2025-04-30-accounts - Buxton Football Club Foundation

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01.05.24 Period start date To 30.04.25 Period end date

Charity name: Buxton Football Club Foundation

Charity registration number: 1199080

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The Buxton Football Club Foundation exists primarily to widen access to football for children and young people in the local community who are experiencing financial hardship. The charity works to remove cost as a barrier to participation by subsidising training fees, match subs and essential kit, ensuring that more young people can enjoy and benefit from the sport. Alongside this core purpose, the Foundation is set up to support a broader range of initiatives that align with its charitable objectives. These include promoting community involvement in sport, improving access to sporting facilities for disadvantaged groups, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing, and contributing to educational development through sport-based activities. By continuing to build on existing strong relationships across the local area and maintaining close links with Buxton Football Club, the Foundation is able to identify emerging needs and target support where it will have the greatest impact. As the charity continues to establish its presence and reputation within the community, its focus remains firmly on ensuring that all expenditure directly advances its aims and delivers meaningful benefit to those who need it most.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those	Para 1.17 and 1.19	The Buxton Football Club Foundation fulfils its charitable purpose through grant making and the delivery of a number of community projects which align with its aims.

purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.		Funding requests for grants generally fall into two categories: •Support for junior football participation– applications from local families seeking assistance with subscription and/or kit costs for children wishing to play. These are assessed against an income-based threshold to determine eligibility for financial support. •Ad hoc financial support requests– one-off grant or project-funding applications from individuals or organisations. These are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering how well they align with the charity’s objectives, anticipated impact, feasibility and budget availability. As the charity has grown in its second year, we have also started to look at other one-off local projects that can be undertaken proposed and approved internally by the charity trustees. Alongside the above, the charity has continued to coordinate and deliver a number of well-established community projects, supported by the National League Trust, designed to meet identified needs within specific groups. During the reporting period in question, for the second year running this offering included sessions for local schools at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium, men’s mental-health football, and walking football — all provided at no cost to participants.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	In line with our responsibilities as trustees, we confirm that we have given due consideration to the public- benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission, as referenced in section 1.18 of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). Throughout the reporting period, all funding requests and project proposals were reviewed and assessed against both the charity’s objectives and their expected impact, ensuring that each activity delivered clear benefit. As the charity remained in the relatively early stages of its development during the period under review, the Trustees focused on the continued delivery of established grant-making operations and projects, in order to further strengthen relationships with beneficiary groups. Some additional work was also done looking at identifying local businesses as strong potential partners for future fundraising. All plans and activities were subject to regular monitoring to ensure they remained aligned with our objectives and were delivered in an efficient and effective manner. As in the previous year, this oversight was supported by frequent both formal and informal meetings among Trustees involved in day-to-day operations. Engagement with stakeholders, including beneficiaries, donors, and community groups, remained a key priority.

Throughout the year, Trustees remained mindful of the responsibility to use donated funds prudently and to ensure that all charitable activities clearly advanced our objectives and served the public benefit. Considerations such as the breadth of our reach, the diversity of those supported, and the long-term sustainability of our programmes informed all ongoing review discussions.

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	The charity once again began the year in a positive financial position, having continued fundraising activities to ensure the previously-exceeded reserves target was further built on to offer a solid foundation from which to continue grant making and deliver our wider activities. There was still a good level of demand for financial assistance with junior football participation, however anecdotal feedback from partner organisations still suggests there may be more eligible families who are not currently applying, despite previous efforts made to inform a wider audience, simplify the application process and increase the number of requests received. Although we acknowledge there may always remain some barriers to applications for financial support, this remains something for further focus and development, removing stigma wherever possible and ensuring those who are eligible for help are aware and encouraged to apply for it wherever possible. The Foundation was delighted to be able to continue the delivery of several community-focused initiatives, supported by the National League Trust. Their funding enabled us to run a number of well-received programmes, including: • Men’s Mental Health Sessions– providing a supportive environment for men to connect, improve well-being, and reduce social isolation • Walking Football Sessions– helping older adults and those with limited mobility remain active, socially engaged, and involved in their community • On-Site School Football Sessions– encouraging physical activity, collaboration and confidence among children, while promoting healthier lifestyles These initiatives strengthened our commitment to enhancing well-being, increasing inclusivity, and encouraging participation in sport across a diverse range of beneficiaries.

