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2025-08-31-accounts

Company no. 07273748 Charity no. 1137395

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation Report and Unaudited Financial Statements

31 August 2025

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Company number 07273748
Charity number 1137395
Registered office and South Stand, Ashton Gate Stadium
operational address Ashton Gate
Bristol
BS3 2EJ
Trustees Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served
during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
Nicholas Fenton-Wells (Resigned 26 December 2025)
Kevin Jones
Michael Lea
Victoria Long
Charles Russell-Smith
Nominated trustee of corporate director Bristol Rugby Club Limited:
Thomas Tainton
Senior management team Jamie Skinner - Chief Executive Officer
Oliver Morton - Head of Projects and Development (appointed 3
March 2025)
Bankers Lloyds Bank plc Santander Corporate Banking
284 Wells Road Bridle Road
Knowle Bootle
Bristol Merseyside
BS4 2PY L30 4GB
Independent examiners Godfrey Wilson Limited
Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

1

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charitable company for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Structure, governance and management

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 4 June 2010 and is a registered charity (no. 1137395). The company was established under a Memorandum of Association and is governed under its Articles of Association. The rebrand of the professional sport club Bristol Bears in 2018 also applied to Bristol Rugby Community Foundation as the club’s official charity. A ‘working’ name of Bristol Bears Community Foundation was registered with and recognised by the Charity Commission in 2018. The association with the professional sport club continues to enhance the connection of both parties within the community we serve. The rest of the report will make reference to Bristol Bears Community Foundation (BBCF).

Appointment of trustees

The trustees, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page 1.

The charity recruits trustees as and when required to do so by charitable law, best practice guidance, or as and when a clear need has been identified. Potential trustees are identified and interviewed by trustees and / or other selected persons in order to assess suitability to assist in the effective management and guidance of the charity. On appointment, trustees complete a register of interests and undertake an induction programme that includes the familiarisation with the purpose and operation of the charity, its strategies and objectives.

Organisation

The Board of Trustees comprises of six trustees; two are connected to Bristol Rugby Club (affectionately named “Bristol Bears” – the Club) and four are independent to the Club. Trustee meetings are held quarterly to monitor the performance of the charity against its long term strategy and to ensure that financial performance is in line with expectations. Trustees also review any safeguarding issues to ensure they are appropriately managed in line with our policy.

Within the year, the Chief Executive Officer has undertaken an organisational restructure, realigning roles to areas of work, whilst ensuring all staff have clear job descriptions and an identified line manager to provide day to day support.

In the year, the charity appointed a full time Fundraising Executive in November. This role supports the charity with income generation through the management and coordination of event-based fundraising including Break the Cycle and Corporate Tag.

A further addition was made to the charity’s senior management team with the appointment of a Head of Projects & Development in March 2025. This role works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and provides operational leadership, including oversight and strategic development of the charity’s delivery areas. The position also includes responsibility for the line management of programme managers to ensure the delivery of projects and quality assurance across all areas of work.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

During the year, the charity employed a total of 20 staff, 15 full-time and 5 part-time. Operational delivery of activity is also supported by casual staffing and volunteers.

The charity aims to offer fair and competitive remuneration packages to attract and retain staff, which is benchmarked against similar roles across the sector, as well as being based on experience and performance metrics.

Risk management

The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business, and operational risks that are faced by the charity and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to manage and lessen these risks. The Trustees review the charity’s policies annually to ensure that risks are appropriately identified and managed.

Within the year, the Chief Executive Officer undertook a full governance review to identify areas for development and risk within the charity. This has included the development of a risk register and the introduction of revised and new organisational policies, which will be implemented within the 2025/26 year, including formal implementation of the risk register.

Objectives and activities

The exclusively charitable objects for which the charity is established are:

To achieve the objectives, the charity structures its service delivery around five main programme pillars:

Our Vision – Inspire our community to unlock their potential and improve their lives.

Our Mission – Use sport and physical activity to support the most disadvantaged members of our community.

The Foundation's strategic objectives:

3

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Policies adopted to further the charity’s objectives

Bristol Bears Community Foundation exists to improve the lives of people in the South West of England through the use of sport and physical activity.

These activities are available to all people in the South West of England and surrounding areas.

The trustees are mindful of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and have developed high-quality sporting and healthy recreation activities that benefit the community, especially those who are designated as ‘disadvantaged’, by equipping those people with the skills and qualities to improve their lives.

