## **Chorley FC Community Foundation**
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation UNAUDITED FINANCIAL REPORT for the year to 31 March 2024
**Registered Charity Number 1183529**
**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Contents**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Trustees’ Annual Report|2|
|Independent Examiner’s Report|11|
|Receipts and Payments Accounts|12|
|**Administration Details**||
|---|---|
|**Registration number:**|1183529|
|**Address:**|Chorley FC Community Foundation|
||Victory Park|
||Duke Street|
||Chorley|
||PR7 3DU|
|**Accountants:**|Accounts Matters Ltd|
||3-2-1 Storey House|
||White Cross|
||Lancaster|
||Lancashire|
||LA1 4XQ|
2
**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Report of the Trustees**
## **Objectives, Activities, and Achievements**
The Trustees of Chorley FC Community Foundation are pleased to present the annual report for the year ending March 31, 2024. The Foundation’s key objectives remain rooted in promoting community participation in sports, fostering social inclusion, and supporting physical and mental health. Through the power of football, the Foundation seeks to inspire individuals across Chorley and surrounding areas to lead healthier, more connected lives.
## **Key Objectives:**
The principal activities of the organisation ('the charity's objectives') and Objectives of the Foundation are: "to benefit the inhabitants of Chorley and surrounding areas”:
(1) The promotion of community participation in healthy recreation, for the benefit of the inhabitants of Chorley and surrounding areas, by the provision of facilities for playing football.
(2) To provide and assist in providing facilities for sport, recreation and other leisure time occupation of such persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances or for the benefit of the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Our range of programmes, including Walking Football, Social Inclusion Football, and Soccer Schools, aims to increase physical activity for all ages, especially targeting those facing barriers to participation. The Foundation’s collaboration with local schools through PE supplements, after-school clubs, and educational activities instills life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and discipline, helping children and young people develop holistically.
Through inclusive programmes such as Sporting Memories and Blokes United, the Foundation ensures that those experiencing social isolation, mental health challenges, or physical limitations have opportunities to engage in community sports.
## **Key Achievements**
During 2023-2024, Chorley FC Community Foundation saw remarkable growth across all areas of its work, expanding its reach and impact on the local community.
**Walking Football:** Averaging 35 participants per week, the Walking Football programme catered to individuals over 50, offering them a structured yet low-impact form of exercise. Participants noted improvements in physical fitness and reported feeling more socially connected. One attendee shared, “This is the highlight of my week. I look forward to it because it’s my main social interaction.”
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**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
**Social Inclusion Football (Blokes United):** With three active strands, including Turn Up and Play sessions, a 5-a-side team, and 11-a-side matches, Blokes United continues to grow in popularity, averaging 50 participants weekly. The programme provides a crucial support network for men, promoting both physical health and mental well-being. A participant reflected, “Being part of Blokes United is the highlight of my week. Without it, I’d probably be at home feeling down.”
**Sporting Memories** : With between 35-45 regular participants, this programme brought together older adults to share their love of sports, reminisce, and engage in light physical activity. Sporting Memories has proven effective in combating loneliness and enhancing mental well-being for those at risk of social isolation.
**Youth Engagement** : Through its school-based programmes and Holiday Soccer Schools, the Foundation reached over 600 children, providing opportunities for personal development, fitness, and inspiration. Feedback from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, with many schools continuing to request after-school and PE supplement sessions.
## **Public Benefit**
In accordance with the Charities Act 2011, Chorley FC Community Foundation ensures that all of its activities provide demonstrable public benefit. The programmes are designed to address key social challenges in the Chorley area, including social isolation, lack of physical activity, and limited access to recreational facilities for disadvantaged groups.
Through the Walking Football initiative, the Foundation successfully combats loneliness and supports older individuals in maintaining their physical health. Similarly, Blokes United provides men in the community with a crucial space for both physical exercise and emotional support, helping to alleviate mental health challenges.
