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2025-06-30-accounts

Charity registration number 1142956 (England and Wales) Company registration number 07461043

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Mr A S Watson
Mr S D Newton
Mr R T J Briers
Mr P W Rhodes
Mrs M Orange
Ms N D G Hanson
Mr J D Brookstein (Appointed 13 July 2024)
Miss M Antrobus (Appointed 13 July 2024)
Mrs K M Gordon (Appointed 13 July 2024)
Ms L Godkin (Appointed 13 July 2024)
Secretary Miss A Dean
Senior management Ms A Dean Chief Executive Officer
Ms F Richardson
J Leech
Charity number (England and Wales) 1142956
Company number 07461043
Registered office Sharks High Performance Training Centre
Carrington Lane
Carrington
Manchester
M31 4AB
Independent examiner P Bell ACCA
Champion TLL Limited
7-9 Station Road
Preston
Lancashire
PR4 6SN

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of financial activities 9 - 10
Balance sheet 11
Statement of cash flows 12
Notes to the financial statements 13 - 23

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Activities

Sale Sharks Foundation’s principal objective is to benefit the public of the North-West, particularly the inhabitants of Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Cumbria, including their surrounding areas.

We achieve this by promoting community participation in healthy recreational activities, primarily through the provision of opportunities to engage in rugby union and other sports that contribute to improved physical and mental health. Alongside sport, the Foundation delivers personal development programmes across themes such as education, social isolation, mental wellbeing, and health. These initiatives are targeted at individuals and communities identified as having specific needs due to age, gender, disability, poverty, or socioeconomic disadvantage, as well as the wider public, in the interest of social welfare and improving quality of life.

Our place-based approach enables us to work in partnership with local authorities and borough councils in areas of identified deprivation. This collaborative model allows us to address the intersectionality at the heart of inequality, ensuring our programmes are responsive to local needs. By tracking participant engagement and measuring outcomes such as confidence and social impact, we are able to assess and evidence our contribution to supporting those most in need. A new collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University also saw the Foundation strengthen its research outputs culminating in two year research project to evaluate the impact of the Foundations Girls Tackle Rugby programme.

Following a strategic review of our delivery model in the previous year, we maintained a consistent team size of 20 staff. This approach enabled us to deliver effectively and exceed our engagement targets, reaching 21,212 participants, which is 6,000 above our annual aim.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The Trustees were pleased with the continued progress Sale Sharks Foundation achieved during the 2024/25 year, having built on the work delivered in the previous year to sustain and grow the vital community work it delivers across the North West.

While the organisational strategy is currently under review for a revised version in early 2026, the Foundation’s work throughout the year remained aligned with its previous strategic framework, whilst slowly looking forward to the future of the new strategy. This previous strategy sets out a clear vision, purpose, and values, and guided delivery against key objectives focused on improving lives through sport, education, and wellbeing.

Our Vision:

Our vision is to use the power of our sport to change lives throughout the North West.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Our Purpose:

As the charitable foundation of Sale Sharks, our purpose is to use our sport to provide life-changing opportunities in education, health and wellbeing. We are committed to:

Our Values:

Our objectives

We will use our sport to positively impact the lives of at least 15,000 people across our communities yearly in the North West. All our programmes will be aligned with our stated Vision, Purpose and Values. We will;

Meeting the Objectives

Sale Sharks Foundation continued to deliver a range of programmes benefitting communities throughout the North West across its three key departments, Community Inclusion, Education and Rugby Development. This year we have gone beyond our target of 15,000 and reached over 21,000 people. The impact over the year can be seen in our Shark Watch 2024/25 impact report available on our website, or in appendix 1.

Community Inclusion

The Community Inclusion team at Sale Sharks Foundation continued to lead impactful programmes across disability, social inclusion, and health and wellbeing throughout 2024/25.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Education

Rugby development

Our Rugby Development Department plays an important role in a number of the Sale Sharks Foundations objectives. Specifically, the Rugby Development Department aims to;

During the last 12 months our activities have focused on developing maintaining existing delivery in terms of volume and quality, whilst also focusing on the build up to the Rugby World Cup. Below are some highlights of the previous 12 months delivery.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Partnerships

At Sale Sharks Foundation, partnerships are central to our mission to create lasting change across the North West. In 2024/25, our work was powered by a collective of committed organisations who share our belief that sport can be a catalyst for inclusion, resilience, and opportunity.

With national governing bodies such as England Rugby and Premiership Rugby, we continued to break down barriers to participation, bringing rugby to communities historically underrepresented in the game. Local authority partners including Trafford Council, MCRActive, and Salford City Council enabled us to deepen our reach into neighbourhoods, while collaboration with regional police forces and local Violence Reduction Units (VRU) supported our work with young people at risk of crime.

Corporate and charity partners played a pivotal role in expanding our impact. Thanks to Cargill and Place2Be, over 1,100 pupils engaged in programmes combining physical activity with lessons in mental wellbeing and nutrition. MBNA Community Investment Fund continued to champion inclusive rugby, helping us reach over 1,300 participants through SEN and wheelchair rugby sessions.

With funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Million Hours grant, we launched Engage - a new initiative tackling anti-social behaviour through sport and emotional wellbeing. Additional support from One Million Mentors and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) enabled us to deliver skills sessions for young people, disabled individuals, and older adults.

Our longstanding partnership with Sale Sharks Rugby Club remains at the heart of our work. United as the Sharks Family, we continue to grow the game and foster hope, confidence, and connection. These partnerships are the foundation of our impact. Together, we are building a North where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Financial review

In the year ended 30th June 2025, the income was £990,968, an increase of 4% from the previous year’s income of £951,143, showing a consistent growth of 4% for the last two years. There was also a commensurate decrease in staff costs to £604,938 from £605,337 in the previous year.

The financial performance of Sale Sharks Foundation continued on its positive trajectory, seeing a surplus of £62,685 this year. This improvement reflects the Foundation’s continued efforts to optimise operational efficiencies, diversify funding sources, and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders. Whilst we are still tackling the challenges that saw many VCSE charities struggle this year, especially with large government increases to National Insurance and Minimum Wage, we remain positive that through the continued development of the partnerships mentioned in the section above, the Foundation’s ability to deliver its objectives sustainably, reinforcing its impact in the communities it serves will continue.

Investment Policy

In August 2025, the trustees approved a new Finance, Investments & Reserves Policy , reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to responsible financial stewardship. A key provision of the policy is the safeguarding of funds by ensuring that no more than £85,000 is held with any single banking group at any one time, in line with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS ) deposit protection limit. This approach ensures that all Foundation funds remain protected in the event of a bank failure.