Fundraising practices

During the year, the charity maintained membership with the Fundraising Regulator’s Voluntary Registration Scheme and is adhering to the guidelines and code of practice. No associated complaints have been received due to the method of fundraising being events-based and online raffles. We are mindful not to undertake fundraising activities that intrude on privacy, are unreasonably persistent, or put any person, especially vulnerable people under pressure to donate. The charity does not employ or engage with any external fundraising agencies and does not undertake any street-fundraising or telephone cold-calling.

Achievements and performance

The 2024/25 financial year represented a positive and progressive period for the charity. During the year, the Chief Executive Officer undertook a comprehensive review of all operational areas and implemented an organisational restructure to ensure the charity is appropriately positioned to meet its obligations both in 2024/25 and in future years. This work strengthened clarity around roles, responsibilities, and internal accountability, and included the development of updated job descriptions for all staff, the creation of a new staff handbook, and the introduction of revised people policies to further support the workforce.

New systems and processes were introduced to enhance operational efficiency, including the implementation of Abler, a holiday camp booking system, and improved meeting structures such as all staff meetings, team meetings and regular staff 1:1s, along with staff objectives to support an introduced annual appraisal process.

Fundraising performance exceeded budgeted projections through the success of key events including Break the Cycle, Corporate Tag Rugby Tournament, the rebrand and launch of Bears Lotto and matchday fundraising. Within the year, through fundraising initiatives the charity raised a total of £146,270.

The partnership with the Club has also continued to strengthen, supported by the development of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlining clear expectations for both organisations. The club’s Big Day Out and Community Day fixtures provided further fundraising opportunities, with £1 being donated to the charity for every ticket sold during the Community Day match in May 2024. In addition, the charity launched an Ambassador Project featuring current and former male and female players, further enhancing visibility and engagement across the community. Within the year, the charity further developed processes around player engagement in the community, with the increase of players attending our activity in the community accumulating over 111 hours of visits, demonstrating the Club’s commitment to its work in the community via the Foundation.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Financial processes were strengthened with the introduction of monthly management accounts, improved reporting packs, and new systems for invoicing, including the adoption of Dext and Approval Max.

The Chief Executive Officer, working in partnership with Evid Impact, has led the development of the charity’s new strategic plan, Beyond the Bear. This strategy has been shaped through an evidence based approach and co designed with trustees, staff, and beneficiaries to establish refined vision and purpose statements. As part of this work, the charity’s geographical focus has been clarified across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, prioritising communities within the 20% most deprived nationally. A clear outcomes framework has also been established to enable the charity to more effectively demonstrate and articulate the impact of its work across the community.

Programme development also progressed significantly, with new funding secured for projects such as RFU Strive25 and Rising Roses, expanding the charity’s work with women and girls. The CEO has also developed strategic networks across Bristol, including active involvement in the Active City Network and the Play and Youth Network.

For the year ending 31 August 2025, the charity has delivered 14 projects, engaging 7,864 people across Greater Bristol from areas of deprivation.

On a projects front, impact has been demonstrated through the following key projects delivered across the 2024 – 25 delivery year, aligned to our five areas of focus:

Education and Employability

Bright Sparks

Working in partnership with local secondary schools, Bright Sparks harnesses the Bristol Bears brand to work with young people in local secondary schools, providing the tools to those who struggle in a traditional classroom setting to reach their potential through education and physical activity. Charity staff provide a different kind of support for young people across 38 weeks, helping them to form positive relationships with their peers, teachers, and families through the power of education and Rugby. Throughout 2024/25, Bright Sparks engaged with 204 boys from 11 secondary schools across Bristol, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire.

Mentoring and PE provision

The charity also delivered 1:1 mentoring to an identified pupil from Bristol Cathedral School across the year, which provided support, aligned to the reasons for referral. Sessions were for 1 hour a week and were delivered in a safe space, using Rugby as a tool for engagement. In addition, Bristol Bears Community Foundation delivered weekly PE provision to Bristol Cathedral School. This provision included 2.5 hours of activity per day, across 5 days a week throughout term time. The charity engaged 50 young people per day across a 33-week delivery year.

