Annual Review 2023/24
for the year ending 31 March 2024
Table of Contents
Message From Our CEO 4 About Us 6 Sustainable Development 7 Our Impact 8 Theory of Change 10 Girls Moving Forward 14 Hopeful Horizons 16 Readers are Leaders 18 Our Commitment 20 Volunteers 22 Fundraising Highlights 24 Supporters and Partners 28
Staff Team 30 Board of Trustees 32 Report of Trustees 34
2 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
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Message from the CEO
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Play It Forward, I am aware of the transformative power of community, resilience, and hope. Over the past year, our work in Zambia has continued to expand, reaching thousands of young people and their families. We have worked to create opportunities through education, health, and sport, unlocking the potential of the next generation of Zambian leaders.
In 2023/24, our dedicated team of 22 Zambian staff delivered life-changing programmes to more than 2,500 young people. From providing daily nutritious meals to enhancing literacy through outdoor learning spaces, and using football to challenge gender norms and health education, our holistic approach is making measurable differences in lives and communities.
Some of the highlights of the year include expanding our digital skills training, empowering 392 young people to learn to code, and our success in advancing girls' education and leadership through initiatives like 'Girls Moving Forward'. None of this would be possible without the partnerships we have built with local community-based organisations, international donors, and volunteers.
This year, we have also placed a stronger focus on monitoring and evaluation to ensure that every resource we use delivers meaningful and sustainable outcomes. By aligning our objectives with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, we are playing our part in creating a more equitable world for all.
But the real credit goes to the young people we serve. Their stories of perseverance, such as Nana, who broke through multiple societal barriers to excel in both education and football, remind us why this work matters. Moments like this reaffi rm our belief in the potential of every child, no matter where they are born or the challenges they face growing up.
As we look ahead, our vision remains bold. We aim to scale our programmes, deepen our impact and inspire even more young Zambians to reach their full potential and thrive. Thank you to all who make this work possible: our donors, partners, and supporters around the world.
With appreciation,
Jake Criswick CEO, Play It Forward
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About Us
Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. We align our objectives with these to ensure that our efforts achieve measurable results and contribute to the overall objective of creating a more equitable and just society.
VISION
Our vision is a world in which every young Zambian has the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower young Zambians to develop sustainable livelihoods through quality education and health activities.
WHAT WE DO
Play It Forward inspires and empowers a whole new generation of young people to take control of their lives. Our support, on and off the football pitch, ensures that young people emerge from our programmes with new skills to succeed in school, the workforce and in life.
WHERE WE WORK
Most of our work is in remote, rural regions in the Southern Province of Zambia. These are areas that suffer from especially high levels of poverty and low levels of educational achievement. Isolated from governmental services, they can often be overlooked.
OUR PARTNERS
Our projects take a holistic approach to meeting these challenges using the extensive experience of our partner organisations. Motivated by passion and local knowledge, these organisations are well-equipped to produce powerful results in a cost-effective way.
NUTRITION
Ensuring children get a nutritious and balanced diet and that no child goes hungry.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Enhancing children's knowledge of how to protect themselves from diseases and improving their mental health.
EDUCATION
Improving the quality of educational opportunities and making them more accessible to children.
GENDER EQUALITY
Empowering girls to challenge gender norms, defy child marriage and early pregnancies, and succeed academically.
EMPLOYABILITY
Promoting entrepreneurship and post-16 vocational training to help young people to transition to work.
6 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
Our Impact
In the year ending 31 March 2024, we reached thousands of children and young people with play-based programmes that promote their learning and wellbeing.
LAST YEAR WE REACHED
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YOUNG
PEOPLE
3,400
included in our health and
education projects
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PEER
102 COACHES
trained to deliver HIV & life skills
education sessions
STUDENTS
2
received education scholarships
into universities in Zambia
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GIRLS
240
accessed computers and learnt
to code
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8 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
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Impact Highlights
2023/24
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WE SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE IN ZAMBIA TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND THRIVE
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Young
people have
participated in
3,492 our programmes We worked across
4 DISTRICTS
in the
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
2,750 of
Nutritional meals ZAMBIA
served every month
Young people accessed
voluntary counselling and
We organised 346 testing (VCT)
5
community
football tournaments
1,920
Hours of sexual
89%
health and life skills
education delivered
FEMALE PARTICIPANTS
Students showed a
58%
89% ATTENDANCE
MALE PARTICIPANTS across all 5 literacy
42% project sites.
