West Yorkshire Canoe Club CIO Charity number 1198634 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period 1 st October 2024 to 30th September 2025 WÉST YORKSHIR CANOC CLUB 1955 /() 2025
Chair's Statement
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to present the Annual Report of West Yorkshire Canoe Club for the financial year 2024-2025.
This year has been a truly landmark period for our club as we celebrated our 70th anniversary. Seven decades of paddlesport excellence is a remarkable achievement, and our anniversary celebration event brought together old and new members in a historic gathering that reminded us of the club's enduring legacy and the generations of paddlers who have been part of our journey.
Beyond this milestone celebration, we have made significant investments in our people. We have taken bold steps to enhance our coaching capabilities and support our volunteers, positioning the club for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
A significant challenge the club has successfully overcome this year has been the adoption of the Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Framework. I am pleased to confirm that West Yorkshire Canoe Club is fully compliant with these standards, ensuring our club is safe and well-governed for the next generations of paddlers.
The investments and compliance work have resulted in higher expenditure than in previous years, representing a significant utilisation of our reserves. However, this strategic investment will secure the club for many years to come. As we move into the next financial year, our focus will be on consolidating these gains and achieving greater financial stability.
I would like to thank our members, volunteers, instructors, and supporters for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the year. Your passion for paddlesport continues to be the driving force behind everything we achieve.
Objectives and Activities
The West Yorkshire Canoe Club operates in accordance with its core charitable objectives:
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To promote and provide facilities for the sport and recreation of paddle sports.
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To ensure inclusivity and equitable access for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
In pursuit of these objectives, the Club has undertaken the following key activities:
River Sessions
We have maintained regular river sessions throughout the year at Broad Cut Lane on the Calder and Hebble Navigation. These sessions have provided consistent opportunities for members to develop their paddling skills, offering taster sessions for newcomers and sessions to suit more experienced paddlers.
Skills Development and Training
A significant focus this year has been our investment in coach and leader development. We have supported members through various qualification pathways, including Paddlesport Instructor awards, White Water Leader qualifications, and Coach awards. This investment has substantially expanded our pool of qualified personnel capable of delivering safe, high-quality instruction.
In addition to coaching qualifications, we have ensured our leaders maintain current First Aid certification, recognising this as a critical component of safe paddlesport delivery. This comprehensive approach to skills development ensures that every session we run is led by appropriately qualified and prepared individuals who meet Paddle UK standards.
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These investments in people have enhanced our capacity to deliver diverse training opportunities and support members at all levels of their paddling journey, from complete beginners through to those pursuing advanced skills and leadership roles themselves.
Inclusivity and Equality
The Club remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. All activities and programmes are conducted in adherence to our equality policy, ensuring that every individual feels welcome and valued.
Achievements and Performance
This year has been one of significant progress and development:
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Full Compliance with Paddle UK Standards for Deployment: Successfully achieved full compliance with the Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Framework, ensuring our club meets the highest standards for safety, governance, and operational excellence.
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70th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrated our club's 70th anniversary with a historic event bringing together old and new members, commemorating seven decades of paddlesport excellence in West Yorkshire.
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Completed Full Year at Minsthorpe Leisure Centre: Successfully completed one full year of regular training sessions at Minsthorpe Leisure Centre, providing our members with consistent access to quality pool facilities.
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Investment in Coaches and Volunteers: Made substantial investments in coaching and volunteer development, qualifying new Paddlesport Instructors and White Water Leaders, significantly expanding our coaching team and ensuring we can safely deliver a broader range of activities.
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Launched Club Merchandise: Launched branded club merchandise, strengthening our club identity and providing members with professional quality gear.
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Enhanced Digital Presence: Developed and launched a new club website, significantly improving our digital presence and making it easier for new members to discover and join our activities.
Training and Development
Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Framework
A significant achievement this year has been our successful adoption of the Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Framework. This presented a considerable challenge for the club, requiring a comprehensive review and enhancement of our operational procedures, safety protocols, and governance structures.
The Standards for Deployment Framework sets out the minimum requirements for clubs and centres delivering paddlesport activities. It covers essential areas including qualified leadership, appropriate supervision ratios, emergency action plans, safeguarding procedures, and equipment standards. Meeting these standards demonstrates our commitment to providing safe, well-managed paddlesport activities.