HITZ

Delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby and YMCA Central, HITZ provides young people who are 14 – 24 and not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) the opportunity to access a 38week ‘Work ready’ programme. The project is supported by a local business the Molson Group - who provide work experience opportunities. During the 24/25 year, HITZ engaged 22 learners, with 8 learners completing their Maths & English functional skills, 3 achieving GCSE English, and 4 achieving GCSE Maths.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Premiership Rugby Champions (RISE)

Delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby, ‘Premiership Rugby Champions (RISE)’ is a sixweek programme designed to align with the PSHE curriculum, delivering two-hour sessions each week that combine engaging workshops with physical activity. The project is aimed at enhancing both the mental and physical well-being of young people, equipping them with [JS1.1] essential tools to manage their mental health effectively. Throughout 2024/25, Bristol Bears Community Foundation engaged with 4 primary schools across Bristol, delivering the programme to 9 different classes.

Set Play

Delivered in partnership with local community providers, and funded by the Charles Hayward Foundation, Set Play is a place-based intervention that is delivered in south Bristol, empowering young people aged sixteen-to-eighteen identified as being at high risk of offending to take positive steps towards improving their engagement in education and employment by developing new life skills, improving their mental and emotional resilience, and forming achievable aspirations for their future. Delivery began in March 2025, with the programme engaging 5 young people for 2 hours per week across the delivery period.

Health and Wellbeing

Bear in Mind

The charity continued the delivery of Bear in Mind in local secondary schools, which aims to support girls by equipping them with the tools to build self-confidence and resilience to cope with wider issues faced by women in modern society. During the 2024/25 delivery year, the project engaged 402 girls between the ages of 13 – 15 years across 12 schools. The programme combines physical activity and educational based workshops across a term (12 week) programme and through pre and post questionnaires 96% of girls said that the programme has improved their physical activity levels since the beginning of the project and 84% said that the programme made them feel more confident and positive about themselves.

Inclusion

Spectrum is a SEND specific project, delivered in partnership within SEND schools in Bristol providing multisport activity as part of the PE curriculum. During the 2024/25 year, the project engaged with 7 schools, delivering two classes per term across the full academic year. The project worked with 2,200 participants throughout the year. This highlights the significant reach of the project in supporting young people with SEND through inclusive sport.

Fun2Move

Within the year (April 2025), the charity received a restricted grant from Sport England for the project ‘Fun2move’ totalling £11,100, which will provide open access sessions for young people with a disability in community venues to access sport and Rugby across Bristol. Delivery is expected to start within the next financial year, September 2025.

Older Adults

During the year, the charity's older adult work has developed, working in partnership with St Monica’s Trust. The charity was also successful with a restricted grant from Sport England to support the delivery of older adults sessions within the 24/25 year. Within the year the charity delivered 10 sessions per week across 4 sites, engaging 13 - 20 participants at each session, engaging a total of 140 older adults in a range of activities designed to improve physical health, social connection, and overall well-being.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

These sessions provide accessible, low-impact exercises tailored to the needs of older adults, including chair-based activities, gentle movement classes, and standing exercises. Through this work, the charity continues to foster a sense of community and encourage active lifestyles among Bristol’s older population, helping to combat isolation and promote long-term physical health.

During the year the charity was awarded a restricted grant from the National Lottery for 2 years, totalling £19,760, which started in June 2024 for the Bears Reminisce Cafe. The project provides a weekly session at Ashton Gate for older adults tackling social isolation and loneliness. Sessions are for 2 hours a week and engage up to 15 older adults, through historical Bears memorabilia and physical activity.

Community Rugby

Community Rugby activity has continued to be a core area of development for the charity, with the continued commitment to the ‘Club Connexion’ clubs across Bristol, South Gloucestershire & North Somerset. The programme engaged Bristol combination clubs through coach education, player development ‑ camps and club-specific Super Sunday events. During the year, Club Connexion engaged with 30 grass-roots clubs, delivering three coach development opportunities and two on pitch participation events at Ashton Gate and the Principality Stadium. In total, 310 coaches were supported through these engagement activities. As part of this, 2,108 young people accessed player development opportunities over the course of the year.

During the year, the charities Player Development camps supported 1,637 children between 8 – 14 years old and also included female focused camps. Open access, mixed ability half term holiday camps were delivered throughout the academic year and provided 49 days of activity across key Club Connexion partner club venues.

Project Rugby

Delivered in partnership with Premiership Rugby and Gallagher, the programme aims to provide young people from lower social economic groups the opportunity to participate in Rugby in a school PE curriculum setting. During the year, 981 young people were engaged across the 24/25 academic year, with 141 young people engaging through the charities work in SEND schools.