The policy also reflects our ethical values, with a clear commitment to avoid investments that conflict with the Foundation’s charitable aims; specifically excluding sectors such as tobacco, arms, and gambling.

To support the implementation of this policy, towards the end of FYE25 the Foundation partnered with CAF Bank to access their partnered Flagstone platform , enabling more efficient management of our cash holdings. This platform allows us to diversify funds across multiple banks with ease, enhancing both protection and accessibility. In addition to safeguarding our reserves, this approach has also delivered improved returns on our investments, ensuring that every pound works harder in support of our mission.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Reserves policy

The Board has a free reserves policy of between three-six months running costs if all funding ceased suddenly. This equates to between £245,000 - £491,000 based on proposed 2025/26 expenditure and designated funds which forms part of the reserves policy.

The current free reserves total £448,700 which is 5.8 months worth of budgeted costs.

Risk Review

Sale Sharks Foundation maintains a robust risk management framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could impact our mission and operations. This framework is reviewed regularly and reported quarterly to our Trustee Finance & Risk subgroup and the Board.

In 2024/25, we have updated our key risks in response to sector-wide challenges and internal developments. Our top three risks are:

· Funding and Financial Sustainability

The VCSE sector continues to face economic pressures, with reduced availability of unrestricted funding and increased competition for grants. While we have developed a three-year fundraising action plan and are actively diversifying income streams, sustaining core delivery and covering essential costs remains a key risk. We are mitigating this through strategic partnerships, awareness-building, and targeted investment in fundraising capacity.

· Workforce Capacity and Wellbeing

Recruitment and retention of skilled staff remains challenging, particularly in specialist areas such as sport for development and community engagement. Rising demand for services also places pressure on existing teams. We are addressing this through flexible working, professional development, and a renewed focus on wellbeing and recognition. Alongside regular check-ins, we conduct an annual staff survey, which has shown significant positive shifts in staff sentiment over the past two years.

· Digital and Strategic Transformation

As we implement our new 5-year strategy and invest in digital systems and monitoring and evaluation tools, there is a risk of disruption or underutilisation. To mitigate this, we are embedding change management practices, investing in training, and ensuring our governance structures support innovation, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

Through ongoing monitoring and proactive management, we remain committed to maintaining stability, safeguarding impact, and adapting to the evolving needs of our communities.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Plans for future periods

Building on the year-on-year progress and financial turnaround achieved over the past two years, and informed by horizon scanning across the VCSE sector, Sale Sharks Foundation remains focused on maintaining financial stability while expanding delivery to meet our newly aligned strategic goals. Our priorities for the coming year include:

1. Sustainable Financial Growth

We recognise the financial outlook is challenging, but following our Fundraising Review and three-year action plan, we have a clear strategy to sustain delivery. In year one (2025/26), we’ll focus on awareness-building and connection to strengthen foundations and improve long-term partnerships, including joint corporate pitches with Sale Sharks. We’re also reviewing internal capacity to enhance our approach to bids, grants, and individual and corporate fundraising.

2. Launching Our New 5-Year Strategy

Following 12 months of internal development, we plan to publicly launch our new 5-year strategy next year. Rooted in community consultation and landscape analysis, the strategy reflects our belief that rugby can do more than win matches—it can break barriers, build belonging, and shape brighter futures. Our mission is simple but powerful: to level the playing field across the North West. We will focus on supporting those too often left behind: women and girls, disabled people, individuals living in poverty, and those at risk. Through this strategy, we aim to drive healthy futures, foster social connection, and create a sense of community akin to a Sale Sharks clubhouse.

3. Increasing Awareness and Engagement

As part of our fundraising action plan, we will introduce a new Marketing & Communications Manager role, funded through designated resources. This role will bring expertise in storytelling, data-driven insight, and community engagement, helping to strengthen awareness of the Foundation across social media, supporter networks and partnerships.

4. Insight-Led, Community-Driven Delivery

We will continue embedding monitoring, evaluation, and research at the heart of our work. This includes increasing data collection on outcomes as well as outputs, releasing joint research into girls’ tackle rugby with Manchester Metropolitan University, and exploring the development of a social value model for the Foundation.

5. Governance Reform and Digital Transformation

Our journey to strengthen governance and compliance continues, with a focus on creating safe, efficient environments for community engagement. We will build on recent investments in charity-specialist accounting software, our CRM and event platform (Beacon), and embedded new GMS system. We also plan to explore the use of AI to future-proof operations and enhance efficiency.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee. Sale Sharks Foundation is a registered charity (No. 1142956) and limited company (No. 07461043) and is governed by its Articles of Association which were adopted on 10 November 2010.

The Articles of Association include the selection and appointment process of new Trustees.

The Board of Trustees administers Sale Sharks Foundation. The day to day operations of the Foundation are managed by the Chief Executive Officer, who reports directly to the Board. The Board has instigated systems and controls in relation to such matters as finance, contracts and employment and considers these to be appropriate safeguards in relation to the day to day operations of the Foundation.

The charity follows a transparent and structured process for recruiting and appointing new trustees, which includes open recruitment through various channels, such as the charity's website, professional networks, and assesses candidates based on their skills, experience, and alignment with the organisation's mission. Additionally, there is a nomination process where existing trustees nominate and second the appointment of Trustee’s onto the board.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Mr A S Watson

Mr S D Newton Mr R T J Briers Mr P W Rhodes Mrs M Orange Ms N D G Hanson Mrs P E Abbott (Resigned 3 October 2025) Mr J D Brookstein (Appointed 13 July 2024) Miss M Antrobus (Appointed 13 July 2024) Mrs K M Gordon (Appointed 13 July 2024) Ms L Godkin (Appointed 13 July 2024)

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

..............................

Mr A S Watson Trustee

30/01/2026 Date: .............................................

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Sale Sharks Foundation (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

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

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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

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

Champion TLL Limited

P Bell ACCA 7-9 Station Road Hesketh Bank Preston Lancashire PR4 6SN 30/01/2026 Date: ............................