The process required significant effort from our committee, coaches, and volunteers to ensure every aspect of our operations met or exceeded the required standards. This included updating our documentation, enhancing our risk assessment procedures, ensuring appropriate insurance coverage, and verifying that all our leaders and coaches held current qualifications.
I am pleased to confirm that West Yorkshire Canoe Club is now fully compliant with the Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Framework. This achievement provides assurance to our members, their families, and external partners that we operate to the highest standards of safety and governance. It positions us strongly for future growth and ensures the club is well-equipped to serve the next generation of paddlers.
Investment in People
A cornerstone of this year's strategy has been our significant investment in coaching and volunteer development. We recognise that our instructors and leaders are the foundation of everything we do, and their development directly impacts the quality of experience we provide to our members.
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Our investment has resulted in newly qualified Paddlesport Instructors and White Water Leaders, enabling us to deliver a wider variety of sessions and support members progressing through different skill levels. This enhanced coaching capacity positions us well to accommodate growth in membership and offer more specialised training opportunities.
Facilities and Partnerships
Our partnership with Minsthorpe Leisure Centre has proven highly successful, completing a full year of regular pool sessions. This consistent access to quality facilities has been instrumental in supporting both beginner training and skills development for more experienced paddlers.
The reliable scheduling and professional environment at Minsthorpe have enabled us to deliver structured training programmes throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Digital Transformation
Recognising the importance of digital outreach in today's connected world, we launched a completely redesigned club website this year. The new website serves as a comprehensive resource for current and prospective members, providing information about our activities, training programmes, and how to get involved.
This digital investment complements our branded merchandise initiative, together creating a more professional and cohesive club identity that helps attract new members and strengthens our presence in the regional paddlesport community.
Governance
The Club operates under a robust governance structure, with the trustees ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and best practices. We remain committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all our governance activities.
Financial Overview
The 2024-2025 financial year has been characterised by strategic investment in the club's long-term development. As planned, expenditure was higher than in previous years, primarily due to:
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Coaching and leadership training courses and qualifications
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Website development and digital infrastructure
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Merchandise development and initial inventory
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Regular facility fees at Minsthorpe Leisure Centre
These investments are expected to yield returns in the coming years through increased membership, enhanced revenue from training courses, and merchandise sales. For the 2024-2025 financial year, our primary financial objective is to achieve greater account stability while maintaining the quality improvements we have implemented.
Looking Forward
As we enter the new financial year, our priorities include:
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Securing a Permanent Location: Re-engage with Wakefield Council regarding Pugneys and work to secure a permanent location for the club, providing a stable base for our activities and long-term development.
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Achieving Financial Stability: Balancing expenditure with income and building sustainable revenue streams following our significant investment year.
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Maximising Our Investment: Fully utilising our expanded coaching team and new facilities to deliver enhanced member experiences.
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Growing Membership: Leveraging our enhanced digital presence, Paddle UK compliance status, and improved offerings to attract new members.
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Continuing Partnerships: Maintaining our partnership with Minsthorpe Leisure Centre and developing relationships with other local facilities.
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Expanding Our Programme: Including more diverse activities leveraging our newly qualified leaders and full Paddle UK compliance.
Conclusion
This year has been truly historic for West Yorkshire Canoe Club. Celebrating our 70th anniversary while simultaneously achieving full compliance with Paddle UK Standards for Deployment Framework represents a perfect blend of honouring our past and securing our future.
Our significant investments in coaches and volunteers, combined with our enhanced digital presence and facilities partnerships, have positioned the club strongly for the years ahead. While these investments required substantial utilisation of our reserves, they provide a solid foundation that will serve generations of paddlers to come.
The dedication of our paddlers, the enthusiasm of our members, and the supportive spirit within the club have been instrumental in our progress. The successful completion of our Paddle UK compliance work, in particular, demonstrates the commitment and professionalism of everyone involved in the club's operations.
As we look to the future, our priorities are clear: secure a permanent location through re-engagement with Wakefield Council, achieve financial stability, and continue to grow our membership and programme offerings. With continued collaborative effort, West Yorkshire Canoe Club will continue to thrive and provide a safe, welcoming, and vibrant paddling community for all.
The achievements outlined in this report would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many individuals and organisations:
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Our volunteer coaches, instructors, and committee members who give their time freely and worked tirelessly on our Paddle UK compliance
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All club members for their continued support and participation, especially those who attended our 70th anniversary celebration
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Minsthorpe Leisure Centre for their excellent facilities and partnership
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Paddle UK for their support throughout our compliance journey
As we look to the future, we remain committed to our core mission of making paddlesport accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all. Thank you for being part of our 70-year journey.
