents and fundraising efforts. Work has already begun to increase club sponsorship, however we do need a dedicated person to take this on, to allow us to support the finances of the club.
There is such strength coming through the club, and we need to ensure that we remain competitive at the top end so that swimmers have avenues that they can progress to. We will continue to support swimmers journeys to County Squads, but we also want to remain a club for swimmers to continue with their own development. It is important that we balance the competitive nature of the club with our ethos of inclusivity and a joy of swimming first and foremost.
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## **Head Coaches Report**
## **Staff.**
I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the staff for their incredible dedication, energy, and support throughout the year. Their commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and encouraging environment does not go unnoticed and it makes a real difference to everyone who walks through the doors, whether they’re just starting out or striving to reach new personal bests.
From early mornings to late evenings, the teams hard work, patience and enthusiasm help build not just strong swimmers, but a strong community. From the coaches and Team Managers, to all the backroom staff, I just want to thank you for everything you do.
## **Swimmers.**
Throughout this year we have been steadily growing our number of new swimmers, with trials still continuing. We have almost filled our lower Foundation squads which will help to pay dividends in a few years time as these swimmers progress through the club. There have been a number of promotions over the past 6-7 months and it is really encouraging to see how our swimmers are progressing. Just lately we have had a number of swimmers obtaining a very respectable number of County Qualifying times, with some swimmers getting their first county times, while others are building and adding to the total they already have. We are also seeing a rise in the amount of PB's (Personal Bests) that the swimmers are obtaining, while DQ's (Disqualifications) are slowing dropping. We have had swimmers represent us at the East Midlands Short Course Championships, the Swim England Masters National Championships and numerous open meets and galas, not to mention a fantastic turn out for our very own Open Meet.
## **Competitions.**
Throughout 2025 we have seen a steady increase in the positions we have gained at galas. Coming in 3rd for a majority of galas, we have steadily seen the points difference drop, from 6 points off 2nd place, to 3 points off 2nd place and at a really recent gala, we came 3rd again and only 3 points separated the top 3 clubs. As mentioned above, the DQ rate is slowly dropping but still lots of room for improvement and the amount of PB's and County times the swimmers are achieving is a
testament to the hard work and dedication they are putting in (not to mention the hard work put in by the coaching team). I will be meeting with the gala coordinators soon to build a plan of open meets we will be targeting for 2026 and we have County Championships starting in January, so looking forward to that.
## **Training.**
Training sessions are progressing well even though we have lost a couple of coaches over the course of the last 5-6 months and not being able to replace them, is putting a strain on coaching when we have 1 or 2 coaches off. Ideally we need to be asking a few parents to start helping out once or twice a week but again, unfortunately, we have not really had any takers. Some of our older swimmers have stated to assist with coaching sessions when they are not swimming, as part of their college work, Duke of Edinburgh awards, or just because they want too and this has proven invaluable. I am currently looking at changing the squad structure of the club to reduce the number of squads we
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have, this has a number of benefits as it streamlines the squads, which makes it easier for swimmers & parents to understand the progression path but also opens up the possibility of creating more room and allows for a smoother progression. This is still very much in the early stages and will be communicated out once finalised.
Our swimming club is more than just a place to practice and compete; it is a community where everyone’s efforts come together to create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and excellence.
## **Treasurers Report**
## **Financial Activities**
This year the club has seen a loss of £10,208 and is a result of a reduction in income, and slight increase in costs. In the prior financial year, we started to charge for the Harvey Hadden long course sessions, and monthly fees were increased in Jan 2025, but we have still seen a reduction in both monthly fees and yearly membership income in 24/25 compared to 23/24 due to a reduction in swimmer numbers.
The open meet held in Sep 24 raised £3,228, and the provisional Sep 25 amount for next year’s account is £6,851- highlighting the importance of the event running and being well supported by members and their families in helping it run successfully.
The loss seen this year, and challenges faced in the next financial year comes from reduced member numbers, external price rises and reduced funding opportunities due to sustained current economic conditions. Many swimming clubs across the region are seeing similar struggles, especially around pool hire costs and swimmer numbers.
Swimmer numbers stabilised in the 2[nd] half of the year, with trialist numbers increasing towards the end of the year, the financial effects of this are expected to be seen in next year’s accounts. In addition, we reduced pool hire by merging the multi-site Fri night sessions in Feb 25.
At the AGM in Nov 24, it was agreed to raise monthly fees in Jan 2025 at renewals and introduce a new club element of annual membership. Unfortunately, a substantial pool hire increase of 11% was imposed on us in April 2025 and the monthly fees increase didn’t match this. Various grants have been applied for over the financial year, with no success.