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2025
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
93,842
-
-
Charitable activities
Educational
4
81,979
-
63,821
Rugby dev't
4
273,803
-
181,654
Community inclusion
4
25,304
-
256,566
Other trading activities
5
6,859
-
-
Investments
6
7,139
-
-
Total income
488,926
-
502,041
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
10,120
-
-
Charitable activities
8
416,121
-
502,041
Total expenditure
426,241
-
502,041
Net income
62,685
-
-
Transfers between funds
(85,760)
85,760
-
Net movement in funds
10
(23,075)
85,760
-
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2024
471,775
35,000
-
Fund balances at 30 June 2025
448,700
120,760
-		 Total
2025
£
93,842
145,800
455,457
281,870
6,859
7,139
990,967
10,120
918,162
928,282
62,685
-
62,685
506,775
569,460		 Total
2024
£
454,855
-
65,051
144,707
281,237
-
5,293
951,143
9,231
898,737
907,968
43,175
-
43,175
463,600
506,775

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
11,485
-
443,370
Charitable activities
Educational
4
65,051
-
-
Rugby dev't
4
144,707
-
-
Community inclusion
4
92,158
-
189,079
Investments
6
5,293
-
-
Total income
318,694
-
632,449
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
-
-
9,231
Charitable activities
8
275,519
-
623,218
Total expenditure
275,519
-
632,449
Net income
43,175
-
-
Transfers between funds
(35,000)
35,000
-
Net movement in funds
10
8,175
35,000
-
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2023
463,600
-
-
Fund balances at 30 June 2024
471,775
35,000
-		 Total
2024
£
454,855
-
65,051
144,707
281,237
5,293
951,143
9,231
898,737
907,968
43,175
-
43,175
463,600
506,775

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

2025
Notes
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
14
Current assets
Debtors
15
76,386
Cash at bank and in hand
864,166
940,552
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
(371,092)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds - general
20
Unrestricted funds - designated
19		 2024
£
£
-
83,004
588,844
671,848
(168,294)
569,460
569,460
448,700
120,760
569,460		 £
3,221
503,554
506,775
471,775
35,000
506,775

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

30/01/2026

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................

..............................

Mr A S Watson Trustee

Company registration number 07461043 (England and Wales)

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
23
Investing activities
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2025
£
7,139		 £
268,183
7,139
-
275,322
588,844
864,166		 2024
£
5,293		 £
58,601
5,293
-
63,894
524,950
588,844

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Sale Sharks Foundation is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Sharks High Performance Training Centre, Carrington Lane, Carrington, Manchester, M31 4AB.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds are free reserves that have been designated by the trustees for specific purposes. These are further disclosed in the notes to the accounts.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

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

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities based on the percentage of income that each activity generates. Central staff costs are allocated on the same basis, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 20% Straight Line basis
Computers 20% Straight Line basis
Motor vehicles 20% Straight Line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated 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 where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Donations and gifts
93,842
-
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Educational
Services provided under
contract
81,979
63,821
Rugby dev't
Services provided under
contract
273,803
181,654
Community inclusion
Services provided under
contract
25,304
256,566
381,086
502,041		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
93,842
11,485
443,370
Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
145,800
65,051
-
455,457
144,707
-
281,870
92,158
189,079
883,127
301,916
189,079		 Total
2024
£
454,855
Total
2024
£
65,051
144,707
281,237
490,995

4 Income from charitable activities

5 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Non-charitable trading activities 684 -
Fundraising events 6,175 -
Other trading activities 6,859 -

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

6 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Interest receivable 7,139 5,293

7 Expenditure on raising funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
10,120
-
Staff costs
-
-
10,120
-		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
10,120
-
-
-
-
9,231
10,120
-
9,231		 Total
2024
£
-
9,231
9,231

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

Rugby
development
Community
inclusion
Educational
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
Direct costs
Staff costs
276,177
156,276
66,686
Delivery costs
59,889
13,996
9,629
336,066
170,272
76,315
Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
Support
173,915
94,337
50,323
Governance
9,065
5,186
2,683
519,046
269,795
129,321
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
337,392
13,229
65,500
Restricted funds
181,654
256,566
63,821
519,046
269,795
129,321		 Total
Rugby
development
Community
inclusion
Educational
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
499,139
142,476
242,980
79,362
83,514
22,269
103,157
14,056
582,653
164,745
346,137
93,418
318,575
107,802
127,617
38,907
16,934
7,903
9,352
2,856
918,162
280,450
483,106
135,181
416,121
96,787
136,969
41,763
502,041
183,663
346,137
93,418
918,162
280,450
483,106
135,181		 Total
2024
£
464,818
139,482
604,300
274,326
20,111
898,737
275,519
623,218
898,737

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

9 Support costs allocated to activities

Staff costs
Depreciation
Rent
Printing, post, stationery
Establishment cost
Other staff costs
Motor & travel
Accountancy
Bank charges
Legal and professional
Other
Analysed between:
Rugby development
Community inclusion
Educational
10
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 2025
£
105,799
3,221
14,051
-
2,166
48,325
2,129
16,934
-
107,678
45,326
345,629
182,980
99,523
53,006
335,509
2025
£
3,600
3,221		 2024
£
131,288
18,911
13,748
1,383
23,170
24,435
5,529
20,111
561
-
55,301
294,437
115,705
136,969
41,763
294,437
2024
£
3,500
18,911

11 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Charitable activities 20 22

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

12
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000
is as follows:
£60,001 - £70,000		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
552,867
532,061
37,255
35,159
14,816
38,117
604,938
605,337
2025
2024
Number
Number
1
1		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
552,867
532,061
37,255
35,159
14,816
38,117
604,938
605,337
2025
2024
Number
Number
1
1
605,337
2024
Number
1

Remuneration of key management personnel

The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £157,168 (2024: £145,065)

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures and
fittings
£
Cost
At 1 July 2024
38,233
At 30 June 2025
38,233
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 July 2024
36,512
Depreciation charged in the year
1,721
At 30 June 2025
38,233
Carrying amount
At 30 June 2024
-		 Motor
vehicles
£
11,245
11,245
9,745
1,500
11,245
1,500		 Total
£
49,478
49,478
46,257
3,221
49,478
3,221

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

15 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
16
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Government grants
17
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
17
Government grants
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income is included within:
Current liabilities
Movements in the year:
Deferred income at 1 July 2024
Released from previous periods
Resources deferred in the year
Deferred income at 30 June 2025
18
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2025
£
54,787
145
21,454
76,386
2025
£
-
293,716
11,124
9,874
56,378
371,092
2025
£
293,716
86,705
(86,705)
293,716
293,716
2025
£
14,816		 2024
£
65,926
-
17,078
83,004
2024
£
10,383
86,705
5,343
14,921
50,942
168,294
2024
£
86,705
80,085
(80,085)
86,705
86,705
2024
£
38,117

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

19 Unrestricted funds - designated

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the charity's activities.

At 1 July 2024
Transfers
At
£
£
Towards 25/26 strategy implementation
35,000
85,760
Previous year:
At 1 July 2023
Transfers
At
£
£
Towards 25/26 strategy implementation
-
35,000		 30 June
2025
£
120,760
30 June
2024
£
35,000

The balance of the designated funds has been transferred from the surplus made in the year and set aside by the trustees towards the strategy for 25/26.