The Foundation's work with schools through PE supplements and after-school programmes fosters inclusivity and engagement, giving children from all backgrounds opportunities to develop their physical and social skills. This year, the Foundation saw a notable increase in participation from girls in football, with more mixed and girls-only teams involved in tournaments.
These projects highlight the Foundation’s commitment to providing public benefit by supporting the health, well-being, and inclusion of all members of the Chorley community.
## **Achievement and Performance**
Chorley FC Community Foundation has made significant strides over the past year, achieving outstanding results across multiple areas of its work. This section details the Foundation’s achievements, the performance of key programmes, and the tangible impact these initiatives have had on the local community.
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**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Sports Participation and Physical Activity**
The Foundation continues to prioritise sports participation and physical activity as tools for promoting physical and mental health. Key initiatives such as Walking Football, Blokes United, and the Youth Soccer Schools saw considerable growth in participation and outcomes.
**Walking Football** : This programme has expanded significantly, with two weekly sessions now attracting an average of 35 participants, many of whom are over the age of 50. The programme offers structured physical activity and opportunities for social engagement. A participant shared, “ _This is the highlight of my week. I look forward to it because it’s my main social interaction._ ” Given its popularity, the Foundation is exploring the introduction of a competitive strand, which could include league training and inter-club competitions.
**Blokes United** : This social inclusion football initiative has seen consistent growth, with an average of 50 men attending weekly. The programme offers both recreational and competitive football, as well as emotional support and communitybuilding activities. Many participants have commented on the positive impact the sessions have had on their mental health, with one participant noting, “ _Honestly, just being there tonight has helped me mentally. I was nervous as anything, but the benefits are going to be huge for me in the coming months_ .” The programme’s success has led to Chorley FC’s involvement in a pilot 11-a-side Social Inclusion league, which will expand into a full league in the 2024/25 season.
**Holiday Soccer Schools and After-School Clubs** : These programmes reached over 600 children during the year, with participation steadily increasing due to high demand from local schools. The Foundation introduced multi-sport PE sessions to complement football coaching, providing broader access to physical activities. Feedback from schools has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the quality of coaching and its positive influence on student engagement and teamwork.
## **Community Engagement**
The Foundation has successfully strengthened its relationship with the local community by offering diverse programmes that cater to different demographic groups.
**Sporting Memories** : This programme continues to be a flagship initiative for the Foundation, attracting 35-45 participants weekly. Sporting Memories provides a welcoming environment where participants can reminisce about sports, engage in light exercises, and share stories. These sessions have been instrumental in combating loneliness, particularly for those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s. One participant noted, “ _If we lost this group, there would be a great void in our lives._ ” The programme has become a model for other similar groups across Lancashire, and its popularity continues to grow.
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**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
**Matchday Experiences and School Engagement** : The Foundation has worked closely with Chorley FC to offer free matchday experiences for school children, inspiring a new generation of football fans. The initiative allowed children to attend matches, interact with players, and feel more connected to their local team. Feedback from both students and teachers has highlighted the positive impact this has had on school engagement and students’ connection to sport.
## **Mental Health and Well-being**
A core aim of the Foundation’s work is improving the mental health and well-being of its participants. The programmes offered are designed not only to provide physical exercise but also to foster community, reduce social isolation, and support those struggling with mental health challenges.
**Blokes United** : This programme has been a cornerstone of the Foundation’s efforts to address male mental health. Through football, the initiative creates a safe space for men to engage in physical activity and share their experiences. The strong sense of community fostered by Blokes United has been transformative for many participants, with numerous testimonials highlighting the programme's impact on improving mental health.
**Walking Football and Sporting Memories** : Both of these programmes have shown clear evidence of improving participants’ well-being, providing opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and community support. Feedback from participants has consistently indicated that these sessions are crucial in helping them maintain positive mental health and stay connected to their community.
## **Education and Skills Development**
The Foundation places a strong emphasis on using football as a medium for education, particularly in schools. The PE supplements and after-school clubs have become integral parts of the curriculum in several Chorley primary schools, with sessions focusing on teamwork, communication, and leadership.