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PLAY INSPIRE EMPOWER
WE RAISED OVER IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR £215,000
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Theory of CHANGE
All children and young people in Zambia have the opportunity to reach their full potential, participate fully in society and thrive.
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Improved school Improved physical & Improved employment
attendance & attainment mental health opportunities
A level playing fi eld for girls
Children and young people feel safe and happy
More children Increased
Entrepreneurship
in school and Physically active resilience and
skills
learning motivation
Improved
Improved learning
Healthy lifestyle self-image and Digital skills
environments confi dence
Stronger
Positive, equitable Increased
Qualifi cations communication and
relationships employability
teamwork
Entrepreneurship
Community school Daily nutritious HIV & sexual health
and vocational skills
infrastructure meals education & testing
workshops
Grassroots
Education support Safeguarding
community football Reading clubs
sessions training
sessions
Finance & fundraising Staff recruitment Local young Youth representation
in UK & Zambia and wellbeing Zambian workforce & voice
Play it Forward FC
Effective governance Cross-cultural
Evaluation & learning brand, players &
and leadership exchange
facilities
LONG TERM OUTCOMES
INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES
OUTPUTS/ ACTIVITIES
INPUTS
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PROJECTS
13
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12 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
Girls Moving Forward
Project Cost
Location
Details:
Of the nearly 2 million adolescents living with HIV around the world, over 60% are girls and young women ages 10-24 and 80% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Adolescent girls (13-19) and young women (20-24) in Zambia are particularly vulnerable due to high rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
- Girls Moving Forward, funded by the FIFA Foundation, aims to equip adolescent girls with the skills they need to take control of decisions in their health and relationships.
What Did We Achieve?
-
Educated girls on HIV/AIDS prevention through 18 sessions held by 14 peer coaches, achieving 88% session completion rate.
-
Delivered 2,552 contact hours, training 14 peer coaches in 7 days with 56% female participation and a 100% completion rate.
Funded by
- Increased access to adolescent-friendly health services with pitch-side HIV testing; 148 people were tested, and two who tested positive, were linked to follow-up care.
Related SDGs
-
Empowered girls through safeguarding training, with all 14 coaches completing the 'FIFA Guardians Safeguarding in Sport' online course.
-
Engaged 28 parents at a community forum representing 14 football clubs, improving parental consent for sexual health service access.
"My favourite drill is 'Shoot those STIs' — it helps us know more about safe sex and it helps me perfect my skills as a striker."
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
A total of 148 people accessed HIV testing services at the comunity tournaments. Two people tested positive and were linked to follow-up care services.
148
2,552
A total of 2,552 contact hours were delivered to 241 adolescent girls, educating them on HIV/ AIDS, family planning, healthy relationships and safeguarding.
Mary, age 17
Hopeful Horizons
Project Cost
Location
Details
education. Imagine trying to stay focused and achieve good grades while crammed into a classroom with 60 other students, all while hunger distracts you and there's no quiet space at home to study. Quality education offers children the opportunity to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their entire community.
- Hopeful Horizons, supported by Far & Wild, aims to empower 90 girls in Livingstone through a holistic approach focusing on literacy, digital skills, football, and nutrition.
What Did We Achieve?
- Improved literacy rates and academic success, with girls progressing to higher grades. Reading profi ciency increased from 33% to 87%.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
Funded by
Related SDGs
-
Increased ICT knowledge, with students applying their skills to realworld projects. Three girls are enrolled on a professional product design course.
-
Playing football regularly has increased reported self-confi dence levels and perceived leadership ability, with one player reaching national-level competitions.
-
Enhanced nutrition for participants, positively affecting their school and sports performance. Over 5,500 nutritious meals were served to girls throughout the year.
"I got pregnant in grade 7 and stopped attending school for 2 years. When I went back to school, I also joined the homework clubs that helped me pass my grade 9 exams. I am now in grade 10 and still attending homework clubs."
Girls reading profi ciency increased from 33% to 87% in just one year.
520
A total of 89 girls received 520 hours of additional education support.
Melinda, age 16
Readers Are Leaders
Project Cost
Location
Details
Zambia is facing severe environmental challenges, including deforestation, pollution, drought, exacerbated by the growing impacts of climate change. Addressing these issues is increasingly urgent, as a lack of education and awareness prevents children from gaining the skils and motivation needed to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.
Readers are Leaders, funded by the Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust, aims to present reading and writing to children in a fun, engaging way, outside traditional classrooms, in green outdoor spaces. Monthly conservation trips teach children about the local environment and climate change.
