2023-05-31-accounts - Lawford Football Club

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Charity number: 1188884

Lawford Football Club

Unaudited

Trustees' report and financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Lawford Football Club

Trustees’ Report For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees

Nicholas Anderson David Atton Lloyd Bellett Craig Dawson (resigned 23 February 2023) John Duchars, Chair Susanne Grimwade Michael Lace Michelle Macrae (appointed 25 May 2023) Daniel Sage (appointed 23 June 2022) Mark Simons James Tait (resigned 20 September 2022) Carl White

Registered Charity Number

1188884

Principal Address

School Lane, Lawford, Manningtree, Essex, CO11 2HZ

Bankers

Barclays Bank, 9 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1DA

Independent Examiner

Community360, Winsley's House, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UG

Lawford Football Club

Trustees’ Report For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives

The charity’s objectives are for the benefit of the public generally, in particular the inhabitants of Lawford and its surrounding areas:

a) to advance the amateur sport of association football
b) to promote community participation in healthy recreation by providing facilities for playing association football
c) to provide and assist in providing facilities for sport, recreation and other leisure time occupation of people who have need of such facilities because of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving their conditions of life.

Activities for achieving objectives

Lawford Football Club seeks to inspire and develop individuals of all ages to play and enjoy football to the best of their abilities. The charity seeks to make participation in football available to as many individuals as possible within the local community. Central to the ethos of the charity is that participation in football is a positive experience. The charity supports the development of players, encompassing both physical and mental wellbeing.

There are four senior teams, including a women’s team and a veteran’s team. The youth and junior section comprise thirteen teams, with ages ranging from U7s to U18s. In addition, the Club provides non-competitive training for boys from Reception to Year 3 and for girls from Reception to Year 7. Over 300 individuals are registered as members of the Club.

Public Benefit

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

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The 2022/23 season was another successful one. There were approximately 40 volunteers at the Club, but this is expanding with the growth of Fun Football and the increased number of teams at the Club. There is a strong management team, comprising trustees and other volunteers, supporting 17 teams and the Club owe a great debt of gratitude to every one of them.

Lawford Football Club has 4 affiliated sections: Lads, Ladies, Juniors and Girls. Each section was once again awarded the FA England Football Accreditation. That demonstrates the high standards and safe provision of Football opportunities at School Lane under its banner.

A special thanks to those who will be stepping down from their voluntary role, especially Susanne Grimwade, the Junior Section Secretary after many years of dedicated and professional service. A special welcome and thanks to those stepping in too. That includes all the managers, coaches, administration assistants, and those that enable the Club to function and the Teams to run. The Club welcomed 2 new enthusiastic Trustees, Dan Sage and Michael Lace and their contributions are already significant.

Lawford Football Club

Trustees’ Report For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Our profile has been improved significantly by the Club’s Media Secretary Elaine Miles, with frequent updates on the associated social media pages. The Club is presented vibrantly, with interesting articles and information of upcoming events. It is certainly driving a growing interest and participation as the immediate catchment area expands significantly.

The Club is in a sound financial position and is extremely grateful for the financial support that was given in the 2022/23 season. This has enabled registration costs to remain low and help promote the ethos of the Club, football opportunities for all.

There were several focus areas set at the start of the 2022/23 season which were achieved with notable successes. For the first two items a great deal of thanks to Craig Dawson and Michael Lace, who have been a tireless driving force.

1) Fun Football Sessions started again on the 19[th] September 2022, providing coaching for Reception and School Years 1-7 children. There are regular weekly attendances of 70/80, but this has been exceeding 100 for some sessions.
2) For the 2022/23 season the Club was able to introduce a U9 and U12 girls’ team into league football. A 3[rd] girls’ team is expected to be introduced in the 2023/24 season.
3) The Lawford Ladies played in the Women’s FA Cup and having returned to the Eastern Region Women's Football League in the 2022/23 season, came a very credible 4[th] . This was a marked step up to the 6[th] level of the English women's football pyramid.
4) Player retention and growth was extremely good throughout the 2022/23 season.

In the 2023/24 season there are specific areas of continued focus required to deliver further aspects of the Club’s 5-year football development plan as well as stability of the structure around the facilitation of Football for the local community. There are several items already ongoing, with various initiatives.

