LESOTHO RUGBY ACADEMY
REGISTERED CHARITY, NO: 1188458
Trustees’ Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Trustees
Dan Aylward-Mills
Andrew Barton
Iain Richards Ruth Aylward
John Stephen Lloyd
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LESOTHO RUGBY ACADEMY
Trustees’ Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Contents
| Contents | Contents | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reference and Administration Details .......................................................... 3 | |
| 1.1 | Charity Name & Registration ............................................................................ 3 | |
| 1.2 | Charity’s Address ............................................................................................... 3 | |
| 1.3 | Names of the Trustees Who Manage the Charity ............................................. 3 | |
| 1.4 | Names of Advisors & Senior Members of Staff ................................................. 3 | |
| 1.5 | Bank ................................................................................................................... 3 | |
| 2 | Structure, Governance & Management ........................................................ 3 | |
| 2.1 | Type of Governing Document ........................................................................... 3 | |
| 2.2 | Charitable Objects ............................................................................................. 3 | |
| 2.3 | Trustee Selection Methods ............................................................................... 4 | |
| 3 | Activities ..................................................................................................... 4 | |
| 3.1 | Statutory Declaration ........................................................................................ 4 | |
| 4 | Achievements & Performance ..................................................................... 4 | |
| 4.1 | Outputs and Outcomes for the Charity’s Beneficiaries .................................... 4 | |
| 4.2 | How the Public Have Benefitted. ...................................................................... 5 | |
| 4.3 | Contributing to Activities Run by Other Organisations ..................................... 5 | |
| 4.4 | Trustee Development........................................................................................ 5 | |
| 5 | Financial Review .......................................................................................... 5 | |
| 5.1 | Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit ......................................................... 5 | |
| 5.2 | Policy on Reserves ............................................................................................. 5 | |
| 5.3 | Principal Sources of Funding and Outgoings ..................................................... 6 | |
| 5.4 | Remuneration of Trustees ................................................................................ 6 | |
| 5.5 | Financial Status ................................................................................................. 6 | |
| 5.6 | Statutory Statements on Liabilities ................................................................... 6 | |
| 6 | Statement of Financial Activity .................................................................... 7 | |
| 6.1 | Receipts & Payments Accounts for the Financial Year Ended 31-Dec-22 ......... 7 | |
| 6.2 | Notes to the Accounts ....................................................................................... 9 |
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Trustees Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
1 Reference and Administration Details
1.1 Charity Name & Registration
Lesotho Rugby Academy
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registration no: 1188458, registered with the Charity Commission on 10 March 2020.
The charity is registered with HM Revenue & Customs
1.2 Charity’s Address
35 High Street Ascott-under-Wychwood Oxfordshire OX7 6AW e-mail: dan.c.aylward@gmail.com website: www.lesothorugbyacademy.org
1.3 Names of the Trustees Who Manage the Charity
| Appointed | Resigned | |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Aylward-Mills | 10 March 2020 | - |
| Andrew Barton | 10 March 2020 | - |
| Iain Richards | 10 March 2020 | - |
| Ruth Aylward | 10 March 2020 | - |
| John Stephen Lloyd | 10 March 2020 | - |
1.4 Names of Advisors & Senior Members of Staff
None
1.5 Bank
Natwest Westminster Bank PLC, 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA
PayPal (Europe), S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A., 22-24 Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg
2 Structure, Governance & Management
2.1 Type of Governing Document
Constitution – based on the Charity Commission’s model governing document for Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisations, ie: where the Trustees are the only Members of the charity.
2.2 Charitable Objects
As defined in Lesotho Rugby Academy’s Constitution (Governing Document):
The object of Lesotho Rugby Academy is to act as a resource for young people living in Lesotho by providing assistance, training and grants and organising programmes of physical, educational and
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other activities, in particular but not exclusively through sessions devoted to the sport of rugby, as a means of:
a) Advancing in life and helping young people by developing their skills, capacities, capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals;
b) Providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
2.3 Trustee Selection Methods
There must be at least three charity trustees. The maximum number of trustees is 12.
In accordance with the Constitution, Trustees are appointed or re-appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
In appointing Trustees due consideration is given to ensuring that the Trustees have, between them, the skills and experience necessary to manage the charity effectively and in accordance with charity law.
3 Activities
3.1 Statutory Declaration
The Trustees of Small Charity Support confirm that they have paid due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
4 Achievements & Performance
4.1 Outputs and Outcomes for the Charity’s Beneficiaries
Expansion and Engagement: 2023 marked a year of strategic growth and sustained impact for the Lesotho Rugby Academy (LRA). Building on previous years, LRA extended its coaching program from a 10-week model to a 6-month format in early 2023. This extension aimed to deepen the impact on young learners, allowing coaches to build stronger relationships and facilitate greater life skill development, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Through this model, LRA reached over 1,500 young participants across various districts, with continued focus on life skills, resilience, and fostering positive aspirations among youth.
