FOOTBALL WITH
PURPOSE
The Onside Story 2025 Annual Impact Report Building Community Developing People Creating Opportunity
A LETTER FROM OUR CEO
Looking Beyond the Scoreboard
2025 has been a year of growth, challenge and opportunity for Onside Soccer.
Across London, Belfast and beyond, we have continued to use football as a platform to build relationships, develop character and create opportunities for children and young people who may otherwise be overlooked.
Every week we see the power of belonging. We see confidence grow, friendships develop and young people begin to recognise their own potential. While football remains the vehicle that brings people together, the real impact happens through the relationships that are formed on and beyond the pitch.
This year our programmes have continued to reach children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds. Some face social isolation, poverty, additional needs, family challenges or barriers to participation. Others simply need a safe place where they feel valued, supported and encouraged. Through consistent coaching, mentoring and positive role models, we have sought to create environments where every young person can thrive.
Alongside direct delivery, 2025 has also been a year of development for our organisation. We have strengthened partnerships, expanded opportunities and continued to refine our long-term vision. Our focus remains on creating sustainable pathways that help young people grow not only as players, but as people.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, coaches, trustees, churches, schools, supporters and funding partners. Their commitment enables us to continue investing in communities and supporting the next generation.
As you read this report, I hope you see more than statistics and activities. I hope you see stories of belonging, resilience, growth and hope. Most importantly, I hope you see the potential that exists when communities come together around young people.
“Football is the vehicle. Relationships are the foundation”
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Paul Harbinson
Chief Executive Officer Onside Soccer
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
2025 AT A GLANCE
Across London, Belfast and beyond, Onside Soccer continued to use football as a vehicle for belonging, character development and positive change. Here's a snapshot of the year.
1,420 + CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED
36
COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS
680+ SESSIONS DELIVERED
2,400 + VOLUNTEER HOURS OF DELIVERY
94%
5
COUNTRIES WHERE WE YOUNG PEOPLE REPORT WORK FEELING MORE CONFIDENT
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
OUR PROJECTS
Across London, Belfast and beyond, Onside Soccer uses football as a vehicle to build relationships, develop character and create opportunities. Through a range of community, inclusion, mentoring and leadership programmes, we create safe and supportive environments where children, young people and adults can belong, grow and thrive. While each programme serves a different audience, all are united by a shared commitment to people, purpose and long-term positive change.
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
OUR IMPACT BUILDING COMMUNITY Football brlnos people together. ACrOaur Pro wecreateenvlronments vthere childm dnd YOUNJ people ftel safe. wgtomed and ¢onne¢ted Throvoh regulor $8ssion4 and shared experiwcg5, partlnts devekyfripndships?nd $lrynw $8ns9 of Wonpirqwithin th comnvJnbt$. DEVELOPING PEOPLE We bdiev@ character developm6nt tter5 much &s football developrnont. Thr¢Jugh coaCn9. mentoring and positive ro model&young peopl@grow Confide. resilienco. le?dership and -beLIe. Ma PÈrticInts rep(xt increased cOnfidpntÈ both on snd offthe pitch. CREATING OPPORTUNITY Footb411 op8nsdDors. Wheth8rthrough adeishipoppor¢unitles. ment¢rln9. edU¢n)1 exnce$.1r5OrcQmrnunIty partnptthips. yeektO cfeat• pathway that 0aen horiWn6 &nd Wy¢ung P*rEIl$e ihey poientk4. The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
STORIES OF CHANGE
Statistics help us understand the scale of our work, but they only tell part of the story. The real impact of Onside Soccer is found in the lives of the children, young people and families we support. These stories offer a glimpse into the difference that football, mentoring and trusted relationships can make.
RYAN’S STORY
FROM PLAYER TO COACH
Ryan joined Onside Soccer at the age of nine. Living with autism and experiencing significant behavioural challenges, he initially found it difficult to engage consistently in activities and build positive relationships.
For many young people, football is often the beginning of a much bigger journey. Through our Young Coaches pathway, young people develop leadership skills, gain coaching experience and become positive role models within their communities.
Through regular attendance and trusted relationships, Ryan gradually grew in confidence and began to thrive within the programme.
Participants are supported to take on responsibility, build confidence and progress into volunteering, qualifications and employment opportunities. By investing in young leaders today, we are helping create the coaches, mentors and community leaders of tomorrow.
Football provided a positive environment where he could develop friendships, improve his wellbeing and experience success.
Today, Ryan is a valued member of the Onside community and is beginning to progress into our leadership pathway.