What Did We Achieve?
Funded by
Related SDGs
-
Created a culture of reading - at the end of the project 96% of children reported they read outside of school for pleasure.
-
Increased knowledge of environmental awareness through trips to see the waterworks, rubbish dump, the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and a local farm.
-
108 tamarind and mango saplings were planted in 4 Livingstone partner schools.
-
Four volunteers were trained to help with the after-school reading clubs.
"There will be challenges. Maybe it can cause us problems with food, we won't have enough to eat. People will be starving."
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IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
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Indigenous trees were planted across our four partner schools in Livingstone. 108
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93%
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Students showed a 93% attendance across all 5 literacy project sites.
Chiza, age 14
Our Commitment
Our generous trustees cover the core running costs of the UK charity, everything from salaries to costs associated with project monitoring visits to our partners in Zambia.
Thanks to this generous support, 100% of every penny raised by Play It Forward will go to the projects we support - so you can rest assured that your donation will be making a positive impact where it’s needed most.
20 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
21 Play it Forward Annual Review 2020/21
Volunteers
Caroline Leon - raised money through event ticket sales.
Daniel Forster - ran the London Marathon 2023 to raise funds.
Dave Courtley - cooked a 3-course dinner as an auction prize.
Emi Webber - designed this annual review.
Our dedicated volunteers are at the core of Play it Forward's success, bringing invaluable energy, passion, and expertise to every aspect of our work. We deeply appreciate each individual who has contributed their time, skills, and commitment this year. Their impact is felt across our projects, from mentorship and fundraising to community outreach and event support. The following pages are our way of recognising and celebrating everyone who made a difference through their efforts.
Faith Hagerty - organised the 'Strictly Headers' fundraising tournament.
Laura Falck - Accounting for International Development volunteer.
Leo Humphries - gave his time as quiz master.
Matt Hudson - ran the London Marathon 2023 to raise funds.
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Neil - donated hundreds of pairs of football boots through Charity Boots.
Nicole Nymoen - donated football kits and boots.
Noah, Jack, Sam & George - ran the Royal Parks half marathon to raise funds.
Paul Conaghan - donated a dinner voucher as an auction prize.
Sam Wei - Accounting for International Development volunteer.
Sebastian Schyberg - donated a golf day auction prize.
Suzy & Alex Robarts - visited Zambia and volunteered at Nakawa Pre-School.
And all the staff at Attraction Tickets for their various fundraising and volunteer efforts over the year.
23
Fundraising Highlights
Last year was another year of growth for Play it Forward, as we reached out to new audiences and engaged with new supporters across the UK and internationally. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support of dedicated individuals, ambassadors, corporate partners, trusts and foundations, who all recognise the vital role of play in helping vulnerable children in Zambia.
ZAMBIAN ART EXHIBITION
We would like to thank everyone who joined us and supported our charity at the event in March 2024, A special thank you to H.E. Macenje Mazoka from the Zambian High Commission London for honouring us with her presence and her speech about the collective power of small charities. The event raised a total of £5,333.
QUIZ NIGHT & AUCTION
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us at the Play It Forward Quiz & Auction in February 2024. Thank you to everyone who made the evening possible, including our trustees, volunteers and our resident quiz master, Leo Humphries. The event raised a total of £9,867.
SPORTS DAY
A huge thank you to all the competitors, volunteers and sponsors from Attraction Tickets, who came to our annual event at Tooting Bec Athletics Track in September 2023. The day was funpacked with races and games including egg & spoon, 100m sprint, frisbee throws, sack races and many more! Together we raised £2,782.
24 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
Fundraising Highlights
STRICTLY HEADERS
Fourteen female school Heads and Senior Leaders went boot to boot in a football match in May 2023 at Rosslyn Park in London. A special thanks to Faith Haherty and the team at More House School for organising this superb event!. They raised a total of £3,561 and donated heaps of sports kits to Zambia.
ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON
Congratulations to Noah, Sam, George and Jack for completing their fi rst ever half maration in October 2023. Their hard work paid off and together they raised a total of £1,440.
TCS LONDON MARATHON 2023
Well done to Matt Hudson and Daniel Forster who ran the London Marathon in April 2023. Between them, they raised £1,710 for Play it Forward.
SUMMER HIGH TEA
Our Play it Forward Zambia team organised a summer high tea in Livingstone in October 2023. As well as eating plenty of cake and playing fun lawn games, it was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our new education and health projects in the community. The event raised £253.