Women & Girls

Rising Roses

Rising Roses is the charity's primary participation programme, engaging with girls aged from 6-12 years old across a six-week period during an academic term. Funded through and aligned with England Rugby and RFU’s Impact ‘25 Programme to accelerate the growth of women and girls rugby, young people will learn how to play T1 Rugby. Throughout the 24/25 year, the charity engaged with 18 primary schools across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The programme delivered 228 sessions throughout the year and provided playing opportunities for 1,172 participants.

Eagle Project

Eagle Project is a participation programme focused on engaging Year 7 girls, providing an opportunity to experience a new sport within a positive and supportive learning environment. The programme is funded by England Rugby through the Impact ’25 Initiative and Maddy’s Mark, supporting the growth and development of women’s and girls’ rugby nationally.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

In addition to increasing ‑ participation, Eagle Project recognises the importance of young people’s mental wellbeing. With support from Maddy’s Mark, the programme seeks to foster resilience, confidence, and self reliance, helping young women develop skills that support them both within sport and throughout life. Throughout the 24/25 year, the charity engaged with 8 schools across Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The programme delivered 61 sessions throughout the year and provided opportunities for 339 participants.

Strive 25

Strive 25 ‑ is a RFU funded ‑ programme, delivering T1 rugby to women & girls aged 16+. The programme focuses on increasing participation among women and girls by offering free, inclusive and beginner friendly T1 (non contact) rugby sessions in accessible community settings. By targeting communities and individuals traditionally underrepresented in the sport, Strive25 in Bristol aims to break down barriers to participation, build confidence, improve wellbeing, and create sustainable pathways into rugby through fun, social and empowering experiences. The delivery programme commenced in April 2025 and engaged with 51 participants across 5 different sessions.

Plans for future periods

As always, our primary commitment is to ensure we maintain our existing programmes into next year and support people who need it most across Bristol and surrounding areas. Given the current economic climate, a priority will be to continue the diversification of income streams to support the organisation and our many projects so that they are sustainable long into the future.

During the 2025/2026 year the Chief Executive Officer will launch the Foundations new organisational strategy, Beyond the Bear, which will set out a refined vision and purpose and set out strategic areas of delivery to maximise our community impact. This strategy will provide a clear framework for growth, partnership development and measurable outcomes. Alongside this, we will undertake a comprehensive review of the Charity’s Articles of Association and a full Board governance review, ensuring continued alignment with best practice. This will include formal succession planning and the recruitment of new Trustees to strengthen skills, diversity and independence at Board level.

We will also develop and publish the Foundation’s first Impact Report, aligned to our Theory of Change, enabling us to better demonstrate the difference our work makes and to strengthen accountability to beneficiaries, partners and funders. Additionally, we will introduce new event-based fundraising initiatives and expand our corporate sponsorship, creating meaningful partnerships that align with our vision while generating sustainable income to support long-term delivery.

Financial review

The results for the year ended 31 August 2025 show a net income of £31,121 (2024: £26,365). Total incoming resources increased to £754,971 (2024: £647,085), while total resources expended were £723,850 (2024: £620,720).

The charity recorded an overall increase in income from charitable activities, which rose to £574,748, compared with £542,549 in 2024. This increase demonstrates the ongoing demand for the charity’s services and its ability to deliver impactful programmes.

Within Charitable activities income, income from the delivery of paid for Community Rugby services decreased to £105,264 in 2025 from £130,290 in 2024. Work is underway to improve this income stream in the coming year.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Revenue from unrestricted donations and other fundraising activities rose substantially to £147,840 (2024: £81,531). This reflects strengthened engagement with corporate partners and individual donors, as well as increased support for projects where funding gaps were identified. The charity intends to continue developing this area going forward.

At balance date, the charity held £7,908 in tangible fixed assets (2024: £5,446), including the computer, office and sporting equipment required to operate the charity and deliver its projects.

The charity also held £388,297 in cash (2024: £342,568), with net current assets of £345,360 (2024: £316,701). All liabilities of the charity are current and have been paid post year end.

Reserves

It is the policy of Bristol Bears Community Foundation to retain reserves to the level required to provide sufficient funds to cover wages and administration costs for a period of at least six months. This equates to approximately £361,000. Total unrestricted reserves held by the charity at 31 August 2025 were £293,149 (2024: £267,623) and free reserves i.e. total unrestricted reserves less the net book value of fixed assets were £285,241 (2024: £262,177). The trustees are of the opinion that this represents a satisfactory level for current requirements. The trustees will continue to monitor and plan to increase reserves further as the charity moves into the second year of its current strategy for growth and sustainability.