**Primary School Engagement** : During the 2023/24 season, the Foundation expanded its focus to include Key Stage 1 students, offering free sessions and appearances by Chorley FC players who shared their personal journeys from school to professional football. This initiative has enhanced the Foundation’s reach and strengthened its connection with local schools, ensuring that football and physical education remain accessible to all students.
**Skill Development through Football** : The Foundation’s work with younger participants has demonstrated tangible improvements in both technical football skills and essential life skills such as resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Feedback from teachers and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the programme’s role in developing students' confidence and discipline.
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**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Summary of Key Metrics and Outcomes:**
**Walking Football:** Average weekly attendance of 35 participants, with potential expansion into competitive play.
**Blokes United** : 50 men attending weekly, with ongoing expansion into a social inclusion league.
**Sporting Memories** : Consistent attendance of 35-45 participants, providing vital social and mental health support.
**Youth Programmes** : Over 600 children engaged through Soccer Schools and school-based initiatives.
## **Supporting the Wider Community**
In partnership with Chorley FC and The Magpies Trust, the Foundation has been committed to raising awareness of important causes within the local community. This year, we supported two major awareness days at Victory Park. The "Helping Hannah" campaign raised awareness of cancer, following the diagnosis of one of our player’s wives, and highlighted the impact of the illness on families. Through this initiative, we were able to generate vital support for Hannah and her family, with funds raised making a meaningful impact on their journey.
Additionally, we marked World Down Syndrome Day by collaborating with local organisations to promote inclusivity and celebrate the lives of those with Down syndrome, raising awareness both on matchday and through community activities. Looking ahead, the Foundation is committed to trebling the number of awareness days held at the club and within the community over the next year, further enhancing our role in supporting those facing life-changing challenges.
## **Andy’s Man Club at Victory Park**
We’re proud to support the establishment of an Andy’s Man Club at Victory Park, offering men a safe space to openly discuss their mental health. While the group runs independently, the Foundation provides volunteer support for setting up and, through our relationship with Chorley FC, ensures they have free use of the Social Club for their meetings. This year, we hosted an Andy’s Man Club football tournament at Victory Park, with 8 teams and over 60 participants taking part in 6-aside matches. The day was a huge success, bringing people together to enjoy football and raise awareness about men’s mental health, while strengthening the sense of community across the North West.
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**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Future Plans**
Looking ahead, Chorley FC Community Foundation is committed to expanding its reach and deepening the impact of its programmes on the Chorley community. The Foundation has identified several key areas for growth, which will enable it to provide even greater support to individuals from diverse backgrounds and those facing specific barriers to participation.
One of our most exciting future developments is the potential expansion into disability football. We are currently awaiting a funding decision that, if successful, will allow us to significantly increase our provision by launching Chorley FC’s first-ever deaf football team. This initiative is aligned with our mission to make football and physical activity accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Additionally, we plan to broaden our focus on girls’ football, building on the growing interest and participation from girls in our current programmes and tournaments.
In order to achieve these ambitious goals, the Foundation plans to increase staff capacity. By expanding staff hours, we will be able to accommodate more beneficiaries across our various initiatives, including Walking Football, Social Inclusion Football, and Sporting Memories, all of which have seen significant demand and impact over the past year. Increasing our staff resources will allow us to deliver more sessions, expand to new venues, and engage with a larger number of participants in both schools and community programmes.
In addition to expanding our staff and programme offerings, the Foundation aims to continue developing key partnerships with local schools, community groups, and statutory organisations such as Chorley Council and Lancashire FA. These relationships will be essential in ensuring that we can reach the widest possible audience and make a lasting impact on the health, well-being, and social cohesion of the Chorley community.
Overall, Chorley FC Community Foundation is dedicated to building on the success of its existing programmes while exploring new opportunities to serve the community. With the right support and funding, the Foundation looks forward to a future where it can provide even more inclusive, engaging, and life-changing programmes for all residents of Chorley and the surrounding areas.
