## **Sporting Challenge: Chairman’s Report April 2024 / March 2025** 

Sporting Challenge is a charity that provides the opportunity for adults of 18 and over with learning difficulties the chance to participate in social activities linked to sport. The provision of these activities gives the members’ carers and families much needed respite with the knowledge that they are safe, understood and supported. 

The trustees have decided to conduct this year’s AGM electronically. 

## **Achievements and successes over the last year:** 

First of all, a thank you to the trustees and officers of Sporting Challenge for the time and support that they set aside which without the charity would not be able to support the members. 

Also, we must not forget the members and their families and carers that support the charity. 

The charity provides a range of activities for members to attend and participate in with during the year the following core sessions having been provided on a monthly basis: 

- Aerobics 

- Boccia & Kurling 

- Tenpin Bowling 

- Disco 

- Nintendo 

- Pool 

- Swimming 

In additional the following “seasonal” activities were provided: 

- Christmas Party 

- Sailing 

- Walks 

In September 2024 we were able to take members away for a weekend break to the Calver Trust in the Lake District, using their accommodation and catering facilities this time and taking members out for the day with the support of the trust. Once again, the feedback from everyone after returning home was very positive. 

As 2024 came to a close the members were able to attend a Christmas theme activity evening at The Stanley in Burscough as well as being given the opportunity to have a Christmas meal at the Toby Carvery in Ormskirk. 

Grant bids prepared and submitted by the charity’s Activities Officer have been more challenging to secure during the last twelve month which is supported by general comments from the wider charity community. Without the grants that we are successful in securing it would not be possible to continue to support our members. 



The review and updating of the charity’s policies is an important and ongoing process ensuring that the charity is managed appropriately and the safety and welfare of its members is maintained to the best of our ability. 

## **Activities Support:** 

The charity buys in sessional support through EMSS who facilitate getting the members to and from the activities and provide support along with the venue staff at the activities. The trustees wish to thank the sessional support and venue staff for the work that they have undertaken this year. 

## **Membership** 

Sporting Challenge is always looking for new members and one of our biggest challenges in achieving this is making that first contact with families and carers within the West Lancashire Borough area with its many isolated rural villages where community contact can be poor. To this end the charity needs to engage the support of appropriate agencies who are better placed to identify those individuals and their families that we may be able to help as well as our presence on the internet. 

## **Trustees** 

A huge amount of time has been devoted to the points covered in this report and as chairman I would like to thank the Trustees, Officers and Support Staff for their support. 

Looking to the future the charity needs to seek out new trustees that are able to provide some time in supporting the running of the organisation and would take the opportunity here to encourage anyone who may be interested to contact the chairman in the first instance. 

## **Financial Review** : 

2024 / 2025 Accounts, the trustees of the charity took the decision to continue to employ a firm of accountants to undertake an independent examination of the Receipts and Payments and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities of the charity. We are pleased to advise that the charity received a favourable report. 

Alasdair Watson Chair Sporting Challenge December 2025 



Registered Charity 1140207
Sporting Challenge
Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Sporting Challenge
Accounts Year Ended 31 March 2025
Contents
Page
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Receipts and Payments Account
Statement of Assets and Liabilitie5
Notes to the Accounts
Restricted Reserve5
Accountants247 Limited
Sulte 201-204 Malthouse Business Park,
48 Southport Road.
Ormskirk.
L39 IQR
.12025