26 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
Corporate Donors, Trusts & Foundations
Our Supporters & Partners
commitment in 2023/2024. Their genrous support to our mission enables us to continue connecting children and young people in Zambia with life-saving health information and services, quality education and life-skills.
Attraction Tickets
Be One Percent
The Big Give Trust & Coles Medlock Foundation
Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust
Comic Relief & The Scottish Government
De la Rue Charitable Trust Dorfred Charitable Trust
Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust
Far & Wild Travel The FIFA Foundation
Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust
Mercury Phoenix Trust
One World Together Rotary Club Livingstone
Rotary Club Livingstone
Thriplow Charitable Trust
28 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
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The Play It Forward Staff Team
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Jake Criswick
Lwanga Bwalya Country Director
O'brian Ntebeka Accountant
Mutinta Hamilemba M&E Coordinator Edson Sialutaba Programme Manager
Mbali Bwembya
Mwenya Kombe Bookkeeper Bracious Mukoka Project Offi cer
Carol Mapitao Brighton Chinyama Cleaner
Selina Mashewa Project Coordinator & Coach
Starford Manda Project Coordinator & Coach Webster Mweemba Project Coordinator & Coach
Bwalya Mutale Project Coordinator & Coach Mercy Mukobo Project Coordinator & Coach
Serge Mumba Coach
Caristo Maambo Tutor
Hellen Tembo Cook
Andrew Imbuwa Driver
Mercy Miselo Driver
31
Our Board of Trustees
Oliver Brendon Chairman
Mara Michelo Trustee
Joe Thompson Treasurer
Benson Kayuma Treasurer
Sasha Brendon Trustee
Justin Palmer Trustee
Chibwe Henry Trustee
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UK
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Maureen Stickel Trustee
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33
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Pete Edwards Trustee
Yande Kalengo Trustee
Jane Caujolle Trustee
Becky Harding Trustee
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32 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
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Report of the Trustees
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PLAY IT FORWARD INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Board of Trustees of PLAY IT FORWARD
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiners’ statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act, have not been met; or
-
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr M S Caldicott ACA FCCA CTA
for and on behalf of White Hart Associates (London) Limited Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
2nd Floor, Nucleus House
2 Lower Mortlake Road
Richmond TW9 2JA
DATE: 29-01-2024
35
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023
Statement of Financial Activities for the 12 months ended 31 March 2024
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds1 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income & endowments from: | ||||
| Donations and fundraising activities | 3 | 119,043 | 94,813 | 213,856 |
| Total income | 119,043 | 94,813 | 213,856 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Charitable grants | 4 | (116,330) | (16,264) | (132,594) |
| Support costs | 5 | - | (70,711) | (70,711) |
| Total expenditure | (116,330) | (86,975) | (203,305) | |
| Net income/(expenditure) before transfers | 2,713 | 7,838 | 10,551 | |
| Gross transfers between funds | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in funds | 2,713 | 7,838 | 10,551 | |
| Reconciliation of fund: | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 36,519 | 20,758 | 57,277 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 11 | 39,232 | 28,596 | 67,828 |
Statement of Financial Activities for the 12 months ended 31 March 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds1 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income & endowments from: | ||||
| Donations and fundraising activities | 3 | 101,606 | 92,548 | 194,154 |
| Total income | 101,606 | 92,548 | 194,154 | |
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Charitable grants | 4 | (95,984) | (18,335) | (114,319) |
| Support costs | 5 | - | (64,647) | (64,647) |
| Total expenditure | (95,984) | (82,982) | (178,966) | |
| Net income/(expenditure) before transfers | 5,622 | 9,566 | 15,188 | |
| Gross transfers between funds | - | - | - | |
| Net movement in funds | 5,622 | 9,566 | 15,188 | |
| Reconciliation of fund: | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | 30,897 | 11,192 | 42,089 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 11 | 36,519 | 20,758 | 57,277 |
| Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Current assets: | |||
| Other debtors | 50,208 | 6,498 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 22,796 | 53,926 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 10 | (5,176) | (3,147) |
| Net current assets | 67,828 | 57,277 | |
| Net assets | 67,828 | 57,277 | |
| Funds of the Charity: | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 11 | 39,232 | 36,519 |
| Restricted income funds | 11 | 28,596 | 20,758 |
| Total funds | 67,828 | 57,277 |
The financial statements on pages 9 to 18 were approved by the Trustees, authorised for release on:
29-01-2024
and signed on their behalf by:
Oliver Brendon Chairman
1 Restricted Funds relate to donations made in response to specific projects. This includes the Operational Costs fund which is fully funded each year by the Trustees to cover the operating costs of the Charity, thus ensuring that all other income raised can be used on charitable grants.