With Thanks on behalf of the Trustees and Committee
Ben Abrams
Chair, West Yorkshire Canoe Club
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West Yorkshire Canoe Club
01-OCT-2024 - 30-SEP-2025
Receipts & Payments List by Cost Code
| Amount | Amount | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RECEIPTS | |||
| 4000 REVENUES | 4,583.95 | ||
| 4002 River Calder Sessions (Horbury) | 553.95 | ||
| 4003 River Sessions (Misc) | 60.00 | ||
| 4004 Misc Paddling Sessions | 381.00 | ||
| 4005 Minsthorpe LC Pool Sessions | 3,011.00 | ||
| 4022 Merchandise | 578.00 | ||
| 4100 VOLUNTARY INCOME | 0.49 | ||
| 4135 Cash Back Rec'd | 0.49 | ||
| 4200 INVESTMENT INCOME | 203.36 | ||
| 4203 Rebate from Card Transactions | 3.36 | ||
| 4205 Income from Assets sold | 200.00 | ||
| 4300 FUNDRAISING INCOME | 120.00 | ||
| 4310 Raffle Ticket Sales | 120.00 | ||
| 5000 MEMBERSHIP PAYMENTS | 1,487.46 | ||
| 5001 Individual Membership | 838.26 | ||
| 5002 Family Membership | 649.20 | ||
| TOTAL RECEIPTS | 6,395.26 | ||
| PAYMENTS | |||
| 7000 COST OF SALES | -4,527.06 | ||
| 7002 Minsthorpe Pool Hire (Wakefield Council) | -1,890.00 | ||
| 7003 Event Hire and Rental Costs | -591.60 | ||
| 7004 Event Expenses | -1,905.46 | ||
| 7008 Payments to 3rd Parties | -140.00 | ||
| 7100 EQUIPMENT PURCHASE & REPAIR | -4,567.50 | ||
| 7101 Purchase New Equipment | -3,967.50 | ||
| 7102 Purchase Used Equipment | -600.00 | ||
| 7200 OVERHEADS | -4,165.38 | ||
| 7205 Repair & Maintenance | -291.31 | ||
| 7213 Telephone Costs | -39.99 | ||
| 7215 Website Hosting | -48.62 | ||
| 7216 Membermojo Membership Software | -95.00 | ||
| 7217 Accounting/Club Treasurer Software | -72.00 | ||
| 7218 British Canoeing Affiliation | -283.80 | ||
| 7219 Rental charges | -2,000.00 |
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Clubtreasurer.com Fri Dec 05 02:34:59 UTC 2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club
| Amount | Amount | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7223 Payment Provider Fees | -149.42 | ||
| 7225 Merchandise | -1,185.24 | ||
| 7300 TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS | -4,344.80 | ||
| 7304 Paddlesports Coaching (External) | -4,344.80 | ||
| TOTAL PAYMENTS | -17,604.74 | ||
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD | -11,209.48 |
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Clubtreasurer.com Fri Dec 05 02:34:59 UTC 2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club
Statement of Assets
| Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
Period Ending 30-SEP-2025 West Yorkshire Canoe Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current FY at 30-SEP-2025 | Prior FY at 30-SEP-2024 | |||||
| ASSETS | ||||||
| SAVINGS AND INVESTMENTS | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| Slalom Account | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| FIXED ASSETS | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND | 13,492.88 | 24,702.36 | ||||
| Bank Account | 12,362.41 | 24,222.36 | ||||
| Stripe | 1,012.50 | 263.55 | ||||
| SumUp | 117.97 | 216.45 | ||||
| PayPal | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| OTHER ASSETS | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | 13,492.88 | 24,702.36 | ||||
| LIABILITIES | ||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS @ 30-SEP-2025 | 13,492.88 | 24,702.36 | ||||
| REPRESENTED BY FUNDS | ||||||
| General Fund | 13,492.88 | 24,702.36 | ||||
| LONG-TERM LIABILITIES | ||||||
| TOTAL FUNDS BALANCE @ 30-SEP-2025 | 13,492.88 | 24,702.36 | ||||
Clubtreasurer.com Fri Dec 05 02:35:34 UTC 2025
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WCST YORKSHIR CANOE CLUB