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of
Sporting Challenge
I report on the accounts ot the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on page5 2 to 5.
Respectlve responslbllitles of trustees and Independent examlner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The ch3rity'S trustees consider that an
audit is not required for this year under section 144121 ol the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an
independent examination IS theeded.
It Is my re$ponslbilityto'.
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
lo follow the procedures13id down in the general Direction5 glven by the Charity Commission under
section 14515llbl of the 2011 Att
to State whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of examiner's statement
My examination w35 carried out in accordance with the general Direction5 given bythe Charity Commis510ri.
An examination includes a review of the accovnting record5 kept by the charity arid 2 comparison of the aceourts
presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts,
and seÈkiThg èxplanations from you as trustees concerning any stjch matters. The procedures undertaken do not
providE all the evldence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether
the 3CCDunts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is Ilmited to those matters set out in the next ststernent.
Indepentlent examlner's statement
In the ¢oursÈ of my examlnailon. no matter has come to my attention
111 which glves me ￿3$Onable cause to believe that in any material respect the requlrements..
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44111 lal of the 20C)5 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006
Accounts Re8ulations
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006
Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
o which, in my opinion, attention Should be drawn In order to enable a proper understanding of the
ccounts to be reached.
artered Accountant
ccountants247
uite 201.204 Malthouse Business Park,
8 Southport Road.
Ormskirk.
L39 IQR
..12025

Sporting Challenge
Receipts and Payments Account
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Notes
2025
2024
Restricted
Funds
Unrestricted
Funds
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
ReL¥i
Grants and Donatlons Received
19,849.05
710.00
20,559.05
69,920.00
Contributions from Clients and Attendees
3,400.00
11,818.00
15,218.00
15.136.46
23.249.05
IZ.SZ8.00
35.777.05
85,056.46
Pa
Charitable Actiwties
16,544.45
16,544.45
11.278.07
Other Costs
2,259.68
2,259.68
1,799.60
Support Costs
15,170.80
18.564.58
33.735.38
38,120.61
33.974.93
18,564.58
52.539.51
51.198.28
IDeficitl l Excess of receipts over payments
110.725.881 16,036.581 116,762.461
33,858.18
Cash funds as at l April 2024
S4,846.06
11.579.43
65.425.49
32,567.31
Cash funds as at 31 March 2025
44,120.18
S,542.85
49,663.03
66.425.49

Sporting Challenge
Staiement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2025
Restricted Unrestrlcted
Fund5
Fu'nds
2024
Total
Funds
Cash at bank aiid in hand
44,120.18
5,542.85
49,6D3,03
32,-67.31
Re
reseiited
Suiidry debtors and prerayments
Liabilitie
Suiiary creditoi-s ano, accrual
I hLJse occounis are prepared on a ReceipLS and PaymoiiL> Pjasis
Approved arid gitsned on behalf Oi ih¢J 003rd on

Sporting Challenge
Notes to Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Notè
Restrlcted
Vnrestrirted
Total
l Grants. Donation5 and contrib￿10￿5 Received
2025
2024
The Peter Lathom Charity
Lancashire C.C., Local M@mbers Grants Scheme
Sports England
r5cough CDmwnunlty Fund Redrtiw
The Skelton Charity ILCVSI
Red Rose Responding Fund ICFIMI
West Lancs Borough Council IUKSPFI
Douglas Arter Foundation
8ellway Homes
Arnolcl Clark community Fund
The Harris Charity
Bickerstock Music Festival
The Kaye Charltable Trust
The NHS Healthy Neighbourhood5 Funding Scheme IWLCVSI
The Albert Gubay CharTrtable Foundatio
The Zonchonis Charltable Trust
The Happy Charitable Trust
The Band Trust
The Forre5ter Farnily Trust
The SkiptDn Building Society Charitable Foundation
500.00
3,570.(MJ
10,000.00
250.00
I,wo.00
3,000.00
14.000.00
500.CK)
300.00
500.00
i.000.00
3.000.(K)
14,OOD.00
soo.00
3(K).00
S(K).00
549.05
150.00
S.OOD.(XJ
549.05
150.00
loo.00
2.000.OCI
5,000.00
28,500.00
1,000.00
I,000.oo
5,000.00
6,DOO.00
2.DOO.00
69,920.
560.00
560.00
19049.05
710.00
20,559.05
2 Contrfbutlons from client5 & attendees
Restrlrted
Unrestrlrted
1025
2024
Chester Weekend Break
Sporting Challenge Members Contributions
3,400.00
3,400.00
11,818.00
2,750.00
12,386.46
11,818.00
3.400.00
11.818.00
15,218.00
15,136A6