In the second year of delivery for these community initiatives, the school sessions proved more challenging overall, with some issues encountered around uptake, however the men’s mental-health sessions demonstrated continued exceptional engagement and positive outcomes, leading to the exploration of expanding this part of our community programme by offering two sessions instead of one, allowing us to reach and support a significantly larger group.

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Financial statements show that the charity had an income of £7,757 in the reporting year. As is and will remain charity policy, costs were kept as low as possible and no salaries or expenses were taken out, as all fundraising and operational activity was undertaken by trustees on a voluntary basis. Where payments for external staffing or equipment resources were required, these were once again funded by grant monies, allowing us to continue our delivery of community projects at nil cost to attendees. At the end of the period, the Foundation remains in a strong financial position, with no extraneous spend and a responsible approach to both grant-making decisions and the management of funds. All spending on current and future projects is carefully assessed to ensure sustainability and maximum community impact.The charity operates with financial stability, enabling ongoing support for its initiatives and future growth.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	At the time the BFCF was established, the Trustees set a reserves target of £10,000. This figure was agreed following discussions about what would constitute a sensible and sustainable level of reserves based on the charity’s projected income and expenditure. The decision was guided by several key considerations: • Financial stability:With early fundraising projections still uncertain, Trustees felt that £10,000 would provide a strong financial buffer against unexpected challenges, such as economic downturns, higher-than-anticipated applications for financial support, or fluctuations in donations. • Risk management:Maintaining reserves at this level would help the charity navigate periods of instability or uncertainty and mitigate operational risks.

		• Long-term sustainability and growth:A solid reserves base would enable strategic investment in future development—such as programme expansion, infrastructure needs, or the creation of new fundraising approaches—while providing flexibility to pursue new opportunities that further the charity’s impact. • Financial credibility:Demonstrating prudent financial management strengthens confidence among donors, stakeholders, and regulators. • Emergency readiness:Although not an emergency-response charity, the Covid-19 pandemic illustrated the important role smaller, local charities can play in responding quickly to urgent community needs. Having accessible funds ensures the charity can act immediately in similar future situations without waiting for external support. In summary, the Trustees agreed that establishing strong reserves was essential to the charity’s financial stability, resilience, and long-term sustainability. Although the reserves target was once again agreed at £10,000 for the period, that will continue to be reviewed regularly. Trustees remain committed to balancing financial prudence with meaningful community impact. If, at any point, the level of reserves is judged to be higher than necessary—meaning funds could be redirected to charitable activities without compromising stability—the target will be adjusted accordingly. Please note, at the end of the reporting period, the charity’s reserves were shown as being below the £10,000 target. This reflected a timing difference rather than a change in our financial position or reserves strategy. A grant payment that had been approved and was expected within the reporting period had not yet been received by the year-end date. As a result, the funds did not appear in the accounts at that moment in time. Once the payment was received shortly after the reporting period closed, the reserves returned to a level consistent with expectations. The Trustees remain confident that the reserves policy continues to provide an appropriate level of financial stability and will keep it under regular review in line with income patterns and operational needs.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£10,000
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A

Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	Buxton Football Club Foundation’s principal sources of funds are donations (both corporate and individual), grants and fundraising events.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	The Trustees of the Buxton Football Club Foundation recognise the importance of regularly reviewing potential risks, even though the charity operates with a relatively low risk profile. As the organisation does not employ staff and is delivered entirely by volunteers, risks associated with employment, payroll, and HR matters do not apply. The charity also maintains a prudent reserves policy, with reserves monitored throughout the year to ensure financial stability. Operationally, the Trustees take care not to overextend commitments and remain focused on delivering activities that provide meaningful and positive impact to the community. Although no significant risks were identified during the reporting period, the Trustees acknowledge that some inherent risks exist for all small charities, including: • Income variability:As fundraising levels can fluctuate year to year, the Trustees continue to monitor income sources and maintain strong reserves to safeguard against unexpected dips. • Volunteer capacity:While current volunteer involvement is strong, the charity remains mindful that changes in availability could affect delivery, and therefore seeks to maintain good communication, clear expectations, and supportive structures for volunteers. • External factors:Changes in the broader economic environment or local community needs may influence both demand for support and the charity’s ability to meet that demand. These factors are kept under review to ensure plans remain responsive and achievable. Overall, the Trustees consider the charity’s current risk exposure to be low and manageable.

