The Welsh Sports Foundation Charity Number: 1199523
Annual Report 2024
Trustees
| rustees | Annual | Report 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Role | Date of appointment |
| Richard Thomas | Chair | 01 July 2022 |
| Victoria Barker | Trustee | 22 November 2022 |
| Daniel Caunt | Trustee | 01 July 2022 |
| William Gareth Davies | Trustee | 01 July 2022 |
| Lynn Pamment | Trustee | 01 July 2022 |
| Damian Phillips | Trustee | 10 October 2023 |
| Roger Pride | Trustee | 01 July 2022 |
| Katherine Stokes Davies | Trustee | 01 July 2022_(Resigned – May 2024)_ |
| Alwen Williams | Trustee | 01 July 2022 |
Charitable purpose
The Welsh Sports Foundation will ensure that every individual child and young person in Wales is able to participate in sport, by relieving financial pressure, where this is a barrier to participation. In doing so, we will ensure no child is left on the side-lines.
Charitable objectives
The objectives of the CIO are.
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To promote community participation in sport and healthy recreation for the benefit of the public in Wales by:
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a) providing financial support, facilities and equipment in the interests of social welfare for the public at large or those who by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities and services;
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b) the improvement and preservation of good health and well- being through participation in healthy recreation.
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to advance education for the public benefit in particular by:
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a) the provision of resources, skills training and practical assistance to assist community sports groups and organisations;
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b) advancing research into the barriers to participation and accessibility of sport and advancing education in breaking down such barriers.
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the conservation and protection of the environment for the public benefit by the promotion of waste reduction, re-use, reclamation and recycling of surplus sports kit and equipment.
Progress in the Year
Introduction
The Trustees registered the Welsh Sports Foundation as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 1[st] July 2022.
This Annual Report represents the first full year of trading, following the creation of the Foundation’s bank account in May 2023.
Anthony Hughes Memorial Fund
The Foundation collaborated with Disability Sport Wales to establish the Anthony Hughes Memorial Fund, honouring the legacy of Anthony Hughes, a pioneer of disability sport in Wales. Donations to the Memorial Fund will be ringfenced, with the Trustees distributing funds to individuals recommended by the Anthony Hughes Memorial Fund Committee, in line with the Grant Making Policy.
Progress was made during the year in the following areas.
Bank Account
A bank account with CAF Bank was created. This bank was chosen as it specialises in providing banking and lending services for charities and social purpose enterprises.
Income Generation
The Welsh Sports Association (WSA) and the Trustees worked hard to establish seed funding for the Foundation, lobbying organisations such as the National Governing Bodies in Wales, Welsh Government and Corporate organisations.
The WSA raised money for the Foundation at its inaugural Welsh Sports Industry Awards. Additionally, through its partnership with Enterprise Cars, the WSA secured a £2,500 donation from Enterprises’ charitable arm, Enterprise Holdings Foundation.
National Governing Body donations were received from Welsh Gymnastics, Wales Netball, Snowsport Wales and Welsh Judo, whilst all National Governing Bodies present at the CEO Forum in November 2023 provided their full support for the WSF.
Voucher Tech
A supplier services agreement with Sport:80, to develop the voucher technology, was agreed. This work is ongoing.
Website
The Foundation’s website was re-developed as a stand-alone platform, separating it from the original site that was part of the Welsh Sports Association’s website. The new, bespoke design offers a more polished, professional look and enhanced user experience. A key addition is the integrated donation feature, enabling visitors to contribute directly to the Foundation through the website.
Employees
There were 0 employees during the Year. All Trustees acted in a voluntary capacity. The Welsh Sports Association Limited provided pro-bono administrative support.
Finances
The financial year ends on March 31st, in alignment with most sporting National Governing Bodies in Wales and the Welsh Sports Association. The Foundation completed its first financial transactions during the year, with accounts approved up to March 31, 2024. The Charity holds no assets beyond its cash at bank and has no liabilities.
Annual Accounts
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Richard Thomas Chair of the Board of Trustees 20 November 2024
Victoria Barker Board Trustee 20 November 2024