20 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 July 2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At
£
£
£
£
General funds
471,775
488,926
(426,241)
(85,760)
Previous year:
At 1 July 2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At
£
£
£
£
General funds
463,600
318,694
(275,519)
(35,000)		 30 June
2025
£
448,700
30 June
2024
£
471,775

21 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
funds
general designated
2025
2025
2025
2025
£
£
£
£
At 30 June 2025:
Current assets/(liabilities)
448,700
120,760
-
-
448,700
120,760
-
-		 Total
2025
£
569,460
569,460

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

21 Analysis of net assets between funds

(Continued)

Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted Endowment
funds
funds
funds
funds
general designated
2024
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
At 30 June 2024:
Tangible assets
3,221
-
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
468,554
35,000
-
-
471,775
35,000
-
-		 Total
2024
£
3,221
503,554
506,775

22 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

23 Cash generated from operations

Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in debtors
(Decrease) in creditors
Increase in deferred income
Cash generated from operations		 2025
£
62,685
(7,139)
3,221
6,618
(4,213)
207,011
268,183		 2024
£
43,175
(5,293)
18,911
14,317
(19,129)
6,620
58,601

24 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.

SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION IMPACT IN NUMBERS (24/25):

People engaged with in People played some form of 2024/25 rugby through the work of the Foundation

Of programme participants were . women and girls

Days of rugby development camps, days and residentials

Mentoring/tutoring

Hours of inclusive rugby and wheelchair rugby sessions delivered through MBNA sponsored Tackle Together programme

sessions delivered to pupils through alternative provision programme

Given back to grassroots rugby clubs

Girls introduced to rugby through our Girls Tackle Rugby programme

Sale Sharks Foundation the top delivery team in the country for England Rugby 6 to 12 programme.

Year 3 and 4 children from schools in the Salford and Trafford area learn about healthy eating and lifestyle through Eat Well, Play Safe programme with Cargill

Children involved in a matchday activity at a Sale Sharks home game

SHARKS WATCH SALE SHARKS FOUNDATION IMPACT REPORT 2024-25

OUR VISION:

Is to use the power of our sport to change lives throughout the North West

OUR PURPOSE:

As the charitable Foundation of Sale Sharks, our purpose is to use the power of our sport to provide life-changing opportunities in education, health and wellbeing

WE ARE COMMITTED TO:

WE PROMISE TO:

OUR VALUES:

Passionate Kind Inclusive Fun Respectful Proud

INTRODUCTION

It gives me a great sense of pride to introduce our Sharks Watch Impact Report for the 2024/25 delivery year, highlighting the transformative impact that our sport and programmes have on so many people’s lives across the North West.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to thank the amazing Foundation team for another fantastic year of impactful delivery across the North West.

At a time when demands for

services and support continues to grow, the Sale Sharks Foundation remains right at the heart of our communities, tackling inequality, bringing people together and helping those who need it the most.

This report not only reflects our incredible achievements and the outstanding commitment of our dedicated and passionate team, it reaffirms the vital role that the Sale Sharks Foundation plays at the heart of our communities.

As you will see from this report, the projects that the Foundation delivers can be life-changing for so many people. It also highlights how our wonderful sport and its values can act as a transformative platform for social change. It offers structure, connection, hope and fosters a sense of community that goes way beyond the pitch. Rugby has a place for everyone.

This year, we have worked alongside 21,000 people to tackle inequality, provide access to new opportunities and be the beating heart of a community club house for Sale Sharks. All this while empowering people to live healthier lives and achieve better outcomes. To every person we have worked with, thank-you for placing your trust in us.

While we celebrate the success of 2024/25, the Foundation remains aware of the societal challenges ahead and continues to adapt its provision to meet the needs of our communities.

The importance of our work cannot be underestimated. Our support is crucial to so many, and as we continue to adapt to the needs of our communities, the insights of our delivery and participants will help shape our strategy for the years to come.

Your support is vital in helping the Foundation achieve its aims, and I would like to thank all the donors, sponsors, partners and people who continue to give their time, money and expertise to help the Foundation run our impactful programmes and initiatives.

As always, we cannot achieve the impact we do without the efforts of our amazing Foundation team and the support of our trustees, partners, funders, friends and the whole Sale Sharks family. We really do value your contributions and commitment to driving meaningful change throughout the region.

Our highly skilled, dynamic and passionate Foundation team is already delivering for 2025/26 and remains driven to develop our offerings further.

Thank-you once again for your support. Here’s to another year of life-changing impact.

Together, we will continue to ensure that nobody is left on the sidelines.

ANDY WATSON, CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

ABI DEAN, CEO

OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS: 656 year 3 and 4 children from 860 1,800+ schools in the Salford and children children Trafford area involved in attend learn about a matchday 17,708 activity at a Festivals healthy eating and as part of lifestyle through 47% Sale Sharks 21,212 programmes Eat Well, Play Safe people home game delivered programme with of programme played people some form participants by the Cargill engaged with in of rugby were women Foundation and girls* through the 2024/25 work of the Foundation 803 75 mentoring/ 1,232 tutoring days of rugby sessions 300+ development girls delivered to 1st camps, introduced pupils through hours of days and to rugby alternative Sale Sharks residentials through provision inclusive rugby Foundation the and wheelchair £9,000 our Girls programme top delivery Tackle Rugby rugby sessions team in the delivered given back to programme country grassroots through MBNA for England rugby clubs supported Rugby 6 to 12 Tackle programme Together programme

year 3 and 4 children from 1,800+ schools in the Salford and children Trafford area attend learn about Festivals healthy eating and as part of lifestyle through programmes Eat Well, Play Safe delivered programme with by the Cargill Foundation

DISABILITY DISABILITY TACKLE 462 school children DISABILITY TOGETHER worked with in SEN schools

20 SEN Schools engaged

“Our Tackle Together sessions have had a powerful impact on our students, promoting inclusion, teamwork, and physical confidence. These wheelchair rugby sessions are a highlight of the week — it’s wonderful to see students who use wheelchairs playing alongside their ambulant peers, all equally engaged and excited by the fast-paced, competitive nature of the game.

“The sessions not only break down barriers and challenge perceptions around disability but also encourage teamwork, empathy, and mutual respect. Students develop vital skills such as communication and cooperation while improving their strength, coordination, and confidence. The joy, laughter and camaraderie shared on the court truly embody what inclusive sport is all about.”

Sarah Marshall, Deputy Head, Lancasterian School

“It’s been fantastic to see how Tackle Together continues to grow - not just in numbers, but in the impact it has.