It is recommended that monthly training fees are increased by 10% in Jan 2026 and then by a further 5% in April 26 if needed, as further increases in pool hire fees are expected 1[st] April 2026:
|**Squad**|**Current**|**Proposed Jan 26**|**Proposed Apr 26**|
|---|---|---|---|
|Foundation 1|£34|£37.50|£39|
|Foundation 2|£34|£37.50|£39|
|AcademyDev|£34|£37.50|£39|
|AcademyPerf|£38.50|£42|£44|
|CountyDev|£44|£48|£50|
|CountyPerf|£50.50|£55.50|£61|
|Regional Perf|£50.50|£55.50|£61|
|Club|£30|£33|£34.50|
|Masters|£30|£33|£34.50|
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The committee reserves the right to review and increase fees at any point during the year, as necessary, but will strive to keep them to a minimum.
It is proposed that the annual membership fee is continued to be charged in 2 parts, and the club membership element increased:
- Club membership fee of £17.50 per member
- SE membership fee for relevant membership (train/compete), currently unknown at this time what these fees will be (2025 fees were £22/£45). Members on club train at the time of renewal/joining who later move to club compete will be charged the difference in fees at the time of upgrade
The committee should monitor the finances regularly and be prepared to act quickly if losses continue – this may unfortunately mean reducing pool time, and the committee must be prepared to do this.
Fundraising is key in 25/26, and more engagement is needed from the clubs’ members and local community.
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**Hucknall Swimming Club**
## **EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE COMMITTEE**
I report on the accounts for the Hucknall Swimming Club for the Year End 31[st] August 2025.
The constitution of the club states the Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the Accounts of the Club for each financial year be examined by an independent examiner to be appointed by the members in General Meeting. The committee consider that an audit is not required under section 43(2) of the charities **INDEPENDENT** act 1993 (the 1933 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
- Examine the accounts under Section 43 of the 1933 Act
- Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 43(7) (b) of the 1933 act, and
- State whether particulars have come to my attention.
## **Basis of the Independent Examiner’s Statement**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 Committee 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 matter has come to my attention:
1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
To keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the 1933 Act; and
To prepare accounts which accord the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1933 Act have not been met; or
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**Hucknall Swimming Club**
2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached,
## **Rebecca Walker**
HRS Consulting Ltd Oriel House 26 The Quadrant Richmond TW9 1DL
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## Account Summary
## Year Ended 31[st] August 2025
|Total Receipts for the year
Less Payments for the year
Net Loss for the year
Reserves carried forward|**2025**
**£**
**65,375**
**75,583**
**10,208**
**8,052**|
|---|---|
**The above account and accompanying statement of Assets and Liabilities were approved by the committee on (date) and signed on their behalf by:**
Kathryn Brewster
(Chairman)
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## **RECEIPTS**
Year Ended 31[st] August 2025
|||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**2025**
**£**||**2024**
**£**|
|Monthly subs - standing orders|**37,345**||**41,806**|
|Club & ASA Membership Standing
orders|**5,285**||**5,672**|
|Harvey Hadden Income|**497**||**20**|
|Gala income (open meet entries, door
takings from hosted galas)|**9,685**||**8,050**|
|Kit Income (commission on kit sales,
and hat sales)|**876**||**62**|
|Presentation Eve/Xmas Party - Visitors|**709**||**1,048**|
|Fund Raising (raffles, sweets, grants
etc)|**3,099**||**5,372**|
|Club Open Meet|**7,880**||**8,654**|
|**TOTAL INCOME**|**65,375**||**70,685**|
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## **PAYMENTS**
## Year Ended 31[st] August 2025
||**2025**
**£**||**2024**
**£**|
|---|---|---|---|
|HLC Bath Hire - Normal sessions|**34,116**||**30,222**|
|Harvey Hadden|**509**||**824**|
|Other Pool Hire|**8,431**||**12,413**|
|Lifeguards|**1,135**||**1,480**|
|Club Champs|**1,158**||**134**|
|Trophies|**2,772**||**3,362**|
|Club Equipment & Expenses (Go
Cardless fees, Swim Manager)|**2,215**||**2,104**|
|Kit Expenses (volunteer tops, hats,
county tops etc)|**867**||**1,270**|
|Presentation Eve/Xmas Party|**300**||**535**|
|ASA Membership|**4,114**||**5,260**|
|Affiliation, League/Reg Fees|**343**||**727**|
|Training Expenses (Safeguarding,
officials, coach qualifications etc)|**266**||**685**|
|Club Open Meet Expenses|**4,652**||**3,576**|
|Open Galas (open meet entries, ASA
galas etc)|**9,905**||**6,729**|
|Head Coach|**4,800**||**5,400**|
|**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**|**75,583**||**74,720**|
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## **Hucknall Swimming Club Annual Reports**
## **Balance Sheet**
## Hucknall Swimming Club
As at 31 Aug 25
||**£**|**£**|
|---|---|---|
|**Capital Assets**|||
|Net Book Value|0||
|**Current Assets**|**16,320**||
|Bank Account: H/L DOLPHINS SWIM|16,205||
|Bank Account: Petty Cash|114||
|**_less_Current Liabilities**||**8,268**|
|Prepayments||7,720|
|Accruals||548|
||||
|**Net Current Assets**|**£8,052**||
|**Total Assets**|**£8,052**||
|**Owner's Equity**|||
|Retained Profit||8,052|
||||
|**Total Owner's Equity**||**£8,052**|
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