“I'm so grateful to Onside for giving both my boys opportunities to become Young Coaches, coach locally, attend holiday camps and take part in overseas coaching tours. Onside supported them to gain their FA qualifications and both went on to study Sport Science at university. One is now a secondary school PE teacher, while the other has worked at the Juventus Academy in Bahrain and now performs analysis and scouting work with Premiership and Championship clubs. Onside coaching looked good on every application and helped open doors for their future."
Richard Parent, Carshalton
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS While foball brings people together. real impact is seen in InCrsed Confidence. slrorÈger relationships. improv•d w•llb•ing and new opp(unItie& Throughwt 2025. participants consistenlty reported positive ¢harKJes bolh on arKI off pitch. 1,420+ 680+ CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE ENGAGED SESSIONS DELIVERED Fmidin9 safe. ind envrrrnts 94% 91% FELT MORE CONFIDENT in th•mMlv•$ and FELT MORE CONNEcfED to oth•r$ and to th•ir community 88% 87°A DEVELOPED LEADERSHIP SKILLS and a 9reatef wlhr4ness to hdp othws MORE posinvE A80UT THÉIR FUTURE al the opptnit available to them 36 2.400+ COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS de<licattd io fdalD$h1ps YirKI ci••tl dwng• VOLUNTEER HOURS OF DELIVERY Invslgd in our ¢ommuThtxs thrOLhoUl the y•af
WHAT YOUNG PEOPLE SAY
"The trips to Northern Ireland were a great experience and something I will never forget.
It was my first time visiting Northern Ireland and we had the opportunity to see places such as the Giant's Causeway, the Titanic Museum, Stormont and the Peace Wall. We also toured the Northern Ireland national stadium and learned about the history of football in Ireland.
As well as playing against strong teams and winning a tournament, I enjoyed spending time with teammates, sharing rooms, making new friends and experiencing new places together.
The coaching sessions helped me improve as a player and the whole experience helped me grow in confidence. The trips gave me opportunities that I would not normally have had and created memories that will stay with me for a long time.“
Stephen B. Onside Soccer Participant
“The trips gave me opportunities that I would not normally have had and created memories that will stay with me for a long time.“
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
FAITH IN ACTION
FOOTBALL IS THE VEHICLE. RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE FOUNDATION .
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
ONSIDE PLUS
EXPLORING FAITH, BUILDING COMMUNITY
Onside Plus creates opportunities for young people and adults to explore questions of faith, purpose and life in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Through events, discussions, guest speakers and shared experiences, we provide space where people can ask questions, build relationships and explore faith at their own pace.
In 2025, Onside Plus included guest speakers such as Ged Armstrong, a themed discussion evening inspired by The Traitors , and community trips including a visit to Toca Social at The O2 .( pictured above )
“I really enjoy Onside Plus. The activities are cool and I like the guests. Ged Armstrong came over from Belfast and his story is amazing. I also loved going to Toca Social with my friends.” Finn
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
PROJECT PLAYMAKER
Project Playmaker uses football as a vehicle to build relationships, develop character and create opportunities for children and young people across Belfast. Through mentoring, leadership development and trusted adult support, we help young people grow in confidence, make positive choices and realise their potential.
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
OUR IMPACT IN BELFAST ,AH 14 ears School Partnerships Young People Engaged Sessions Delivered Serving Belfast Communities -IrateS r• HOW WE CREATE IMPACT 66 Pn)iect Playm8kerhas been a massive part of my lif& Its more than just football- its about the psople, the support and som80ne b6lieving in you. The coaches push you to te your best and help you make the right choices. Its Whe I ve buift my confidence and found friends I can lY on. Partklp8nL B8llast SAFE SPACES BUILDING SKILLS STRONG RELATIONSHIPS Throu8hkntbBII bui CODfjd8Dce, 511180 ¥j lrfs ¥knlL8thot llpwunBp8 thii On *xlotrv5t¢IL POSITIVE PATHWAYS BETfER CHOICES LASTING IMPACT traini eI(rrwrrt to make wwtiV9 dgrisVyIS The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
ONSIDE GIRLS
Creating safe, inclusive spaces where girls can play, grow in confidence and reach their potential
WHY GIRLS' FOOTBALL MATTERS
Girls are often less likely than boys to participate regularly in sport, particularly during their teenage years. Onside Girls provides a welcoming environment where girls can develop football skills, build confidence and form lasting friendships. Through positive coaching, encouragement and teamwork, participants are supported to believe in themselves and achieve more both on and off the pitch.