“At MBNA, we’re proud to support inclusive opportunities that help our communities thrive.”

Victoria Dowd, Sponsorships Manager at MBNA

841 school children taking part in Wheelchair Rugby taster sessions

300+ hours of inclusive rugby and wheelchair rugby sessions delivery combined

TACKLE DISABILITY TOGETHER DISABILITY FESTIVAL

“Over the years, Seashell have been delighted to receive support from the Sale Sharks Foundation, delivering rugby sessions that open the game up to students with the most complex disabilities. Hosting the rugby festival here at Seashell was more than just an event, it was a celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and opportunity. It strengthened the bond between the two organisations and created even more chances for young people with disabilities to experience the joy of sport. The festival brought together education providers from across the region, all in a top-class facility designed to meet every individual’s needs, which made this the perfect stage for the Tackle Together programme finale.”

Carl Cawood, Senior Physical Activity Development Officer (Service Development), Seashell Trust

CRUSADERS FIN CLUB

In 2024/25, the Crusaders Fin Club participated in the Wooden Spoon TagFest tournament, making up a TigerSharks team with the Leicester Tigers, plus took part in the Project Rugby Festival at Twickenham Stoop.

The Crusaders Fin Club is a thriving tag rugby programme for young people with Down’s syndrome. Delivered as part of our Tackle Together programme, in partnership with the MBNA Community Investment Programme, it welcomes players between the ages of 5 and 25 for free, inclusive, non-contact tag rugby sessions, every other Sunday at Sale Sharks’ Carrington Training Centre.

Another poignant moment was marking World Down Syndrome Day 2025 by running out as mascots with the Sale Sharks for the match against Northampton Saints. The fixture saw the sides support the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign by running out in odd socks.

Beyond the physical activity, the Crusaders Fin Club has also become a vital support network for both players and families. For many participants, the group offers a sense of purpose and belonging, a safe space to be themselves, enjoy the game they love, and build lasting friendships. For parents, it has created a network of shared experience, encouragement, and mutual support.

“James loved his training session. It was so good to see him running… a good sign which shows he’s enjoying himself and makes the journey so worthwhile.”

Parent of Crusaders Fin Club player

461 engagements across the delivery year

25 sessions delivered for children and young people with Down’s syndrome

BREAKING BARRIERS

In 2024/25, we also built and deepened relationships with a range of local organisations and charities to raise further awareness of our provision, with the aim of reaching more children and young people who will benefit from the programme.

Our Breaking Barriers programme provides access to holistic wellbeing and educational activities for children and young people who have hearing impairments. Supporting the development of positive social networks, mental resilience and healthy aspirations for the future, those attending our sessions showed clear improvements in skills and confidence through participation in structured rugby games and inclusive activities.

HEALTH & WELLBEING 172 sessions HEALTH & HEADSTART across 7 locations HeadStart is a positive mental and physical wellbeing programme WELLBEING

“I feel within myself that I’m achieving something. I was very depressed when I was referred to the group and I’d lost all my confidence. Even walking around the block felt too much.”

Female participant on the HeadStart programme

“It’s got me moving again, which has had a big part in me feeling better about myself.”

Male participant, 50s

Scan the QR code to learn more about the HeadStart programme and its benefits for our participants

103 individuals supported with their mental health

SHARKS FORCES

Allowing the forces community to bond with others who have shared experiences, programme participants report reduced feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Our Sharks Forces programme promotes positive mental and physical wellbeing, supporting service personnel, veterans and their families. Our mission is to foster a welcoming community where participants can reconnect, stay active and access essential resources and support.

Proudly supported by the Armed Covenant Fund and Veterans Foundation, Sharks Forces helped 44 programme participants stay engaged and active in the community during 2024/25.

As part of the programme, we run weekly social hubs, wellbeing walks and a monthly community allotment project. We also work closely with a host of local partners and service providers to support those on the programme further by signposting to other services available to them.

In May, we also marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a get together for local veterans to share their stories and remember those no longer with us.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Sale Sharks Foundation for their incredible support of veterans from the Salford Area Veterans Enterprise (SAVE). Through their commitment to community engagement, the Foundation has provided invaluable opportunities for our veterans to reconnect, stay active, and feel supported.

Sharks Forces helped 44 programme participants

“From facilitating regular sporting activities to support from their Monday Morning Social Group, Sale Sharks Foundation has made a real difference to the lives of those who have served. Most recently, their generous support helped make our D-Day outing to the Imperial War Museum North a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.

“The sessions I’ve been to have been intriguing. Since having my meltdown in 23/24 I’ve not really ventured out, only to work, so it’s helpful and has helped somewhat building the courage to go out and meet others. It brings back memories, with a great bunch of people.”

“A special thank you goes to Ollie and his dedicated team for their continued support and partnership. We deeply appreciate all you have done – and continue to do – to support our veterans. We look forward to working together in the future to build on this strong foundation.”

Dave Marriott, Peer to Peer Lead, SAVE

Paul, veteran

HEALTH & EAT WELL PLAY SAFE

The programme delivery culminates in the now annual Cargill Cares festival, which invites schools and pupils to showcase the knowledge and skills they’ve learnt by coming together for some healthy, friendly fun.

“We’ve worked with the Sale Sharks Foundation on the Eat Well, Play Safe programme for over 10 years and we helped them develop it. We really like it because it’s teaching children the importance of eating healthy, it’s teaching the importance of exercise, staying fit and healthy, and it’s sustainable. Once we’ve been and delivered the programme, they carry it on in the schools.”

Scan the QR code to find out more about the Eat Well, Play Safe programme with Cargill.

300 coaching hours delivered by Sale Sharks Foundation coaches

SCHOOL FEEDBACK:

“The Cargill Eat Well, Play Safe programme has impacted our school by giving children healthier choices when they want their dinners. It’s also encouraged them to be a bit more diplomatic with their team skills.”

“Our children loved every part of it. Inside and out. It was a great experience for all of us.”

“The positive way the staff supported the children enabled more reluctant pupils to take part in the festival.”

Sally Easterbrook, Cargill

656

15 Schools delivered in across Salford

WALKING RUGBY

Our walking rugby programme in Salford is designed for men 60 and over, offering a welcoming and accessible way to stay active, connected, and healthy. By combining the fun and camaraderie of walking rugby with life skills, personal development and health and wellbeing workshops, we create a supportive environment where participants can boost their fitness, build new friendships and gain valuable knowledge for everyday life.

This holistic approach helps older men stay engaged, confident and empowered on-and-off the pitch.

In 2024/25, we had a Walking Rugby festival as part of the 25-year celebrations of Sale Sharks adopting the ‘Sharks’ name. Ten teams participated in the event, held at Sale FC.