1) Development of Facilities
a. Discussions are continuing with the Football Foundation and Essex County FA regarding the development of a scope 9-a-side or 7-a-side 3G pitch.
b. A Football Foundation Grant is being sought for a 6-year investment in the pitch maintenance at School Lane, for better playing surfaces, drainage, decompaction, overseeding and grass treatments. This will also help avoid the multiple training cancellations due to the persistent bad weather.
2) Grow our volunteer base.
a. Encourage new volunteers to bring their good ideas forward. GROWING

VOLUNTEER BASE

b. Encourage parent/guardian team reps.
c. Re-establish scheduled manager/coach meetings.
3) Retain Players and Teams
a. CRC checks and certifications for all Managers/Coaches irrespective of age group ONGOING REQUIREMENT
b. Build the U18s Team to progress into the Reserves/1st Team. ONGOING
c. Back fill the U7s teams. COMPLETE
d. Introduce advanced training sessions
e. Set-up Holiday football camps
f. Set-up a mini tournament for U6-U9 Teams. ONGOING
g. Set-up disability sessions
h. Encourage and fund Young Coaches/Refs/Ambassadors. ONGOING
4) A sociable Club
a. More events – bringing all ages and sections together to feel as ‘One’
b. Appointment of a fundraising Officer

There is a lot to look forward to and hard work required in the months and 2023/24 season ahead.

Lawford Football Club

Trustees’ Report For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Financial performance and position

Football activity continued to record strong growth at the charity. While the membership fees for the senior section were broadly stable, the youth and junior section demonstrated growth supported by the addition of new teams including for the first time two girls’ teams. The Club’s provision of noncompetitive training also had a positive impact on overall income as did the reinstatement of the Club’s annual five a-side tournament. Ancillary income from food and drink sales also performed strongly supported by the growth in football activity.

The charity benefitted from Essex County FA and the Barclays Community Fund grants to support the development of girls’ football, in addition to a grant from the Football Foundation towards the purchase of new goals. As in previous years, Lloyds Bank Foundation kindly donated funds to the charity through its matched giving scheme. The Colchester & District Youth Football League donated vouchers to the charity for the purchase of football equipment. Businesses that supported the charity through sponsorship and donations included Rose Builders, Sacia, Chamberlain Phillips, Kettle Fitness, Motorclean, Harding Project Solutions, Lewis & Son, Five Sevens Taxis, Dlow Construction, Area Vending Services, 1[st] in Auto Locks, Pegasus IT and LCL Lettings. The charity is grateful to all of the businesses and other organisations that support its work.

Total expenditure increased at a significantly faster rate than income reflecting a combination of growth in the charity’s activities and general price inflation. Price increases for electricity and gas were the main reason for the 86% increase in the cost of utilities, one of the Club’s largest expenses. Other costs that significantly increased included affiliation fees, pitch maintenance costs and the hire of thirdparty facilities for winter training. Expenditure related to the operation of the bar and coffee bar increased at a faster rate than sales reflecting higher food and drink costs.

Overall, the charity recorded a surplus of £4,495 compared to a surplus of £14,286 for the previous financial year.

The charity continued to invest in equipment and facilities to support its activities including the purchase of new goals and the installation of energy efficient interior lighting for the club house.

The charity maintains a strong relationship with Lawford Parish Council, its landlord at School Lane.

The charity’s financial position remains secure.

Lawford Football Club

Trustees’ Report For the period 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022

Reserves policy

The charity holds funds in reserve to meet unexpected demands that may arise, for example, it might have to pay significant unexpected building maintenance costs, or if it had to close the bar or kitchen for any reason, it would lose a significant source of income. In setting the required level of reserves, the trustees have considered:

The normal, current and expected levels of football-related activity.
The condition and service history of the charity’s premises and significant integral elements, for example, electrical, plumbing, heating, drainage and security systems.
The normal, current and planned levels of income received from ancillary activities including the sale of food, snacks and drinks.

The policy of the charity is to hold reserves at a level equivalent to between three and six month's football-related expenditure (total expenditure less expenditure related to ancillary activities).

The level of reserves required is kept under review by the trustees.

Based on the expected level of football-related activity for the next 12 months the trustees intend to maintain reserves of between £13,000 and £26,000. Funds held beyond this are designated towards the potential development of an all-weather playing facility for use by the charity.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charity was incorporated on 2 April 2020 as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). It is governed by its constitution dated 2 April 2020.