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
BEYOND BORDERS D,fftrtt ¢gt¢tte¢. (A41 WAIer. Working together. Making a difference. onde Soccer believesthat relatlon9hlps have no borde Through lon8-term pÈrtnershlp5 and local coil&boratlon, we dre usingfootballto create OPKKJrtunile build llIere and support communIt$ around th&vMrid. UNrnJ. KrAGDOM W8 work3iongsidetru¥tod l¢¢al partr$wh underst3nd thtrir ommunities bFsL sharingour valu9¥ gnd g ¢otnmittnent t dèveiaping trwn8 L#tinE impart GH 2r UNITEDKINGDOM Z GHANA THE rmBIA INDIA Z BOUVIA rhDmba&8 Thr Woykingwkh LoulFortners to usélo0tbltO1sPI dducatendempuwerithn¥ people. Pr¢iectsf¢cuS on l•rship.edu¢atw)n and cortwnunity d8v8iopm8nt Buikling reLathJDshlpsend Cr@&tin8QPPOrtuniti8sto footb&llcOachin&mentori ndcommunity initlatTh¢8 thgt helpyouNypeop In Cttennaia te W9 SUPPOrtvuln8rabkng thiidrenènd youngpeDrA• through lootball.eduCatlon. prote¢iioTh Jn(Iv¢cational tr&ining- brinnghOpe nd transfotming In partTSh¥Ih1QCaI nisations usélootbg11 tDstrÈngthenetsmmunitiè$ aNJsupwrt yOungpeoK throu8hedwatyon. sport? adorship opportunitvas. cornmunityproBrarnm85 In SAxrth ¢TOthvK,Wrt supwrt younipeopt0aCII0V¢fj1r tenti&l0r be(>)mg tTh¢l¢sdetsln their ¢¢IYthLilitie& 66 Football gives us a common language. Partnerships give us the opportunity to create lasting change together. 10+ COUNTLESS ONE MISSION COUNTRIES LOCAL PARTNERS LIVES IMPACTED to dev&lop peop end creèta opportunlty thr(yJgh ihg wwgr Of tootbau where V currently workTn parthership trusted 0dnt gh8ting ourv8iues through fOball. re&tshipS ar The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
CHENNAI In Chennai, we work alongside girls who have been rescued from trafficking arKI exploitation and are now rebuilding their lives in a government care home. Having experienced significant trauma, many fa¢e ¢onsiderable barriers to education, ¢onfiden¢e and future opportunity. Through a holistic programme combining football. educational support. counselling and vocational training. we help create pathways towards healing. independence and long-term hope. OUR SUPPORT. THEIR JOURNEY. FOOTBALL FOR HEALING EDUCATION FOR A BETfER FUTURE COUNSEWNG FOR HEALING VOCAnONAL TRAINING FOR INDEPENOENCE PATHWAYS TO A NEW LIFE TMuma.iThfwm Weequip &rls wth prnctul sk5U8 in taikrin8 1 othertr&Jesto help thpm gain confvJen¢• •nd fintIlL lThJepend8re. We Ik alCSId8 oach wri Mth orwiry SUPPDrt, heW'n8 thèm take tsteF6 ttyrds furttrreducat spxeto play, lyJild SUFWt. ¢uttyin8 aTrJ rwtorin8 to W) counselling 8nd rtion41 support help wrts Fwess therexperie5 8nd retr11d from friwdShi and Trhyth KlI¥¥j belM in her lutyxe. emoymfi1 an¢1 l)dependent livin& vthIn. MARY'S STORY 8foreioinin8 Onside, l thdn t tknk Ihad m&ry choice& Thgh footb814 I found friends andconfiderKe. Through the leaming and trairring, Idi$cotreredskilts Inever knew Ih8d. Now Ibelieve in my luture." Mary, 16 CHENNAI. INDIA WHY THIS MATTERS Acity of bratwa[KI Ywngpth)p lace daily ••• FROM EXPLOITAnoN TO RECOVERY CIIENNAI OPPORTUNITY opyxbJrMties that G1rf6hbTh Ase¢ur& FwtbalL edLKOti vou1K trairo ru•d{r( 44mm•nt CAr• bwriers bjiid d otherlonrtsd è. hM( *romtrwJrn•ar stablty. lhtw hJtur•. 66 For the first time, I feel hopefvl 4bout ry futurè.- 100% 40+ SSuppTht pport The Onside Story 2025 1 Annual Impact Report
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
Investing in the next generation of coaches, mentors and community leaders.