The trustees are aware and understand that the current primary income generation methods that BBCF are in receipt of include:

This, therefore has risk attached in terms of medium to long-term financial security.

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company 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 income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

9

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 August 2025

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Members of the charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The trustees are members of the charity, but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charitable company in year 2022/23 and have continued in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 13 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Charles Russell-Smith

Charles Russell-Smith - Chair

10

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bristol Rugby Community Foundation (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 August 2025, which are set out on pages 13 to 29.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since the charitable company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.

Godfrey Wilson Limited also provides payroll services to the charitable company. I confirm that as a member of the ICAEW I am subject to the FRC’s Revised Ethical Standard 2016, which I have applied with respect to this engagement.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

11

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

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.

Date: 13 May 2026 Robert Wilson FCA Member of the ICAEW

For and on behalf of:

Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

12

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Note
Income from:
Donations
3
Charitable activities
5
Other trading activities
6
Investment income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
7
Net income
Transfers between funds
16
Net movement in funds
8
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted Unrestricted
£
£
16,742
60,529
203,479
371,269
-
87,311
-
15,641
220,221
534,750
-
66,921
202,919
454,010
202,919
520,931
17,302
13,819
(11,707)
11,707
5,595
25,526
54,524
267,623
60,119
293,149		 2025
Total
£
77,271
574,748
87,311
15,641
754,971
66,921
656,929
723,850
31,121
-
31,121
322,147
353,268		 2024
Total
£
31,875
542,549
60,234
12,427
647,085
3,265
617,455
620,720
26,365
-
26,365
295,782
322,147

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 16 to the accounts.

13

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Balance sheet

As at 31 August 2025

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
13
Net current assets
Net assets
15
Funds
16
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Total charity funds		 £
42,469
388,297
430,766
(85,406)		 2025
£
7,908
345,360
353,268
60,119
293,149
353,268		 2024
£
5,446
99,578
342,568
442,146
(125,445)
316,701
322,147
54,524
267,623
322,147

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

Approved by the trustees on 13 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by

Charles Russell-Smith

Charles Russell-Smith - Chair

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 August 2025

Cash used in operating activities:
Net movement in funds
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Decrease / (increase) in debtors
Increase / (decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash provided by investing activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2025
£
31,121
2,564
(15,641)
57,109
(40,039)
35,114
15,641
(5,026)
10,615
45,729
342,568
388,297		 2024
£
26,365
1,761
(12,427)
(14,905)
65,501
66,295
12,427
(4,534)
7,893
74,188
268,380
342,568

The charity has not provided an analysis of changes in net debt as it does not have any long term financing arrangements.

15

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

1. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation and general information

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is South Stand, Ashton Gate Stadium, Ashton Gate, Bristol BS3 2EJ.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the items of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of provision of coaching or training activities is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

d) Donated services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

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Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

e) Interest receivable

f) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity, including the costs of complying with constitutional and statutory requirements and any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity’s activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on the following basis, which is an estimate of staff time:

2025 2024
Raising funds 9% 0%
Charitable activities 91% 100%

i) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows: Sports equipment 25% straight line Computer equipment 25% straight line Furniture and fittings 25% straight line

Items are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500.

j) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

k) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

17

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

1. Accounting policies (continued)

l) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

m) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

n) Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities as they fall due.

o) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

There are no sources of estimation uncertainty or judgements made that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

18

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

2. Statement of financial activities: prior year comparative

Income from:
Donations
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
Investment income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
3.
Income from donations
General donations and gift aid
Prior year comparative:
General donations and gift aid
Net income / (expenditure)
Transfers between funds		 Restricted
£
£
8,600
23,275
136,001
406,548
-
60,234
-
12,427
144,601
502,484
-
3,265
105,353
512,102
105,353
515,367
39,248
(12,883)
(6,443)
6,443
32,805
(6,440)
Restricted
£
£
16,742
60,529
Restricted
£
£
8,600
23,275
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 2024
Total
£
31,875
542,549
60,234
12,427
647,085
3,265
617,455
620,720
26,365
-
26,365
2025
Total
£
77,271
2024
Total
£
31,875

4. Government grants

The charitable company receives government grants, defined as funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and Bristol City Council for charitable activities. The total value of such grants in the period ending 31 August 2025 was £18,960 (2024: £31,760). There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies attaching to these grants.