36 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
37
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. Basis of preparation
Support costs
The financial statements of the charity have been prepared on the basis of historic cost in accordance with:
Support costs relate to all the costs and expenditure of the charity other than its charitable grants and are recognised as incurred. All Support costs are met out of the Operating Costs Fund, which is fully funded each year by the Trustees to cover the operating costs of the Charity, thus ensuring that all other income raised can be used on charitable grants. Support costs are further analysed in the following categories, with staff costs allocated by time spent:
-
Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2005);
-
Accounting Standards; and
-
The Charities Act.
There have been no changes to accounting policies, nor changes to the accounts of prior years.
Grant management costs
2. Accounting policies
Grant management costs are all costs associated with the origination, appraisal and inspection of the charity’s grant giving activities.
Recognition of Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when: the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the income; and the monetary amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Fundraising and publicity
Fundraising and publicity costs are all costs associated with the charity’s fundraising activities and events and related promotional activity.
Investment income
Finance and governance
Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.
Finance and governance costs include costs of the preparation and independent review of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Gifts in kind
Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity.
Office overheads
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Office overheads are the charity’s remaining central and support costs.
Gift Aid receivable is included in income, based on the amount recovered at the balance sheet date.
Incoming resources with related expenditure
Taxation
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Expenditure and liabilities
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Office equipment 33% straight line on cost
Charitable grants
Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objectives of the charity. Single or multi-year grants are accounted for when the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive the grant and the Trustees have agreed to pay the grant without condition and any condition attaching to the grant is outside the control of the charity.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Trade creditors
Fund structure
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired or incurred in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use in the provision of charitable grants at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. The Operating Costs Fund is fully funded each year by the Trustees to cover the support costs of the Charity, thus ensuring that all other income raised can be used on charitable grants.
Foreign Exchange
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.
3. Analysis of income & endowments
| 2023 £ 2024 £ Restricted Funds1 £ Unrestricted Funds £ |
|
|---|---|
| Personal donations Gift aid reclaimed Fundraising events Grant funding Total income |
140,880 10,490 20,216 22,568 157,295 12,117 15,040 29,404 65,409 - - 29,404 91,886 12,117 15,040 - |
| 194,154 213,856 94,813 119,043 |
1 Restricted Funds relate to donations made in response to specific projects such as the restricted grant funding which is specifically for Play It Forward Zambia's projects. In addition, Restricted Funds also includes the Operational Costs Fund which is fully funded each year by the Trustees to cover the operating costs of the Charity, thus ensuring that all other income raised can be used on charitable activities.
38 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
39
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
4. Grant-making
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
5. Analysis of support costs
Below are details of material grants provided during the period.
| Name of partner Play It Forward Zambia Description Engages young people in sports and positive health activities Purpose for which grants are made Covers operational and administration costs of the organisation to enable them to deliver their community football for good projects |
2023 £ 2024 £ 132,594 114,319 |
|---|---|
| Total grants 4.1 Grant management costs Support costs associated with grantmaking |
114,319 132,594 27,854 30,697 |
| 2023 £ 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|
| Grant management Fundraising and publicity Finance and governance Offce overheads Total support costs |
27,854 22,842 6,862 7,089 64,647 30,697 22,857 8,849 8,308 70,711 |
6. Trustee and auditor remuneration and expenses
During the year ended 31 March 2024, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits in respect of their position as Trustee of the charity.
6.1 Net income for the period is after charging:
| 6.1 Net income for the period is after charging: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Independent examiner fees and expenses | 720 | 600 |
40 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
41
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
7. Paid employees
7.1 Staff costs
| 7.1 Staff costs | |
|---|---|
| 2023 £ 2024 £ |
|
| Gross wages, salaries and benefts in kind Employer's National Insurance Costs Pension costs Medical insurance Training Costs Total staff costs |
36,500 3,939 1,400 141 169 48,583 3,609 1,733 149 20 |
| 42,149 54,094 |
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
9. Debtors
| 9. Debtors | |
|---|---|
| Other debtors 2023 £ 2024 £ |
|
| Donations committed not yet received Gift Aid accrual Total |
3,300 3,198 6,498 50,000 208 50,208 |
10. Creditors and accruals
7.2 Average number of full-time equivalent employees in the last year
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| FTE | FTE | |
| Total | 1 | 1 |
| 10. Creditors and accruals | ||
|---|---|---|
| Amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Other accruals | 5,176 | 3,147 |
| Total | 5,176 | 3,147 |
7.3 Defined contribution pension scheme
The charity provides its full-time employees with access to a defined-contribution pension scheme, the costs of which in the current period are detailed in 7.1 above.