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
DEVELOPMENTTOURS & RESIDENTIALS WKLC THE IMPACT OF TOURS NEW EXPERIENCES STRONGER RELATIONSHIPS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BROADER HORIZONS Tours expose young people to new places, cultures and ways of life, broadening their perspectives beyond their everyday world. Sharing experiences on and off the pitch strengthèns team bonds and builds Participants grow in ¢onfiden¢e, resilien¢e and independence, tsking on new challenge5 and stepping outside their comfort zones. Seeing different Communite$ and appr08ches to the game inspires ambition and friendship5 that last a lifetime. future gtsals. FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2025 Ourdeveloptnent tours and residentsals were largely 5elf-financing through £32.088 £32.954 INCOME GENERATED COST OF DELIVERY 60+ from tours and reential& including travel. acC(mtIDn. fixtLTeS and tiYitipS expand opportunities for youn9 people whilo tninimi5ing relianco on charitable funding. YOUNG PEOPLE bErfited fr9mL1pn tQLY54nd re5identii1s Our tours prnvide life-changing experiences that inspire, develop and Connect young people- and off the pitch. Bomr
DEVELOPMENT TOURS & RESIDENTIALS
"Through Onside's tours I've had opportunities I never thought I would have. Visiting new places, playing football against different teams and sharing experiences with friends has helped me grow in confidence, become more independent and create memories that will stay with me for life.“
Tour Participant
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
HOWWE USED OUR RESOURCES 5/0 11/ Delivering our projects and lile-changing opportunities for children &nd young people. £104.232 TOTAL EXPENDITURE C05t of Generating Voluntsry Receipts Raising Vltal fund5 to support and grow our work. £123,858 2025 £13,141 84/ •5/ Consultancy Costs Providing prolessional consultancy and operational support. £6,485 O of Èxpènditure was investéd diréctly into our projects. ensuring that the majority of Te50urces were used to crèate opportunities for children and young people. Expenditure Category Description Expenditure 1£) roject Running Costs Oeliverin9 our projects and life-changing opportunities lor children and yourg people. £104,232 184°h) Cost of Generating Voluntary Receipts Raisin9 Vital funds to support and grow our work. £13,141 111%) Consultancy Costs Providing professtonal consukancy and OFerational support. £6,485 15%) TOTAL EXPENDITURE £123,858 1100%) FwJures aTe for the yw ended 31 Decerrth)2r 3J25. The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
INCOME OVERVIEW • 47% Grants & Donations Support Irom ¢harit•bl• trusts, found•tions •nd indNtdu•l don+. 4% 1% £63.031 36% Ewnts. Subscrlptlons & Trlps Participant contributions and pr09rarnmtrr•1od kncom•. TOTAL INCOME £48.418 •8% £133,471 47Yo R•gul•r Giving Rwlar donti¢Jns from 8UPPOrt•rn and ¢hureh partn•rn. £10.015 2025 •4% GiftAid Incomg r•cl•im•d through Grft Aid. 36/. £5.699 •4% Trading Incom& g•ner•t•d throu pro9rarnrn• artiwti•s, r•wur and ¥•rvt• £5.210 a 1% Sponsorship Support from corpo1 £1.100 47% of income came from grants and donations, demonstrating continued confidence from funders and supporters. 53% of income came from other sources. helping reduce reliance on any single income stream. Income Source Description Incorne (£1 % of Total Gr•nts & Don•tions Support from thafitable irus lovndations and indmdual donorn. £63.031 47% £ts. Subscr5p¢rtS & Trps Partitipant tontrVO1trfts and programmfrr•Liied incom•. £48.418 36% R•gular Gfvlng R•9ular donati¢)ns from support•rs churth partrrn £10.015 8% GiftAld Incom• r•daim•d Gift AKI. £5.699 4% Trading ttivitiés. resourtes •nd seMc•s. £5,210 Sponsorshlp Supportlrom ryp¢r•t• P•tr•rs £1.100 TOTAL INCOME £133,471 100% The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Performance
During 2025, Onside Soccer continued to strengthen its financial position, generating total income of £133,471 compared to £94,982 in 2024.
Income growth was driven by continued success in securing grants and donations, together with increased trading activity and participant contributions towards development tours and residential experiences. During the year the charity received support from a range of trusts, foundations and funding partners, helping to expand delivery across London, Belfast and our international projects.
Development tours and residentials generated £32,088 of income during the year and provided more than 60 young people with opportunities to travel, build confidence and experience new communities. These activities were largely self-financing through participant contributions.