19

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

5. Income from charitable activities

Income from charitable activities
Bear In Mind
Boost Your Future
Bright Sparks
Golden Memories
PE Provision
Project Rugby
Rise
Set Play
Spectrum
Strive 25
Women and Girls
Community Rugby
Camps
Club Connexion
Skills masterclass
Super Sunday
Total charitable activities
Prior year comparative:
Bear in Mind
Bears Reminiscence
Break the Cycle
Bright Sparks
Club Connexion
Community Provision
Eagle Project
Golden Memories
Golden Movers
Hitz
PE Provision
Premiership Rugby Champions
PRL Camps
Project Rugby
Rise
Sensory Room
Spectrum Sport
Star Scheme
Super Sunday
Youth Mentoring
Total charitable activities		 Restricted
£
£
10,200
44,350
15,498
26,299
30,000
75,000
-
19,413
-
33,531
69,000
-
3,250
1,400
23,000
-
-
65,612
25,000
-
27,531
400
-
1,260
-
79,229
-
9,400
-
7,750
-
7,625
203,479
371,269
Restricted
£
£
-
39,190
19,760
-
-
2,110
-
78,695
-
750
-
510
7,000
3,140
-
16,120
9,960
-
32,631
2,473
-
40,215
-
9,925
-
117,153
61,050
8,186
5,600
-
-
720
-
69,882
-
3,000
-
12,387
-
2,092
136,001
406,548
Unrestricted
Unrestricted		 2025
Total
£
54,550
41,797
105,000
19,413
33,531
69,000
4,650
23,000
65,612
25,000
27,931
1,260
79,229
9,400
7,750
7,625
574,748
2024
Total
£
39,190
19,760
2,110
78,695
750
510
10,140
16,120
9,960
35,104
40,215
9,925
117,153
69,236
5,600
720
69,882
3,000
12,387
2,092
542,549

20

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

6. Income from other trading activities

Income from other trading activities
Corporate Tag Rugby Festival
Other Fundraising Events
Total income from other trading activities		 2025
£
20,150
67,161		 2024
£
18,775
41,459
87,311 60,234

Income from other trading activities was unrestricted in both the current and prior year.

7. Total expenditure

Staff Costs (note 9)
Direct project costs
Legal and professional fees
Kit and equipment
Travel and subsistence
Office costs
Fundraising
Coaching costs
Van hire
Insurance
Rent
Depreciation
Premises expenses
Bank charges
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and governance
costs		 Raising
funds
£
20,000
-
-
-
-
-
10,221
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Charitable
activities
£
203,285
39,305
-
25,283
-
-
-
8,590
7,432
-
-
-
-
-		 Support and
governance
costs
£
319,129
-
35,489
-
21,295
20,400
-
-
-
5,373
3,904
2,564
1,239
341		 2025 Total
£
542,414
39,305
35,489
25,283
21,295
20,400
10,221
8,590
7,432
5,373
3,904
2,564
1,239
341
30,221
36,700		 283,895
373,034		 409,734
(409,734)		 723,850
-
66,921 656,929 - 723,850

Governance costs during the year were £4,354 (2024: £4,160).

21

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

7. Total expenditure (continued) Prior year comparative:

Staff costs (note 9)
Direct project costs
Legal and professional fees
Kit and equipment
Office costs
Travel and subsistence
Fundraising
Coaching costs
Van hire
Insurance
Rent
Depreciation
Premises expenses
Bank charges
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and governance
costs		 Raising
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,265
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Charitable
activities
£
404,607
36,421
-
17,297
-
-
-
9,535
7,259
-
-
-
-
-		 Support and
governance
costs
£
78,033
-
13,250
-
16,276
23,446
-
-
-
5,431
3,790
1,760
69
281		 2024 Total
£
482,640
36,421
13,250
17,297
16,276
23,446
3,265
9,535
7,259
5,431
3,790
1,760
69
281
3,265
-		 475,119
142,336		 142,336
(142,336)		 620,720
-
3,265 617,455 - 620,720

22

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

8. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging:
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation 2,564 1,761
Trustees' remuneration Nil Nil
Trustees' reimbursed expenses Nil Nil
Trustees' indemnity insurance 1,054 1,040
Independent examiners' remuneration (excluding VAT):
Independent examination 2,750 2,600
Payroll 1,402 1,338
Other services 40 40

9. Staff costs and numbers Staff costs were as follows:

Salaries and wages
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2025
£
487,930
36,324
18,160
542,414		 2024
£
436,786
30,300
15,554
482,640

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year or prior year.