TRY2CONNECT

Each six-week programme also includes tag rugby and multi-sport sessions that incorporate the themes discussed in the classroom.

9 schools delivered in

children supported

“The programme’s mix of themed classroom workshops with tag rugby and sport sessions is enabling young people to build skills to better understand and manage their emotions, make positive connections, embrace new experiences, and make healthy life choices. These are all vital skills which are needed to navigate life’s ups and downs. The programme is also a really great example of how physical health can play an important role in developing good mental health.

Through their foundation and community outreach, Sale Sharks are making such a positive and lasting impact for children in their local communities across the North West.”

Catherine Roche Place2Be Chief Executive

SOCIAL INCLUSION

ENGAGE – POWERHOUSE

A player of the session award was implemented for participants demonstrating good behaviour and sportsmanship, while a group also got to experience a matchday at Sale Sharks in February.

Our sessions at Powerhouse Youth Centre in Moss Side engage young people not currently accessing or involved in community activities, and those potentially at risk of being involved in crime or anti-social behaviour. Participants engage in multi-sport activity, arts and crafts, community youth group planning meetings and team working sessions.

44 sessions delivered

416 programme participants supported

ENGAGE – WIDNES

Delivered through our Sports Plus model, this Engage programme harnesses the power of Rugby Union to support young people at risk of anti-social behaviour or criminality. By providing structured, positive sports sessions, Engage offers a safe space for participants to build confidence, learn respect, and develop life skills. Our coaches use rugby’s core values—teamwork, discipline, and resilience—to inspire better choices and brighter futures. Through Engage, we are not just teaching rugby; we are helping young people find belonging, purpose, and new pathways away from negative influences.

More than 50 24 young people young people SOCIAL regularly engaging in engaged through sessions on streets the year and parks of Widnes INCLUSION

EDUCATION EDUCATON HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND FOOD EDUCATON PROGRAMME (HAF)

This year we delivered to 36 children at Sale West Youth and Community Centre, working in partnership with other external providers to provide various activities, such as arts and crafts, sports and games. Sale West arranged for healthy meals for those on the programme via the community café.

----- Start of picture text -----
and aspirations through participation in
positive activities and promotes cohesion
between young people and the community.
The Sale Sharks Foundation has provided
specialised Alternative Provision mentoring
sessions to 20 learners across Trafford
and other parts of Manchester in 2024/25.
The programme offers one-to-one and
----- End of picture text -----

The provision offers a safe space for learners where they feel they can express their emotions to adults not affiliated to their school or personal life. There continues to be a significant demand for tuition support across schools, which has resulted in Foundation staff delivering support in Maths, English and Science to students from Key Stage Two up to Key Stage Four.

experiencing challenges in their education within mainstream schools and alternative provision.

Through collaboration with learner’s schools, we can reinforce their learning to ensure understanding and develop their confidence.

SCHOOL & PARENT FEEDBACK:

20 pupils supported through Alternative Provision

“The mentoring has helped ‘X’ massively. I feel that she is in a position where her behaviour has massively improved.” Stretford High School

667 mentoring sessions delivered

“James has been fabulous in his support of ‘X’ and this is clear to see in ‘X’s engagement in these sessions as well as positive impacts in his lessons, attendance and punctuality.”

136 tutoring sessions delivered

Blessed Thomas Holford School

“I just wanted to say a massive thank-you for all your help and support with ‘X’. He has calmed down so much with your support. You have made a massive difference to him, and we really do appreciate it.”

8 schools worked with as part of the programme

Parent

CASE STUDY

‘X’ is a High School student who has been receiving mentoring support from the foundation since Year 7 and is now entering Year 10. ‘X’ has been receiving support primarily to support his social anxiety needs. This had led him to struggle with public transport due to crowds and as a result he gets a taxi to and from school. We have worked hard on this through discussions and scenario-based work, and he was able to attend a Sale Sharks game, with his family, in October 2024. He is very keen to attend another game soon. As we continue to support him, we now complete homework with him and assist with coursework when provided.

OUR YEAR IN PICTURES

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JULY
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AUG
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Camps and Residentials take place during the summer holidays, with a record 42 girls attending our week-long residential.

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SEPT
OCT
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32 teams from across the North West
participate in the Defender Cup, a festival
for U11 and U12 teams.
NOV
DJ Alderson, a talented tag rugby player from our
Crusaders Fin Club, is a finalist in the Junior Sports
Achiever category at the MCR Sports Awards.
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Trustee Steve Newton runs the MCR half marathon, the first of two charity runs in aid of the Foundation in 2024/25, raising £1,192.

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DEC
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Molly, a Year 11 pupil from Westhoughton High School and participant on our Project Rugby programme, is showcased as a great success story, featuring on Capital FM.

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JAN
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FEB
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Year 3 and 4 pupils from schools in the Trafford and Salford area learn about healthy eating and lifestyle through the Eat Well, Play Safe programme. Run in partnership with Cargill, it culminates in a festival in May.

A celebration of the upcoming Women’s World Cup with an England Rugby Impact 25 Festival, hosted and delivered by Sale Sharks Foundation coaches.

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MAR
----- End of picture text -----

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APR
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Crusaders Fin Club participants take to the field with Sale Sharks to mark World Down Syndrome Day, prior to the match versus Northampton Saints.

The return of our Foundation Day raises more than £9,000 for the impactful and life-changing work of the Sale Sharks Foundation.

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MAY
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JUNE
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Marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, local veterans come together to share stories and remember those no longer with us.

Pupils from SEN schools across the North West take part in the MBNA-supported Tackle Together Festival at Seashell Trust.

89% of learners EDUCATON HITZ have since HITZ was an award-winning employability progressed and life skills programme, delivered to education, EDUCATON from Sale West Community Centre. employment or Funded by Premiership Rugby and delivered in training following partnership with YMCA as our Education Partner, HITZ completion

89% of learners who completed HITZ achieved their functional skill

“From the moment I heard about HITZ I knew this was the course where I was able to be myself and achieve my goals. Through coming to HITZ I have massively improved in the sense of that I now come in everyday and complete my work. I look forward to coming to HITZ and the environment. HITZ is the best thing I have ever done.”

94% of learners

Participant enrolled on the HITZ programme.

HITZ ON TRACK

HITZ on Track is a six-week programme delivered in secondary schools across Manchester, designed to support 14–16-year-olds at risk of becoming NEET. The programme focuses on the RSHE curriculum and tackles issues affecting young people today. HITZ staff can engage with young people on a level that can be difficult for traditional schoolteachers to establish.