Sporting Challenge
Notes to Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Note
Restricred
unresrrl¢red
Total
Charitable Activities
2025
2024
AeroblcslGymnrampoline
Boccia and Kurling
Bowling
Dance & Drama
Pool
Golf
Sailing/Boat TripsJswimmin8
Holiday Venue
360.00
925.00
1,164.80
0.00
644.50
0.00
319.20
13,130.95
360.00
925.00
758.60
995.00
1,164.80
1,345.49
60.00
644.50
730.00
903.00
104.10
319_20
13, 130.95
6,381.88
16.544.45
16,544.45
11.278.07
Support costs
Restrlrted
Unrestri¢ted
2025
2024
Edward Mccarthy Support Services
15,170.80
18,564.58
33,735.38
38,120.61
15,170.80
18.564.58
33.735.38
38.120.61
Other C05ts
Restricted
Unrestrlrted
2025
2024
Bank Charges
Insurance
ICO fees
Sundry
stationery
Accountancy
Web hosting
Christmas party
68.80
558.81
40.00
251.68
79.18
600.00
98.94
562.27
68.80
558.81
40,00
251.68
79,18
600.00
98.94
562.27
71.60
497.45
40.00
290.25
66.98
720.00
113.32
0.00
2,259.68
2.259.68
1,799.6Q

Registered Charity 1140207
Sporting Challenge
Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Sporting Challenge
Accounts Year Ended 31 March 2025
Contents
Page
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Receipts and Payments Account
Statement of Assets and Liabilitie5
Notes to the Accounts
Restricted Reserve5
Accountants247 Limited
Sulte 201-204 Malthouse Business Park,
48 Southport Road.
Ormskirk.
L39 IQR
.12025

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of
Sporting Challenge
I report on the accounts ot the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on page5 2 to 5.
Respectlve responslbllitles of trustees and Independent examlner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The ch3rity'S trustees consider that an
audit is not required for this year under section 144121 ol the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an
independent examination IS theeded.
It Is my re$ponslbilityto'.
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
lo follow the procedures13id down in the general Direction5 glven by the Charity Commission under
section 14515llbl of the 2011 Att
to State whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of examiner's statement
My examination w35 carried out in accordance with the general Direction5 given bythe Charity Commis510ri.
An examination includes a review of the accovnting record5 kept by the charity arid 2 comparison of the aceourts
presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts,
and seÈkiThg èxplanations from you as trustees concerning any stjch matters. The procedures undertaken do not
providE all the evldence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether
the 3CCDunts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is Ilmited to those matters set out in the next ststernent.
Indepentlent examlner's statement
In the ¢oursÈ of my examlnailon. no matter has come to my attention
111 which glves me ￿3$Onable cause to believe that in any material respect the requlrements..
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44111 lal of the 20C)5 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006
Accounts Re8ulations
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006
Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
o which, in my opinion, attention Should be drawn In order to enable a proper understanding of the
ccounts to be reached.
artered Accountant
ccountants247
uite 201.204 Malthouse Business Park,
8 Southport Road.
Ormskirk.
L39 IQR
..12025

Sporting Challenge
Receipts and Payments Account
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Notes
2025
2024
Restricted
Funds
Unrestricted
Funds
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
ReL¥i
Grants and Donatlons Received
19,849.05
710.00
20,559.05
69,920.00
Contributions from Clients and Attendees
3,400.00
11,818.00
15,218.00
15.136.46
23.249.05
IZ.SZ8.00
35.777.05
85,056.46
Pa
Charitable Actiwties
16,544.45
16,544.45
11.278.07
Other Costs
2,259.68
2,259.68
1,799.60
Support Costs
15,170.80
18.564.58
33.735.38
38,120.61
33.974.93
18,564.58
52.539.51
51.198.28
IDeficitl l Excess of receipts over payments
110.725.881 16,036.581 116,762.461
33,858.18
Cash funds as at l April 2024
S4,846.06
11.579.43
65.425.49
32,567.31
Cash funds as at 31 March 2025
44,120.18
S,542.85
49,663.03
66.425.49