The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the trustees and senior management team. The total employee benefits (salary and pension costs) of the key management personnel were £91,748 (2024: £55,475).

Average head count 2025
No.
18		 2024
No.
19

10. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

23

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

11. Tangible fixed assets

Sports
equipment
£
Cost
At 1 September 2024
27,639
Additions in year
-
At 31 August 2025
27,639
Depreciation
At 1 September 2024
27,639
Charge for the year
-
At 31 August 2025
27,639
Net book value
At 31 August 2025
-
At 31 August 2024
-
12. Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors
13. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors		 Computer
equipment
£
17,814
5,026
22,840
12,368
2,564
14,932
7,908
5,446		 Furniture
and fittings
£
5,118
-
5,118
5,118
-
5,118
-
-
2025
£
22,300
10,357
4,000
5,812
42,469
2025
£
32,469
6,319
31,800
11,571
3,247
85,406		 Total
£
50,571
5,026
55,597
45,125
2,564
47,689
7,908
5,446
2024
£
44,445
7,068
47,142
923
99,578
2024
£
7,775
8,958
94,417
9,138
5,157
125,445

24

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

14. Deferred income

Deferred income
At 1 September 2024
Deferred during the year
Released during the year
At 31 August 2025		 2025
£
94,417
31,800
(94,417)
31,800		 2024
£
19,240
94,417
(19,240)
94,417

Deferred income consists of income received in advance of the provision of service delivery.

15. Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net assets at 31 August 2025
Prior period comparative:
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net assets at 31 August 2024		 £
-
60,119
60,119
£
-
54,524
54,524
Restricted
funds
Restricted
funds		 £
7,908
285,241
293,149
£
5,446
262,177
267,623
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds		 Total
funds
£
7,908
345,360
353,268
£
5,446
316,701
Total funds
322,147

25

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

16. Movements in funds

Movements in funds
Restricted funds
Bear in Mind
Bears Reminiscence
Boost Your Future
Bright Sparks
Club Connexion
Rising Roses
Golden Movers
Project Rugby
Rise
Sensory Room
Set Play
Strive 25
Youth Mentoring
Total restricted funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds		 At 1
September
2024
£
-
16,468
-
-
11,707
7,000
6,640
4,833
4,501
2,000
-
-
1,375
54,524
267,623
267,623
322,147		 Income
£
17,700
-
15,498
35,000
-
27,531
-
69,000
3,250
642
23,000
25,000
3,600
220,221
534,750
534,750
754,971		 £
(17,700)
(7,306)
(15,498)
(35,000)
-
(27,183)
(4,505)
(62,189)
(7,751)
(642)
(9,590)
(12,256)
(3,299)
(202,919)
(520,931)
(520,931)
(723,850)
Expenditure		 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
(11,707)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(11,707)
11,707
-
-		 £
-
9,162
-
-
-
7,348
2,135
11,644
-
2,000
13,410
12,744
1,676
At 31
August
2025
60,119
293,149
293,149
353,268

Purposes of restricted funds:

Bear in Mind

Funding received by Aspire and Leicester Tigers (Breaking Limits) for the delivery of a 12 week schools based programme, targeting girls 14 - 16 to support their mental and physical wellbeing combining classroom workshops and physical activity sessions.

Bears Reminiscence

National Lottery funding to support Bears Reminiscence Cafe project. The project provides a weekly session at Ashton Gate for older adults tackling social isolation and loneliness. Sessions are for 2 hours a week and engage up to 15 older adults per week, through historical Bears memorabilia.

Boost Your Future

West of England Combined Authority funding for project ‘Boost Your Future’, which aims to support young people 16 - 18 who are not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) or at risk of becoming NEET. The free 12 or 6 week, 3 days a week programme provides the tools and skills to enter the world of work by developing confidence, gaining skills and exploring career paths.

26

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

16. Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds (continued): Bright Sparks

Funding received from The Nisbets Trust for project Bright Sparks. Bright Sparks is a secondary school based project, providing the tools to young people who are at risk of exclusion or find the traditional classroom setting challenging. The programme is delivered across 30 weeks of the academic year, to support pupils self esteem and aspirations in class, whilst providing the tools to positively cope with the school environment.