## **Financial Review**
The Foundation had income of £52,361 (2023 - £29,993) and expenses of £50,626 (2023 - £26,320), leaving a surplus of £1,735 (2023 - £3,673). The Foundation’s overheads and support costs are minimal and the majority of the expenses are on charitable activities.
## **Reserves Policy**
The Trustees have a policy of carrying minimum free reserves of £12,000 to cover two months’ overheads and any unexpected costs. Free reserves at 31 March 2024 were £15,068 (2023 - £11,066), but as explained above, the activities of the foundation have increased in the year and going forward.
8
**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Volunteers**
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many dedicated volunteers who tirelessly support Chorley FC Community Foundation. Their unwavering commitment plays a crucial role in the success of our projects and in improving the lives of the individuals who benefit from our services.
In particular, we would like to highlight the invaluable contributions of those who work on a weekly basis with our Sporting Memories, Walking Football, and Blokes United programmes. These volunteers go above and beyond to ensure that participants not only have a thoroughly enjoyable experience, but also feel supported every step of the way. Their compassion, patience, and willingness to give their time help foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive, both socially and physically.
Simply put, we could not do what we do without them. These sessions depend on the dedication of our volunteers, who are integral to their smooth running. Their hard work and generosity are at the heart of what makes Chorley FC Community Foundation the fantastic organisation it is today.
We are immensely proud of the community spirit they embody, and their efforts make a lasting difference in the lives of everyone they help.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The process for appointing trustees to the Chorley FC Community Foundation board is outlined in our constitution. At present, the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) has six trustees, but we are actively seeking to expand our board by encouraging members of the Chorley community to get involved. We welcome individuals who share our vision and feel they can make a valuable contribution towards supporting our mission and objectives.
This year, we saw several trustees step down due to personal relocations or to focus on other commitments. Despite these changes, we remain committed to maintaining a strong and engaged board that can continue to guide the Foundation in its development and ensure that we meet the needs of the community.
Our board plays a pivotal role in making key decisions regarding the Foundation's budget, marketing strategies, and the overall direction of our projects. They are also responsible for overseeing the quality and effectiveness of our programmes, ensuring we continue to meet the high standards required of a CIO. We are grateful for the dedication of our trustees, whose leadership helps to drive the success of the Foundation and its continued positive impact on the community.
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**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Administrative Information**
Chorley FC Community Foundation is based at Victory Park in Chorley, home of Chorley Football Club. The Correspondence address is Chorley FC Community Foundation, Victory Park, Duke St, Chorley PR7 3DU.
Chorley FC Community Foundation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and can be found under Charitable number 1183529 with the Charity Commission.
Chorley FC Community Foundation trustees who have served during this year are:
Darren Jenkinson Chairman Paul Clarkson Vice Chair and Secretary
Simon Denham
Wayne Richard Beck
David James Murphy
Carole Ann Turner
## **Approved by ChorleyFC Community Foundation Trustees and signed on their behalf by Darren Jenkinson (Chair).**
Darren Jenkinson
13 Sep 2024
10
Chorfey FC Commynlty Fwndatlon
TTUSterf Report and Flnand* Statemffits
Year Ended 31 Marth %124
Independent Ex•mlnefs Reportto the Tru•tM8 of Chorfgy FC Community Foundatlon
I report to thè dlarity lJustees M my examinalion of the a(xx)unts of the tharfty for the year
ended (date) whlth arg set out M pages 12 to 14.
Respon8lbllltlos and bul8 of rnport
As the charfty's trustees you are respon61ble for Ihe preparation of the a¢Uftts lfi
acc4rdancé with the reqUIrenIS of the Charllies Ad 2011 {'the Acf).
I report in respect of my examlnation ot the c*aiills acn)unts cani8d out under sectlon 145
of the Act and Ki carrylng out rny examination I have followed all the app1tble Dlredbns
glven by the Charlty Commlswn under section 145(SMb) of tho ACL
Ind•p•ndont •xamlnofs •tatsm•nt
I have cornpleted my ex8mlnatK+n. I confirni that no maierlal matters have come to my
attentlon in wnnecllon with the examlnalion giving me uSe to belleve that Sn any matwlal
rnspect".
l. aco)unllng rn0)rds tre not kept kn resped of th8 dlathty as requKed by seclion 130
ol the AGI: or
2. the axounis do nol acco wSth those records.