The trustees are elected by the members of the CIO under the terms of the constitution. The members or trustees may also at any time decide to appoint a new trustee. A person appointed by the trustees shall retire at the annual general meeting after his or her appointment.

The minimum number of trustees is 3 and the maximum is 12.

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees.

John Duchars Chairman

Lawford Football Club

Independent examiners’ report

For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

I report on the accounts of Lawford Football Club for the year ended 31 May 2023

which are set out on pages 8 to 17.

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 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (The Act) but 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 Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner’s Statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 considerations of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement

In the course of my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of - the

Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning
- the

form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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

Shelley-Marie Rudling FMAAT AATQB for and on behalf of: Community360

Winsley’s House, High Street, Colchester, Essex

Date 05/09/2023

Lawford Football Club

Statement of financial activities For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Other trading activities 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 3,422 70,428 4,667 78,517 (1,957) (72,207) (74,164) 4,353 46,897 51,250	Restricted Funds 2023 £ 0 1,880 5,599 7,479 0 (7,337) (7,337) 142 1,298 1,440	Total Funds 2023 £ 3,422 72,308 10,266 85,996 (1,957) (79,544) (81,501) 4,495 48,195 52,690	Total Funds 2022 £ 3,633 57,628 5,890
				67,151
				(68) (52,797)
				(52,865)

				14,286
				33,908
				48,195

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of the financial statements.

Lawford Football Club

Balance sheet As at 31 May 2023

Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7 Total fixed assets Current assets Stocks 8 Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets or liabilities Net assets 11 Funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 12	31-May 2023 £ 4,744 4,744 1,556 232 47,166 48,955 (1,009) 47,946 52,690 1,440 51,250 52,690	31-May 2022 £ 2,441
		2,441
		1,202 867 47,212
		49,281
		(3,528)
		45,753

		48,195
		1,298 46,897
		48,195

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of the financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 1[st] September 2023.

John Duchars Chairman

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

1. Accounting Policies

General information and basis of preparation

Lawford Football Club is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity Registered Number 1188884).

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and Charities Act 2011.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows

Lawford Football Club constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historic cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest whole pound.

The significant accounting policies applied in preparation of these financial statements are set out below.

Going concern

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

Income

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

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

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Expenditure

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

Costs of raising funds comprise the costs associated with attracting donations, grants and legacies and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:

Football facilities 5 years Clubhouse & kitchen equipment 3 years Fixtures & fittings 5 years

Stock

Stock held, which comprises goods purchased for resale, is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors payable within one year

Creditors are recognised when the charity has a present or constructive obligation resulting from a past event and settlement is expected to result in an outflow of economic benefits.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Reporting period

The trustees have legal authority to change the reporting period by virtue of the club's structure as a charitable incorporated organisation.

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

2. Income from donations & legacies

Donations Total 2022	Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 3,422 3,422 3,633	Restricted Funds 2023 £ 0 0 0	Total Funds 2023 £ 3,422 3,422 3,633	Total Funds 2022 £ 3,633
				3,633

3. Income from charitable activities

Membership fees Coffee bar Main bar Grants Season end events Pitch hire Other income Total 2022	Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 31,477 13,349 23,117 0 571 845 1,069 70,428 57,028	Restricted Funds 2023 £ 0 0 0 1,880 0 0 0 1,880 600	Total Funds 2023 £ 31,477 13,349 23,117 1,880 571 845 1,069 72,308 57,628	Total Funds 2022 £ 27,710 8,828 19,064 600 405 895 127
				57,628

4. Other trading income

Sponsorship Tournaments Other fund-raising activities	Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 0 3,412 1,255 4,667	Restricted Funds 2023 £ 5,599 0 0 5,599	Total Funds 2023 £ 5,599 3,412 1,255 10,266	Total Funds 2022 £ 5,890 0 0
				5,890

Total 2022

5,890

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

5. Cost of raising funds

Tournaments Other fund-raising activities Administration fees Total 2022	Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 1,618 319 20 1,957 68	Restricted Funds 2023 £ 0 0 0 0 0	Total Funds 2023 £ 1,618 319 20 1,957 68	Total Funds 2022 £ 0 28 40
				68