Club Connexion

Gallagher ‘Club Connexion’ provides engagement and development opportunities for disadvantaged players, coaches and clubs across our region in line with the Bristol Bears Community Foundation Club & School Connexion strategy. The grant covers the operating and administrative costs of staff delivering and facilitating the project and includes:

Rising Roses

Funding from Maddy's Mark was specifically given to support the Rising Roses Project (formally known as the Eagles Project). The programme engages girls in years 9, 10, and 11 in a 3 week rugby training course.

Golden Movers

Funding received from Sport England to support the delivery of chair based exercise classes across targeted areas in Bristol, working in partnership with St Monicas to tackle social isolation and physical inactivity of older adults.

Project Rugby

Project Rugby is designed to increase participation in the game by people from traditionally underrepresented groups:

The programme engages participants (aged 14+ and 16+ for disabled people). Local delivery plans will be developed in partnership with the RFU, providing accessible opportunities for people to participate in the game and to support and transition players into longer term participation.

27

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

16. Movements in funds (continued)

Purposes of restricted funds (continued): Rise

Funding must support the delivery of targeted Bristol Bears Community Foundation programmes that are enhanced further through the offer of complimentary tickets to Bristol Bears matchdays for community participants. The Club and Foundation will work together to provide access to up to 3,000 complimentary tickets each year for the most disadvantaged people in our community (lowest 30% IMD). Bristol Bears & Bristol Bears Community Foundation will provide a range of matchday activations for community participants that will promote the Club and Ashton Gate Stadium. This will include player and staff engagement where possible.

Sensory Room

To support the return to action and ongoing sustainable development of the weekly adults wheelchair rugby provision.

Set Play

Funding received from Charles Hayward Foundation for the delivery of community based sessions, in targeted areas in South Bristol, to tackle anti-social behaviour using sport.

Strive 25

Funding received by the RFU via Bristol Sport Foundation as part of the Women's Rugby World Cup, legacy funding to deliver place-based sessions in key areas across Bristol, engaging 16+ women and girls who have never played rugby before.

Youth Mentoring

Various donations received from individuals to support youth engagement and mentoring through sport.

Transfers

There was a transfer of £11,707 between Club Connexion restricted funds and unrestricted funds to reflect unrestricted contract income which had previously been incorrectly classified as restricted.

28

Bristol Rugby Community Foundation

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 August 2025

16. Movements in funds (continued) Prior year comparative:

Restricted funds
Bear Reminiscence
Club Connexion
Eagle Project
Golden Movers
Hitz
Project Rugby
Rise
Southmead Hub
Sensory Room
Youth Mentoring
Total restricted funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds
Unrestricted funds		 £
-
12,864
-
-
-
2,412
-
6,443
-
-
21,719
274,063
274,063
295,782
At 1
September
2023		 Income
£
£
19,760
(3,292)
-
(1,157)
7,000
-
9,960
(3,320)
37,631
(37,631)
61,050
(58,629)
5,600
(1,099)
-
-
2,000
-
1,600
(225)
144,601
(105,353)
502,484
(515,367)
502,484
(515,367)
647,085
(620,720)
Expenditure		 £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,443)
-
(6,443)
6,443
6,443
-
Transfers
between
funds		 £
16,468
11,707
7,000
6,640
-
4,833
4,501
-
2,000
1,375
At 31
August
2024
54,524
267,623
267,623
322,147

17. Operating lease commitments

The charity had operating leases at the year end with total future minimum lease payments as follows:

follows:
Amount falling due:
Within 1 year
Within 1 - 5 years		 2025
£
5,125
17,084
22,209		 2024
£
-
-
-

18. Related party transactions

Last year, Mike Lea, trustee, was a governor of Bristol Cathedral Choir School. In 2024, BBCF received £29,640 from Bristol Cathedral Choir School for PE programme delivery. Mike Lea is no longer a governor of Bristol Cathedral Choir School.

Vicki Long is CFO of Ashton Gate Ltd. During the year BBCF paid £12,570 for rent, IT and facility hire (2024: £18,395), and £56,102 (2024: £39,324) for other services to Ashton Gate Ltd including pension contributions. There has been no significant change in the nature or size of these transactions since Vicki's appointment in August 2022 and transactions took place on an arm's length basis.

29