I have no concems and have o)me across no other matters in connedion wilh the
oxamln811on to whlch attention should be drawn in thls report In order to onable a proper
nder8tsndln
of the a)unts to be reathed.
signed: .
Name.. Chrfsline Harwood ACMA
Chartered InstSlute of Manaoernenl Acc(xinlants
Dated: .....
Accounts Matters Llmbted
2-1 Stoffjy House
White Cross
Lancaster
Lancashlre
LA14XQ
li
**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Receipts and Payments Accounts**
|**Receipts and Payments Accounts**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2024**
**2024**
**2024**|**2023**||
|**Receipts**|||
|Charitable Activities
24,749
24,749
Donations and Gifts
7,493
7,493
Fundraisingincome
National League Grant
17,190
17,190
SportingMemories
2,929
2,929
Youth Zone|4,229||
||250||
||364||
||22,500||
||350||
||2,300||
|**Total Receipts**
**35,171**
**17,190**
**52,361**
**Payments**|**29,993**||
|Advertising& Marketing
2,170
2,170
Accountancyfees
621
621
Bank Fees
323
323
Coaches
11,922
11,922
Consulting
576
576
CommunityEngagement
1,335
1,335
Insurance
369
369
IT Software and Consumables
Legal Expenses
Printing& Stationery
Project sundries - bibs, trophies,
tickets
1,616
1,616
Room/Pitch Hire
23,195
23,195
Staff Training
Travel - National
306
306
Season tickets
468
468
Schools Engagement Officer
6,975
6,975
SportingMemories Officer
750
750|480||
||1,044||
||287||
||4,474||
||528||
||-||
||358||
||200||
||87||
||75||
||3,326||
||9,916||
||330||
||175||
||660||
||4,380||
||||
|**Total Payments**
**31,729**
**18,897**
**50,626**|
**26,320**||
|**Net of Receipts and Payments**
**3,442**
**(1,707)**
**1,735**||**3,673**|
12
**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
|||**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**2024**
**2024**
**2024**|**2023**
**Notes**|
|---|---|---|---|
|**Current Assets**|||14,727
**14,727**
**14,727**
**14,727**
**14,727**
**14,727**
3,673
11,055
**14,727**
1|
||**Cash funds**|||
||Current Account|15,068
1,394
16,462||
||**Total Cash funds**|**15,068**
**1,394**
**16,462**||
|**Total Current**
**Assets**
**Charity funds**||**15,068**
**1,394**
**16,462**||
||**Net Current Assets**
**(Liabilities)**|**15,068**
**1,394**
**14,462**||
|||||
||**Total Assets less Current**
**Liabilities**|**15,068**
**1,394**
**14,462**||
|||||
||**Net Assets**|**15,068**
**1,394**
**14,462**||
|||||
||Current Year surplus|3,442
(1,707)
1,735
11,626
3,101
14,727||
||Funds brought forward|||
|**Total Charity**
**funds**||**15,068**
**1,394**
**16,462**||
## **Approved by Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees and signed on their behalf by Darren Jenkinson (Chair).**
13 Sep 2024 Darren Jenkinson **_________________ Signed _________________ Dated**
13
**Chorley FC Community Foundation Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 31 March 2024**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements**
- 1 **Restricted Funds**
## **RESTRICTED FUND MOVEMENT YEAR TO 31ST MARCH 2024**
|**Balance**
**31/03/2023**
**National League**
3,101
Coaches
Schools engagement officer
3,101
**TOTAL RESTRICTED**
**FUNDS**
3,101|**Received**
**Paid**
**in year**
**in year**
17,190
11,922
6,975
17,190
18,897
17,190
18,897|**Balance**
**31/03/2024**|
|---|---|---|
|||1,394|
||||
|||1,394|
14