2025-09-30-accounts

North Somerset Sports Foundation (NSSF) Full Detailed Quarterly Review

Hybrid Trustee & Stakeholder Edition Reporting Period: January – April 2026

1. Executive Summary

• This quarter represented substantial organisational growth, stronger systems and increasing external credibility.

• The Foundation expanded partnerships, strengthened governance, improved operational controls and progressed long-term sustainability plans.

• NSSF is increasingly positioned as a high-impact organisation combining sport, education, health and community wellbeing.

2. Strategic Partnerships & External Engagement

• Engagements included Foster Carers, DWP, Quartet Community Foundation, Jack Hazeldine Foundation, Shine and the Chatty Cafe Scheme.

• A strong health partnership developed with Donate for Defibs and Great Western Air Ambulance supporting defibrillator installation and future cardiac rehabilitation pathways.

• A strategic visit to Empire Fighting Chance informed the development of a Football Therapy Programme and a focus on fewer, higher-impact interventions.

3. Funding & Organisational Development

• Discussions progressed with the Axentis Michael Trust regarding transformation of onsite spaces.

• Builder quotations were sourced to support realistic capital costings.

• Fundraising capability was strengthened internally through Get Grants bid-writing training.

• Cardiac rehabilitation funding opportunities are being progressed.

• Financial forecasting is underway to support a future Lawn Tennis Association interest-free loan proposal for padel courts.

4. Education Division Review

• Students remain on track academically with approximately 150 hours delivered since January excluding holidays.

• Four students are realistically expected to pass GCSE Maths.

• Extended Sports Diploma learners are achieving merits and distinctions.

• The student football programme secured the AOC Tier 1 League title.

• Three assessment days attracted more than 40 prospects with around 15 active applications.

• The programme continues to validate long-term ambitions to become an independent provider.

5. Football Operations Review

• NSRTC was invited into Bristol City fixtures and tournaments from U7-U14.

• NSSF will host U13 and U14 fixtures in Clevedon.

• New grassroots teams U9, U11 and U13 are planned for 2026/27.

• The second annual tournament is scheduled for May.

• Mallorca Tour 2026 includes over 100 players across 14 teams, reflecting strong family engagement and pathway confidence.

6. GymLab & Health Delivery

• GymLab membership stands at 611 active members, representing steady performance with growth potential toward the longer-term 800 target.

• Kym Harris was promoted to Head Coach after being identified as pivotal to GymLab success.

• Strong demand continues for Seniors, Hyrox and newer programmes including Mums, Babies & Bumps and SGPT.

• These initiatives have supported engagement, retention and modest income growth.

7. Site Management & Operations

• Overall site operations remained stable during the quarter.

• The master key system improved day-to-day access arrangements.

• Reactive maintenance issues including ceiling lighting and spin bikes were managed with minimal service disruption.

• A replacement coffee machine was installed and while issues remain, performance improved compared with the previous unit.

• A January incident involving an ex-member required police attendance and was managed appropriately with no further issues.

• Cleaning, presentation standards and day-to-day risk controls remained generally strong.

8. Governance, HR & Culture

• Site-wide staff performance reviews were completed.

• Holiday and shift allocation audits were undertaken to improve fairness and internal controls.

• Weekly management meetings were introduced to drive accountability and responsiveness.

• A new rota template was created to improve management coverage at key times.

• Becky Lowe was appointed Development Lead effective 1 April.

• An offsite culture and values session was held at Rocket Padel.

9. Safeguarding & Compliance

• Safer Recruitment training was completed for the senior leadership team.

• Site-wide safeguarding awareness was delivered for gym staff.

• Additional safeguarding training was completed across wider teams.

• A Legionella risk assessment has been completed with report awaited.

• Preparation for the June Health & Safety review is underway.

10. Facilities & Operational Assets

• A full kitchen audit and preparation process resulted in a 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating.

• Continued footwear checks were prioritised to protect the 3G pitch.

• Container insulation and improved recycling systems were identified as future priorities.

11. Visibility, Credibility & Reputation

• Two websites were launched: nssportsfoundation.org and thegymlab.org.uk.

• These platforms support due diligence, increase credibility and generate new enquiries.

• Improved visibility contributed to external approaches including interest from TK Maxx.

• LinkedIn presence was strengthened for networking and partnership development.

• Social media clean-up improved message alignment with the charity mission.

12. Community Outreach

• An Easter egg donation campaign reached four locations across North Somerset and surrounding areas.

• Community asset building progressed through partnerships and defibrillator installation.

13. Financial Management

• Amazon ordering has functioned as a temporary solution, though a more efficient long-term supplier model is being explored.

• Income growth priorities remain membership acquisition, retention, programme development and stronger systems support.

14. Key Risks

• Supplier issues remain a risk, particularly bsport and coffee machine matters.

• Capital growth projects remain dependent on successful funding.

• Growth places ongoing pressure on staffing capacity and systems.

• Potential compliance works may arise following Legionella recommendations.

15. Key Achievements

• 5 Star Food Hygiene Rating achieved.

• AOC Tier 1 League title secured.

• 611 active GymLab members.

• 100+ Mallorca Tour uptake.

• 40+ education prospects engaged.

• Leadership promotions completed.

• New websites launched.

• Major partnerships formed.

• Stronger governance systems embedded.

16. Priorities Next Quarter

• Submit major funding bids.

• Launch Football Therapy pilot.

• Secure further education enrolments.

• Implement rota improvements.

• Resolve bsport dispute.

• Recruit additional staffing cover.

• Grow GymLab memberships.

• Progress padel court feasibility.

• Convert partnerships into funded delivery.

17. CEO Reflection

• This quarter demonstrates a clear transition from start-up momentum to structured organisational growth.

• NSSF now has stronger systems, clearer priorities, better external relationships and increasing long-term sustainability potential.

• The focus ahead remains sustainable growth, high-quality delivery and measurable community impact.