Life Skills and Academic Support: LRA’s life skills curriculum continued to play a significant role in addressing social challenges faced by Lesotho’s youth, such as substance abuse, early pregnancy, and HIV/AIDS. In a country where youth often lack structured after-school activities, LRA’s program filled this gap by providing a safe, structured environment. Coaches reported positive feedback from participants aspiring to join the national “Likatola” rugby team, reflecting increased confidence and a stronger sense of purpose.
Teacher Training and Community Building: A notable achievement in 2023 was the training of 38 teachers across the Butha-Buthe and Qacha’s Nek regions. These trainings equipped teachers to independently coach rugby and deliver LRA’s life skills curriculum, ensuring sustainability beyond direct LRA involvement. Moreover, Butha-Buthe established its own LRA women’s team, set to participate in the Lesotho Rugby Senior Women’s League, expanding LRA’s impact and fostering local ownership of the program.
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Challenges and Adaptability: Despite logistical challenges, including school calendar changes and limited teacher engagement in certain schools, LRA adapted by rescheduling sessions around school exams and enhancing flexibility in coach roles. Coaches also engaged in professional development by attending World Rugby-accredited courses, raising LRA’s standards as a professional organization and positioning it as a role model for rugby development within Lesotho.
Future Goals : Moving forward, LRA aims to increase the number of community-led rugby clubs and expand participation in the Econet Rugby League. By partnering with more schools and training additional teachers, LRA seeks to create an enduring network of rugby and life skills advocates across Lesotho’s communities, furthering its mission to equip young people with the tools needed for positive life choices and social mobility.
4.2 How the Public Have Benefitted.
The Lesotho Rugby Academy’s programme visited schools in disadvantaged areas across Lesotho, providing an opportunity for children to participate in sporting activities whilst also learning important life skills. Throughout this time the programme taught basic rules and the skills of rugby, and the three pillars that any rugby player should live by: communication, commitment and respect. Each session informs children about, and encourages them to discuss, important life skills and socially sensitive issues including gender equality, good nutrition, protection from HIV and AIDS, and how to live a healthy responsible lifestyle. Overall 3,174 children participated across 71 schools.
All schools which participated in the programme demonstrated an improved understanding amongst children of important aspects of healthy and responsible lifestyles.
4.3 Contributing to Activities Run by Other Organisations
Lesotho Rugby Academy contributes funding to other organisations in order to aid delivery of our programme. For 2023, as in previous years, our main delivery partner was Dolen Cymru (Charity registration number: 1143448), who provide programme management oversight in Lesotho. Dolen Cymru manages the finances for the programme (including transfer of funds to Lesotho and disbursement on a monthly basis), monitors the programme – including through its in-country staff, promotes the programme amongst potential sponsors and provides additional governance reassurance thanks to its established ABC, safeguarding, whistleblowing and expenses policies. It establishes linkages between schools in Lesotho and the UK which the rugby programme ‘piggybacks’. It also provides some capacity building to the delivery team.
Lesotho Rugby Academy expects to continue to partner with Dolen Cymru in 2024, but has the right to change delivery partner at any time.
4.4 Trustee Development
Trustees are encouraged to participate in development opportunities as and when appropriate.
5 Financial Review
5.1 Details of Any Funds Materially in Deficit
The Charity has no funds which are materially in deficit.
5.2 Policy on Reserves
The Charity’s policy on reserves is to generate and maintain a balance which is sufficient:
- a) to preserve the financial viability of the Charity in the event that unforeseen and/or unavoidable circumstance precipitate a short-term fall in its income;
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- b) to enable the Charity, in the interests of meeting its objectives, to undertake from time to time the setting up of new and innovative projects on a pilot basis to demonstrate the viability and potential benefits of such activities as a precursor to securing the external funding necessary to maintain such projects on an on-going basis.
For these purposes the Charity will endeavour to generate and maintain reserves equal to at least one year of its annual turnover.
5.3 Principal Sources of Funding and Outgoings
Fundraising in 2023 increased to £13,373 (2022: £4,323) as a result of several extra donations in the year. Lesotho Rugby Academy continues to work to achieve a sustainable funding base and in 2023, all of our funding came from small charitable donations.
Expenses for 2023 increased to £15,129 (2022: £11,267). This was predominantly due to a rise in staff costs in Lesotho in the year. Expenses represent costs in Lesotho on the day-to-day running of the programme.
5.4 Remuneration of Trustees
All Trustees act in a voluntary capacity and receive no remuneration or other material benefits from their services to the Charity.
Out-of-pocket expenses necessarily and reasonably incurred by Trustees in promoting the purposes of the Charity are reimbursed at cost.
5.5 Financial Status
Though modest, Lesotho Rugby Academy’s current resources from unrestricted donations are more than sufficient to meet its outgoings for at least the next year.