6. Expenditure on charitable activities

Affiliation & registration fees Fines Match official fees Football equipment Football team kit Training Coaching qualifications Main bar & coffee bar Season end events Rent Utilities Building maintenance Pitch maintenance Consultant fee Depreciation Bank & other fees Independent examiners fee Administration costs Total 2022	Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 2,058 1,168 3,805 2,722 5,865 5,457 1,020 23,155 3,166 1,425 11,893 3,333 2,786 1,680 1,516 564 310 285 72,207 45,069	Restricted Funds 2023 £ 0 0 0 22 6,377 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 224 0 714 0 0 0 7,337 7,728	Total Funds 2023 £ 2,058 1,168 3,805 2,744 12,243 5,457 1,020 23,155 3,166 1,425 11,893 3,333 3,009 1,680 2,230 564 310 285 79,544 52,797	Total Funds 2022 £ 710 1,231 3,506 1,637 9,876 1,949 430 15,963 2,180 1,425 6,516 3,776 955 0 1,482 378 280 505
				52,797

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

7. Tangible fixed assets

Clubhouse Football & kitchen facilities equipment £ £ Cost At 1 June 2022 6,794 3,610 Additions 3,013 0 At 31 May 2023 9,807 3,610 Depreciation At 1 June 2022 (4,675) (3,287) Charge for the period (1,747) (179) At 31 May 2023 (6,422) (3,466) Net book value At 31 May 2022 2,119 322 At 31 May 2023 3,385 143 8. Stocks Goods for resale 9. Debtors Prepayments and accrued income Grants receivable Other debtors 10. Creditors: Amounts following due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income	Fixtures & fittings 0 1,520 1,520 0 (304) (304) 0 1,216 2023 £ 1,556 1,556 2023 £ 150 0 82 232 2023 £ 30 979	Total £ 10,404 4,533
		14,937
		(7,962) (2,230)
		(10,192)

		2,441

		4,744
		2022 £ 1,202
		1,202
		2022 £ 103 600 165
		867
		2022 £ 365 3,163

1,009

3,528

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

11. Statement of funds

Income £ 1,080 0 300 500 5,599 7,479 78,517 85,996 Income £ 0 0 600 5,890 6,490	Expenditure £ (714) (224) (300) (500) (5,599) (7,337) (74,164) (81,501) Expenditure £ (498) (739) (600) (5,890) (7,728)	2023 £ 1,440 0 0 0 0
		1,440

		51,250

		52,690
		2022 £ 1,074 224 0 0
		1,298

60,661	(45,137)	46,897

67,151	(52,865)	48,195

Football Foundation General Funding: Contribution towards the purchase of new goals.

Football Foundation Pitch Preparation Fund: Funding for clubs that have lost out on normal revenue streams during the covid-19 pandemic, helping them to get their pitches ready for when it is safe to play football again.

Essex County FA Wildcats: Funding to support new Wildcats centres, offering opportunities for girls aged from 5-11 years old to participant in football activities.

Barclays Community Football Fund: Funding to support the development of football for girls.

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

12. Analysis of net assets between funds

Current period Tangible fixed assets Cash at bank and in hand Other current assets Creditors due within one year Previous period Tangible fixed assets Cash at bank and in hand Other current assets Creditors due within one year	Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 3,304 47,166 1,789 (1,009) 51,250 Unrestricted funds 2022 £ 1,367 46,988 2,069 (3,528) 46,897	Restricted funds 2023 £ 1,440 0 0 0 1,440 Restricted funds 2022 £ 1,074 224 0 0 1,298	Total funds 2023 £ 4,744 47,166 1,789 (1,009)
			52,690
			Total funds 2022 £ 2,441 47,212 2,069 (3,528)
			48,195

13. Operating lease commitments

At 31 May 2023 the total of the charity’s future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases was:

Within 1 year Between 1 and 5 years After more than 5 years Total	2023 £ 1,425 5,700 133,950 141,075	2022 £ 1,425 5,700 136,800
		143,925

During the period £1,425 was recognised as an expense.

Lawford Football Club

Notes to the financial statements For the period 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

14. Related party transactions

The charity made payments of £2,730 to the spouse of Lloyd Bellett (trustee) for the provision of services during the period. The charity also made payments of £844 to the daughter of David Atton (trustee) and £116 to the sons of Nicholas Anderson (trustee) for the provision of services during the period. These conflicts of interest were previously declared and reviewed by the other trustees who concluded the arrangements were in the best interest of the charity.

15. Trustee remuneration and benefits

None of the trustees received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the period.

The Trustees of Lawford Football Club are grateful to the businesses and other organisations that supported our activities during the 2022/23 season.