Sporting Challenge
Staiement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2025
Restricted Unrestrlcted
Fund5
Fu'nds
2024
Total
Funds
Cash at bank aiid in hand
44,120.18
5,542.85
49,6D3,03
32,-67.31
Re
reseiited
Suiidry debtors and prerayments
Liabilitie
Suiiary creditoi-s ano, accrual
I hLJse occounis are prepared on a ReceipLS and PaymoiiL> Pjasis
Approved arid gitsned on behalf Oi ih¢J 003rd on

Sporting Challenge
Notes to Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Notè
Restrlcted
Vnrestrirted
Total
l Grants. Donation5 and contrib￿10￿5 Received
2025
2024
The Peter Lathom Charity
Lancashire C.C., Local M@mbers Grants Scheme
Sports England
r5cough CDmwnunlty Fund Redrtiw
The Skelton Charity ILCVSI
Red Rose Responding Fund ICFIMI
West Lancs Borough Council IUKSPFI
Douglas Arter Foundation
8ellway Homes
Arnolcl Clark community Fund
The Harris Charity
Bickerstock Music Festival
The Kaye Charltable Trust
The NHS Healthy Neighbourhood5 Funding Scheme IWLCVSI
The Albert Gubay CharTrtable Foundatio
The Zonchonis Charltable Trust
The Happy Charitable Trust
The Band Trust
The Forre5ter Farnily Trust
The SkiptDn Building Society Charitable Foundation
500.00
3,570.(MJ
10,000.00
250.00
I,wo.00
3,000.00
14.000.00
500.CK)
300.00
500.00
i.000.00
3.000.(K)
14,OOD.00
soo.00
3(K).00
S(K).00
549.05
150.00
S.OOD.(XJ
549.05
150.00
loo.00
2.000.OCI
5,000.00
28,500.00
1,000.00
I,000.oo
5,000.00
6,DOO.00
2.DOO.00
69,920.
560.00
560.00
19049.05
710.00
20,559.05
2 Contrfbutlons from client5 & attendees
Restrlrted
Unrestrlrted
1025
2024
Chester Weekend Break
Sporting Challenge Members Contributions
3,400.00
3,400.00
11,818.00
2,750.00
12,386.46
11,818.00
3.400.00
11.818.00
15,218.00
15,136A6

Sporting Challenge
Notes to Accounts for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Note
Restricred
unresrrl¢red
Total
Charitable Activities
2025
2024
AeroblcslGymnrampoline
Boccia and Kurling
Bowling
Dance & Drama
Pool
Golf
Sailing/Boat TripsJswimmin8
Holiday Venue
360.00
925.00
1,164.80
0.00
644.50
0.00
319.20
13,130.95
360.00
925.00
758.60
995.00
1,164.80
1,345.49
60.00
644.50
730.00
903.00
104.10
319_20
13, 130.95
6,381.88
16.544.45
16,544.45
11.278.07
Support costs
Restrlrted
Unrestri¢ted
2025
2024
Edward Mccarthy Support Services
15,170.80
18,564.58
33,735.38
38,120.61
15,170.80
18.564.58
33.735.38
38.120.61
Other C05ts
Restricted
Unrestrlrted
2025
2024
Bank Charges
Insurance
ICO fees
Sundry
stationery
Accountancy
Web hosting
Christmas party
68.80
558.81
40.00
251.68
79.18
600.00
98.94
562.27
68.80
558.81
40,00
251.68
79,18
600.00
98.94
562.27
71.60
497.45
40.00
290.25
66.98
720.00
113.32
0.00
2,259.68
2.259.68
1,799.6Q