11. Funds
11.1 Funds held
8. Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
Purpose and restriction
Fund name
Type
General Fund Unrestricted Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use in the provision of charitable grants at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Operating Costs Fund Restricted The Operating Costs Fund, which is fully funded each year by the Trustees,
The Operating Costs Fund, which is fully funded each year by the Trustees, covers the operating costs of the Charity, thus ensuring that all other income raised can be used on charitable grants.
Grant Funds Restricted These funds are restricted for use by the project which the grant was awarded for. These include grants from various trusts and foundations as stated in 11.2.
42 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
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Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
11.2 Movements of major funds in 12 months to 31 March 2024
| Balance at | Balance at | Incoming | Outgoing | Balance at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 2023 | resources | resources | 31 March 2024 |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds: | ||||
| General Fund | 36,519 | 119,043 | (116,330) | 39,232 |
| Restricted funds: | ||||
| Operating Costs Funds | 13,601 | 65,409 | (70,711) | 8,299 |
| Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust | 4,729 | - | (4,380) | 349 |
| Mercury PhoenixTrust | 1,362 | - | (1,362) | - |
| Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust | 893 | - | (893) | - |
| De La Rue Charitable Trust | 173 | - | (173) | - |
| Be One Percent | - | 3,705 | (1,486) | 2,219 |
| Thriplow Charitable Trust | - | 3,000 | (2,139) | 861 |
| Far & Wild Travel | - | 10,000 | (5,831) | 4,169 |
| The Big Give Trust & Coles Medlock Foundation | - |
9,199 | - | 9,199 |
| Lennox Hannay Charitable Trust | - | 2,000 | - | 2,000 |
| Dorfred Charitable Trust | - | 1,500 | - | 1,500 |
| Total Funds | 57,277 | 213,856 | (203,305) | 67,828 |
Financial Statements
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
11.3 Movements of major funds in 12 months to 31 March 2023
| Balance at 31 March 2023 £ Outgoing resources £ Incoming resources £ Balance at 1 April 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds: General Fund Restricted funds: Operating Costs Funds Chalk Cliff Trust Ashworth Charitable Trust The Souter Charitable Trust Brian Murtagh Charitable Trust Mercury Phoenix Trust Eleanor Rathbone Charitable Trust De La Rue Charitable Trust Total Funds |
36,519 13,601 - - - 4,729 1,362 893 173 (95,984) (64,647) (2,924) (3,000) (3,000) (2,839) (3,638) (1,107) (1,827) 101,606 69,980 - 3,000 3,000 7,568 5,000 2,000 2,000 30,897 8,268 2,924 - - - - - - |
| 57,277 (178,966) 194,154 42,089 |
12. Transactions with related parties
12.1 Operating expenses and loan amounts
Certain operating and support costs of the charity (including all employee costs) are initially met by Attraction Tickets Ltd a company majority owned and controlled by Oliver Brendon, Chairman and Trustee of Play It Forward. Such expenses incurred are fully re-charged to the charity at cost and any amounts owing between the two entities are settled periodically at arm's length. At the year-end no amounts were owed between the parties (March 2023: £Nil).
During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with a related party:
Play It Forward Zambia
The charity has a close working relationship with Play It Forward Zambia which is a registered NGO based in Zambia. Under an agreement with the two entities Play It Forward in the UK is obliged to provide support to Play It Forward Zambia in the development of strategies, projects, targets and budgets, to raise funds and raise the international profile of Play It Forward Zambia, to assist with monitoring and evaluation, and to provide technical support. Under the agreement, Play it Forward Zambia is obliged to work closely with Play It Forward on strategies, projects, targets and budgets, to assist with fundraising applications, to use funds raised by Play It Forward as agreed, and to provide financial and operational reports.
In the year ending 31 March 2024, grant funding of £132,594 (March 2023: £114,319) was transferred to Play It Forward Zambia.
44 Play It Forward Annual Review 2023/24
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Play It Forward
372 Coldharbour Lane London SW9 8PL UK
PLAY INSPIRE EMPOWER
E info@play-itforward.org
Registered Charity No. 1177278
www.play-itforward.org
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