All the indications are that this will remain the case for the foreseeable future.
5.6 Statutory Statements on Liabilities
The Trustees declare that:
-
The charity has given no guarantees where potential liability under the guarantee is outstanding at the date of this statement ( eg: any outstanding/ongoing contract or legal undertaking to buy or provide specific services);
-
The charity has no debt outstanding at the date of this statement which is owed by the CIO and which is secured by an express charge on any assets of the CIO ( eg: a mortgage on property owned by the charity);
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf,
Andrew Barton (Trustee)
31/10/2024
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6 Statement of Financial Activity
6.1 Receipts & Payments Accounts for the Financial Year Ended 31-Dec-23
6.1.1 Receipts & Payments
----- Start of picture text -----
Current Financial Year, Jan'23-Dec'23 Last Year
Unrestr'd Restricted
Total £ Total £
Funds £ Funds £
A1 - RECEIPTS
Voluntary Income 13,373 13,373 4,323
Charitable Income 0 0 0
Other Receipts 0 0 0
13,373 0 13,373 4,323
A1 - ASSETS & INVESTMENTS
Sale of Investments 0 0 0
Sale of Assets 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
TOTAL RECEIPTS 13,373 0 13,373 4,323
A3 - PAYMENTS
Generating Funds -29 -29 -667
Charitable Activities -15,100 -15,100 -10,600
Support Costs 0 0 0
Other Payments 0 0 0
-15,129 0 -15,129 -11,267
A4 - ASSETS & INVESTMENTS
Purchase of Investments 0 0 0
Purchase of Assets 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
TOTAL PAYMENTS -15,129 0 -15,129 -11,267
NET OF RECEIPTS-PAYMENTS -1,756 0 -1,756 -6,944
A5 - Transfers Between Funds 0 0 0 0
NET AFTER TRANSFERS -1,756 0 -1,756 -6,944
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6.1.2 Summary of Receipts & Payments Accounts
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Current Financial Year, Jan'23-Dec'23 Last Year
Unrestr'd Restricted
Total £ Total £
Funds £ Funds £
Actual Funds Brought Forward 39,687 - 39,687 46,631
Movement After Transfers -1,756 0 -1,756 -6,944
Total Funds Carried Forward 37,931 0 37,931 39,687
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6.1.3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
----- Start of picture text -----
Bt'Fwd at Receipts Payments Transfers Cd'Fwd at
Cash Assets 01-Jan-2023 in Period in Period in Period 31-Dec-23
Cash at Bank & in Hand
Bank, Current Account 26,806 12,044 -15,100 0 23,750
PayPal Account 12,881 1,328 -29 0 14,181
Actual Cash Assets 39,687 13,373 -15,129 0 37,931
Owed to Charity {Overdue Receipts} 0 0
Owed by Charity {Overdue Payments} 0 0
Net Cash Assets 39,687 37,931
As at 31-Dec-23 Last Year
General Restricted
B1 - Cash Assets Total £ Total £
Funds £ Funds £
General Fund 37,931 37,931 39,687
Net Payments in Advance 0 0 0
Designated Funds 0 0 0
Total Unrestricted Funds 37,931 39,687
Restricted Funds
None 0 0
Total Restricted Funds 0 0
Total Cash Funds 37,931 39,687
B2 - Money Owed to the Charity [ {Other Monetary Assets}] 0 0
B5 - Money Owed by the Charity [ {Liabilities}] 0 0
Net Cash Assets 37,931 39,687
B3 - Investment assets
0 0 0 0
B4 - Assets retained for charity's own use.
0 0 0 0
Total Current Funds 37,931 39,687
Total Funds [ (net of liabilities)] 37,931 39,687
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6.1.4 Approval of the Board of Trustees
The Trustees declare that they have approved the above Annual Report & Statement of Financial Activity.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
Andrew Barton (Trustee)
30/10/2024
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6.2 Notes to the Accounts
- a) Accounting Policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 Section 133, using the Receipts and Payments basis available to small charities and the charity’s accounts spreadsheet.
- b) Reimbursement of Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses incurred necessarily, reasonably and incidentally in the course the charity’s activities are reimbursed at cost.
No Trustees received any reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses in the financial year.
- c) Salaries & Professional Fees
No trustee receives any payments for the services they provide to the charity. In the current financial year the charity employed no staff or external contractors;
- d) Fixed Assets
The charity has not purchased or disposed of any fixed assets in the current financial year;
- e) Creditors & Debtors
Cheques for goods or services purchased, or invoices for goods or services delivered, which are issued prior to the end of the financial year but not appearing in the end of financial year bank statement are reported as outstanding creditors or debtors respectively.
- f) Rounding Discrepancies
All amounts are recorded to the penny, but in these accounts are shown as digitally rounded to the nearest pound. This can occasionally result in a total apparently not being the sum of its constituent amounts. All individual amounts, and their totals, are nevertheless correct.
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