We delivered within schools across the Trafford area, working closely with a network of schools that had identified students who were at risk of becoming NEET. In total, we worked with 175 students across 6 different schools. Teachers provided excellent feedback, highlighting how much students enjoyed the programme and their high level of engagement.

“An engaging rugby session for 40 Year 8 girls, many of whom were new to the sport. The focus was on fun and participation, with activities designed to build confidence and introduce fundamental skills. The session incorporated a variety of games that encouraged the girls to think about invading space and develop their ball-handling abilities. Through these enjoyable and inclusive activities, the girls were able to experience the core principles of rugby in a low-pressure environment. The positive atmosphere and emphasis on engagement helped ensure that all participants had a fun and valuable introduction to the game.”

Teacher, Stretford High School

RUGBY

DEVELOPMENT

RUGBY The Rugby Development Department aims to grow “I just wanted to say how grateful Rugby Union across the I am, and WHS is, for how much North West by providing DEVELOPMENT school’s rugby in Bolton has more opportunities for benefitted from all of your players and coaches support over the last two years. within the sport. Through a Without your support and variety of programmes, we hard work the improvements continue to inspire players that have occurred would have and coaches to engage in been nowhere near possible.

“Thinking back to the first rugby tournaments when there were two schools there with no more than 10/15 students from each school playing; to the final block of tournaments this year where we had 3 separate boys tournaments all with minimum 3 schools and a girls tournament attended by 4 schools, all who have been introduced to rugby through the Project Rugby initiative.

PROJECT RUGBY

“A massive THANK YOU to all of the coaches that have facilitated sessions, and for giving our students to opportunity to experience rugby union (most of whom, for the first time), some of which at Twickenham!”

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The primary focus of the project is to transition new
players and volunteers into local grassroots rugby
clubs. Helping people to feel more connected to their
local community, the project’s innovative approach
looks to utilise rugby’s core values, increasing levels of
resilience and confidence amongst participants.
In 2024/25, we provided seven different playing opportunities,
with 250 young people now playing rugby union more regularly.
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Mr Shacklock, Teacher of PE, Westhoughton High School

1,090 young 250 young people people engaged playing rugby and introduced union more to rugby regularly

CASE STUDY: MOLLY

Molly’s rugby journey began when she attended her first Project Rugby session at an after-school club, delivered by the Sale Sharks Foundation, sparking an interest that has been life changing.

Inspired by Foundation coach and Sale Sharks Women’s player Laura Perrin, rugby offered Molly something unique and she quickly realised it was a sport she loved and wanted to pursue. Teachers soon noticed a boost in Molly’s confidence at school, observing that she had become more outgoing and had made new friends through her involvement in rugby.

Now a positive role model to others, Molly credits rugby for improving her fitness and widening her circle of friends, factors which have led to her improved application and attitude at school.

The coaches from the Sharks’ Foundation team guided her to Bolton Rugby Club, where she joined the girls’ team and started training and playing regularly. Since joining the Bolton Amazons U16s team, Molly was awarded Captain’s Player of the Match in only her first full season.

Her passion for the sport doesn’t stop there – she became a vocal advocate for girls’ rugby at her school, attending every girl’s rugby session this year and encouraging more girls to participate in after-school clubs to help grow the game.

BODY CONFIDENCE

Project Rugby’s Body Confidence programme, delivered by Sale Sharks Foundation, empowers girls to develop positive self-esteem and a healthy body image through rugby.

Through this supportive environment, more girls are discovering the benefits of physical activity and making lasting connections in their local rugby communities.

1,560 girls benefitted from the delivery of the 6 to 12 programme

By providing inclusive, non-contact sessions in schools and clubs, the programme helps girls celebrate what their bodies can achieve, build resilience and feel confident both on-and-off the pitch.

6 TO 12

1000 girls participating in the programme

“The staff and children enjoyed the sessions you delivered. They were such a success I have changed the PE LTP to include tag rugby in the curriculum.”

10 of our Rugby Development and Wellbeing coaches trained in Body Confident coaching

10 other pathway coaches trained through the Body Confidence programme

Meadowbank Primary School

“The girls absolutely loved it! They want lots more rugby.”

Firs Primary School

Scan the QR code to watch Orla’s story

BREAKING LIMITS

5,400 young people reached through this programme

The Rexona Breaking Limits Programme helps young people overcome barriers related to gender, race or ability, to improve their confidence to move more.

By cultivating self-esteem, teamwork and resilience and by training coaches, teachers and community leaders, it creates supportive environments for movement. This empowers young people to realise their power to break societal and self-imposed limitations.

In 2024/25, the Sale Sharks Foundation reached 5,400 young people through this programme as a result of training coaches.

GIRLS TACKLE RUGBY

to make rugby an accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable option that supports the growth of the female game.

In 2024/25, our commissioned research with Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, evaluating the impact of the programme, continued, with 266 girls, two teachers and three Girls Tackle Rugby coaches participating in the research.

The evaluation demonstrated that Girls Tackle Rugby is effective in promoting girls’ physical literacy, wellbeing, confidence and positive attitudes towards rugby, providing a strong evidence base to support the programme’s continued investment, delivery and expansion.

1,200+ girls engaged

MMU INSTITUTE OF SPORT RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTED:

6% INCREASE IN THE GIRLS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING SCORE

20% INCREASE IN THE GIRLS’ OVERALL PHYSICAL LITERACY SCORE

88% OF GIRLS REPORTED FEELING MORE CONFIDENT

97% OF GIRLS DESCRIBED THE GIRLS TACKLE RUGBY COACHES AS INSPIRING PRACTITIONERS

97% OF GIRLS REPORTED A MORE POSITIVE PERCEPTION OF RUGBY

“The survey data shows that just one hour a week led to statistically significant improvements in girls’ wellbeing and physical literacy.”

Dr Kelly Bowden Davies, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport

Scan the QR code to learn more about the Girls Tackle Rugby Insight Report

*Based on research with 266 girls participating in the programme

“The legacy that has been sustained from the Girls Tackle Rugby programme now sees our school offer it to all Key Stage Three on our curriculum. We can now provide more opportunities for girls to get involved in rugby. They love identifying with something that has made them feel more confident and special.”

Jill Howarth, Head of PE, Stockport School

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK:

“Girls Tackle Rugby has made me want to experience rugby in every year of High School.”

“Playing rugby has definitely increased my confidence.”

“I’ve been able to talk to new people and learnt RUGBY lots of new skills.” DEVELOPMENT

PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CHAMPIONS

The programme aims to Tackle Health, Tackle Numeracy or Tackle Literacy through joined-up classroom-based delivery and outdoor rugby sessions.

star*

#YOUR SCHOOL

Our #YourSchool programme sees us provide school provision for schools who want to develop their rugby union offering. In 2024/25, we reached more than 1,400 young people through this programme.