Total expenditure for the year was £123,858 (2024: £85,559). The majority of expenditure was invested directly into charitable activities including community football projects, mentoring initiatives, leadership development, girls' football, Project Playmaker Belfast and international partnerships.
The charity reported a net surplus of £9,613 for the year (2024: £9,423), increasing total funds carried forward to £30,325 .
Policy on Reserves
The trustees recognise the importance of maintaining sufficient reserves to protect the charity against unforeseen circumstances and to support the continued delivery of its programmes.
Given the charity's relatively lean operating structure and limited fixed overheads, the trustees currently aim to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to approximately three months of core operating costs. At 31 December 2025, unrestricted reserves stood at £11,213 , with total funds of £30,325 held by the charity.
Going Concern
The trustees have considered the principal risks and uncertainties that could affect the charity's future operations and financial sustainability.
Having reviewed current cash balances, anticipated income and expenditure, existing funding commitments and the charity's reserve position, the trustees are satisfied that Onside Soccer has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly, the trustees consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
| RECEIPTS | Unrestricted (£) | Restricted (£) | Total 2025 (£) | 2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Giving | 6,335 | 3,680 | 10,015 | 10,886 |
| Grants & Donations | 7,316 | 55,715 | 63,031 | 46,666 |
| Sponsorship | 1,100 | – | 1,100 | 2,636 |
| Gift Aid | 5,699 | – | 5,699 | 4,774 |
| Trading | 5,210 | – | 5,210 | 14,233 |
| Events, | ||||
| Subscriptions & | 16,330 | 32,088 | 48,418 | 15,787 |
| Trips | ||||
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 41,989 | 91,483 | 133,471 | 94,982 |
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf: Richard Beales
Chair of Trustees Date: 4 June 2026
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT On the Accounts of Onside Soccer for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 I report on thè accounts for thè year ended 31 December 2025. which are sèt out on pages 14 to 1S. Respective Responsibilities of Trustees arbd Examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the pparatIOn of the accounts. Thè dlarity's trustees consider that an audit Is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my rèsponsibility to= examine the accounts under sertion 145 of the 2011 Act.. to follow the procedures laid down in the General Dirertions given by the Charity Commissian under section 145151(bl of the 2011 Act. Independent Examiner's SL*emerrt I have complèted my examination. I confim that no matèrÉal mattèr5 have come to my attention in connection with the examination gNing me cause to believe that in any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance vth section 130 of the 2011 Act.. or the accounts do not accord viith the accounting e0rd$. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to whith attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to reathed. Si9n•d: 1110612026 Nam•: Charlotte Mihailtivic ¢wlficatISI or Irf any): ACA. ICAEW Addr•ss: 238 Worple R¢Jad Stsines TW18 IHE The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026 & BEYOND
As we look ahead to 2026, our ambition remains clear: to create environments where children and young people can belong, develop confidence and realise their potential. Over the coming year we will focus on three key priorities.
Deepening Impact
We will continue to strengthen our existing programmes across South London and Belfast, ensuring that children and young people receive consistent support through high-quality coaching, mentoring and leadership opportunities. Alongside this, we will continue to improve how we measure outcomes and understand the long-term impact of our work. It is our hope for 2026 to expand our team, including bringing on board a part-time chaplain and a youth co-Ordinator to oversee our mentorship and leadership programmes.
Developing Pathways
We want every participant to see opportunities for growth. Whether joining an Onside session for the first time, progressing into leadership, volunteering as a coach or accessing mentoring support, we will continue to create pathways that help individuals develop skills, confidence and aspirations for the future. We will also continue developing Onside Plus, creating opportunities for participants, volunteers and families to explore faith, community and purpose together.
Building Sustainable Communities
As the organisation grows, we will focus on strengthening partnerships, supporting community-led initiatives and investing in the systems and structures needed for long-term sustainability. We will continue to expand opportunities for women and girls, develop Project Playmaker in Belfast, strengthen our volunteer network and explore opportunities to share the Onside approach with other communities.
While new opportunities will continue to emerge, our purpose remains unchanged. We believe football can be a powerful force for good when used intentionally to bring people together, build relationships and create opportunity.
Football is the vehicle. Relationships are the foundation. Together, they create opportunities for people to thrive.
Richard Beales
Chair of Trustees Onside Soccer
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report
THANK YOU
Onside Soccer is a charity registered in England & Wales, registration number 1149686 Onside Soccer, 57 Banstead Road, Carshalton SM5 3NS www.onsidesoccer.com
The Onside Story 2025 | Annual Impact Report