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	The charity’s governing document is its Constitution (‘The Buxton Football Club Foundation Constitution’).
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	BFCF is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), whose only voting members are its charity trustees (‘Foundation’ model constitution).
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	The charity’s Constitution sets out the eligibility criteria for Trusteeship as follows: • All charity trustees must be natural persons. • An individual cannot be appointed as a charity trustee of the CIO if they are under 16 years old or if they would automatically be disqualified under sections 178-180 of the Charities Act 2011. • No one may act as a charity trustee, whether newly appointed or reappointed, until they have formally acknowledged their acceptance of the role in a manner determined by the charity trustees. • At least one trustee must be 18 years or older. If no trustee meets this age requirement, the remaining trustees may only act to convene a meeting or appoint a new trustee. The charity must have a minimum of three trustees. If the number falls below this, the remaining trustees may only take action to convene a meeting or appoint a new trustee. The maximum number of trustees permitted is 12, and no further appointments may be made if this limit is reached. With the exception of the initial trustees, all subsequent trustees must be appointed for a three-year term through a resolution passed at a properly convened trustees’ meeting. When selecting new trustees, the charity trustees must consider the skills, knowledge, and experience required for the effective management of the CIO.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Buxton Football Club Foundation
Other name the charity uses	BFCF
Registered charity number	1199080
Charity’s principal address	The Tarmac Silverlands Stadium, Silverlands, Buxton, SK17 6QH

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
	Jennifer McBain
	David Hopkins
	Lorraine Kilvert
	Daniel Hopkins

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name N/A – no corporate trustees

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
N/A–no title to property held

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity	N/A – no funds held as custodians on behalf of others
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects	N/A
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets	N/A

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A – information provided as required

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

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Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
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Signature(s)
David Hopkins
Full name(s) Jennifer McBain
Position (eg Secretary, CEO Trustee
Chair, etc)
Date
24.02.26
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Registered Charity Number: 1199080

Formed in May 2022

Management Accounts for the year to 30 April 2025

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR TO 30 APRIL 2025

CONTENTS PAGE

Income and expenditure account for the period ended 30/04/2025

Balance Sheet as at 30/04/2025

Notes to Balance Sheet

Buxton Football Club Foundation

Statement of Financial Activities for the year end 30th April 2025

Income Donations and legacy Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Separate material item of income Other Total Expenditure Raising Funds Grants Charitable activities Separate material expense item Other Total Net Income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Total Funds brought forward Total funds carried forward	30th April 2025 £ 7,757 0 0 0 0 0 7,757 - 1,262 23,513 - 52 24,826 - 17,069 - 17,069 21,977 4,908	30th April 2024 £ 18,958 0 0 0 0 0
		18,958
		- 2,503 - 547 5,721
		8,770

		10,188

		10,188
		-
		10,188

30/04/2025 £ - 4,908 4,908 - - 4,908 4,908 4,908 - 4,908 4,908	30/04/2024 £ - 21,977	30/04/2024 £ - 21,977
-	-	21,977

		-
		21,977 21,977
		21,977
		1193 20,784
		21,977

NOTES TO BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2025

DEBTORS OTHER DEBTORS CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND NatWest account Cash CREDITORS < 1 YEAR SOCIAL SECURITY & OTHER TAXES OTHER CREDITORS ACCRUED EXPENSES Total funds BROUGHT FORWARD INCOME FOR THE PERIOD TAXATION		30/04/2025 £ 0 0 4,908 0 4,908 0 0 0 0 21,977 (17,069) 0 4,908		30/04/2024 £ 0
				0 21,977 0
				21,977 0 0 0
				0 11,789 10,188 0
				21,977