1,400+ people reached

210 young children engaged with the programme

Research shows that in order for young people to overcome the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences, they need to build resilience through relationships with trusted adults, and grassroots rugby is the perfect space for this to happen.

We worked with schools across the North West to provide opportunities for 360 young people to experience rugby union and then gave them the opportunity to attend their local rugby club.

#YOUR CLUBS

Our coaching support programme is the heartbeat of rugby clubs throughout the North West. By equipping coaches with expert guidance, fresh ideas and practical resources, we help clubs create vibrant, welcoming environments where players of all ages and backgrounds can thrive. From grassroots sessions to advanced skills workshops, our support empowers coaches to inspire, nurture talent and build strong, connected rugby communities. Together, we are growing the game, one club at a time.

RUGBY DEVELOPMENT CAMPS

1,181 attendees on Rugby Development Camps

Our Rugby Development Camps offer exciting opportunities for young players, from U7s to U12s, to develop their rugby union skills during the school holidays.

More than 9k given back to grassroots clubs as part of the programme

Our curriculum of delivery is designed to develop the Sharks DNA in line with England Rugby’s age grade laws. Our Rugby Development Camps are two-day events hosted at local grassroots clubs.

RESIDENTIAL CAMPS

Along with developing players from across the North West and wider UK, our residentials continue to attract players from other countries in Europe and beyond too!

The popularity of our residentials for girls continues to grow year-on-year, with a record number attending this year’s week-long camp.

“My son Eneas had the best week ever apparently, and made really good, nice friends. Thank-you all so much from the bottom of my heart for making this possible! Everything was well organised, and the accommodation, food and care was fantastic.”

Cerian, parent of Residential Camp attendee

“We just wanted to say thank you to everyone involved in the Residential at Myerscough last week. He had an “awesome week”, wanted to stay longer and will be taking some new drills and skills back to Winnington Park Colts.”

Janine and Kyle, parents of Residential Camp attendee

202 attendees at our residential camps

Record 42 attendees at the week-long girls’ residential

DEVELOPMENT DAYS

225 attendees

This is the first stage on the pathway towards the professional game and aims to develop the best local talent.

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PDG
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In 2024/25, our staff worked with 650 players across the six PDG Hubs – North Lancashire, Manchester, Merseyside, East Cheshire, West Cheshire and Central Cheshire – to identify and develop that Sharks DNA in players of the future.

The Foundation plays a key role in the pathway of players who come through the academy system to become first-team regulars, with Sale Sharks priding itself on its development of homegrown talent.

Foundation coaches work with the club’s PDG (Player Development Group) to provide coaching, talent ID and talent development for under-14s and under-15s players.

DEFENDER PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP

The 2024/25 season event was held in September, when we welcomed 32 teams from across the North West to participate in a brilliant day of rugby. Manchester Rugby Club and Fylde RFC ran out winners of their respective festivals, earning themselves a trip to Twickenham for the Premiership Final.

The Defender Premiership Rugby Cup is a key fixture in the grassroots rugby calendar every season.

Supported by the long-standing Official Vehicle Partner of Premiership Rugby, it is a nationwide series of festivals for U11 and U12 teams, run in conjunction with all ten Gallagher Premiership clubs.

1 Day

The events are designed to provide aspiring young players with the chance to play competitive fixtures in a format to aid their development, all within the spirit of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship.

32 Teams

620 Players

Providing a vital platform for several bright, young stars to go and play professional rugby, we collaborate with Manchester Rugby Club to host the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup each year.

1000 Spectators

MATCHDAYS

“The whole package – the game itself, the activities as well as the whole atmosphere – made for a fantastic experience for the Sandbach U10s party. We’ve had some great feedback from the kids and parents alike– many of whom have never attended a ‘live’ rugby match before (although we also have quite a few regulars). Hopefully, we can potentially do it again next season.”

“Many thanks for the experience yesterday. All the kids - and their parents -loved it. A lot of them were already talking about doing the same next year.”

Ian, Vale of Lune RUFC (attended vs Leicester Tigers - December 2024)

Chris, Sandbach RUFC (attended vs Bristol Bears – May 2025)

860 juniors engaged in match day

TOUR GROUPS

our expert coaches create fun, challenging, and inspiring sessions that leave a lasting impression - making every tour more than just a trip, but a rugby adventure to remember.

experience is truly memorable. We deliver dynamic, tailored coaching sessions for visiting groups, helping players of all abilities sharpen their skills, build team spirit, and immerse themselves in the region’s vibrant rugby culture. Whether it’s a one-off masterclass or a series of workshops,

That was certainly the case for the 245 young players who were part of Tour Groups in 2024/25.

FOUNDATION DAY

Our second Foundation Day took place on 25th enhancing the overall experience for supporters. April 2025, highlighting the incredible community FOUNDATION Hospitality guests also enjoyed an improved impact of the Sale Sharks Foundation. Foundation presence, helping to showcase the breadth of the Foundation’s community outreach. Fans enjoyed a packed programme of activities at the Sharks’ home fixture against Saracens, including DAY The now annual event raised more than £9,000, with inflatables, exclusive photo opportunities with a huge thank-you to everybody who turned out, took players, and community-themed activations. part in the activities and made incredible donations.

The now annual event raised more than £9,000, with a huge thank-you to everybody who turned out, took part in the activities and made incredible donations. Every penny raised directly benefits the Sale Sharks Foundation’s impactful community programmes, helping to support education, inclusion, health, and rugby development across the North West.

This year, the raffle and auction returned with an expanded selection of prizes, raising vital funds for the Foundation’s work. The fan zone atmosphere was electric, and a new centralised layout meant all activations were brought together in one main area,

More than £9,000 raised to support the work of the Sale Sharks Foundation

“Foundation Day is about shining a light on the life-changing work happening across our communities. It is a real celebration of the difference we can make when fans, players, partners, and staff come together. The enthusiasm and generosity shown this year has been overwhelming, and it’s an exciting platform for what we can achieve in the future.”

Abi Dean, CEO of the Sale Sharks Foundation

Please scan the QR code to donate to the work of the Foundation

THANK YOU!

If you would like further information about working with Sale Sharks Foundation, or the many programmes we deliver, please contact:

Sale Sharks Foundation Carrington High Performance Training Centre Carrington Lane, Sale, M31 4AB foundation@salesharks.com | 0161 672 9928 www.salesharks.com/foundation Registered Charity Number: 1142956