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2023-12-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NI069535 CCNI NUMBER: NIC102267

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND)

(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS PAGE
Legal and Administrative Information 2
Directors’ Report 3-5
Independent examiner’s report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Statement of Financial Position 8
Notes to the Accounts 9-15

1

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Directors Matthew Dobson Christopher McCourt Adam Patton Company number NI069535 CCNI charity number 102267 Registered office Richhill Presbyterian Church 6 Corcreevy Road Richhill Armagh BT61 9JR Bankers Ulster Bank 20 High Street Portadown BT62 1HU

2

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The directors present their report and the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing document

Ambassadors Football (Ireland) Limited (formerly known as Ambassadors in Sport) (“the charity”) was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (registered in Northern Ireland Company No. NI069535) on 5[th] June 2008 and was registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 102267) on 9[th] June 2015. The charity continued to function as per its Memorandum and Articles of Association, with a specialisation of working in and through football to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Registered Office

Richhill Presbyterian Church 6 Corcreevy Road Richhill Armagh BT61 9JR

Trustees

The names of all charity trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, on the date the report was approved and all individuals who served in such capacity during the year is as follows:

Matthew Dobson Christopher McCourt Adam Patton

Appointment of Trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association, trustees other than those retiring by rotation can only be appointed at a general meeting if (1) they are recommended by existing trustees or (2) the required notice has been given by a member entitled to vote of the intention to propose that person as a trustee and the required notice has been given to those entitled to receive notice of the meeting.

Organisational Structure

----- Start of picture text -----
Ambassadors
Ireland
Board of Trustees
Camps / Youth / Local
International
Tours / TREC Clubs
Ireland Co-Ordinator Ireland Co-Ordinator International Co-Ordinator
----- End of picture text -----

The trustees meet 4-6 times per year with the Ireland Co-Ordinators, Stewart Glass and Derek Livingstone, to receive updates on the work of the charity. The Trustees also meet virtually and where possible, in person, with Oversees Project Co-ordinator Robert Cuthbert.

Related parties

Ambassadors Football worldwide consists of over 30 independent national charities. The national offices are affiliated through a shared vision and desire to cooperate together on the basis of shared values.

3

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONT’D)

Objectives and Activities

The purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian religion, especially in and through sport and sports chaplaincy and particularly (but not exclusively) involving youth, church and school groups in such activities.

MISSION

VISION

VALUES

Ambassadors Football (Ireland) exists to bring about positive change in hard to reach, vulnerable children, youth, adults and their communities, through running innovative holistic faith based football programmes, investing in churches, coaches, players and participants for their football outreach initiatives.

The Ambassadors approach is that through the bridge of football, the workers successfully overcome barriers to get alongside people in a non-judgmental way, to enable positive life-changing decisions to be made.

From this platform of trust, Ambassadors workers then develop and deliver programmes in Ambassadors branded football clubs, academies, soccer schools, tours and community projects as well as providing support and training for churches, leaders, coaches and club players.

Achievements and performance

Since its inception Ambassadors Football Ireland has

Financial Review

Ambassadors is funded primarily from personal, individual contributions, with most coming from recurring monthly donations, and we are very appreciative of this local support. Income is also generated through fees charged to participants in activities, although we aim to set these at a level whereby finances does not become a barrier to participation.

Reserves Policy

Ambassadors Trustees continued the agreed strategy of holding unrestricted, undesignated reserves at a target level equal to six months’ operating costs.

4

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

DIRECTORS’ REPORT (CONT’D)

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The directors are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that year. In preparing these the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015), the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

By order of the Board on 23 September 2024.

________ Christopher McCourt

5

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE CHARITY TRUSTEES OF AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND)

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 7 to 15.

Respective responsibilities of charity trustees and examiner

As the charity trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:

  1. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records

  2. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

  3. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.

D Ruddell For and on behalf of Wylie Ruddell Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors Unit 63 Armagh Business Centre 2 Loughgall Road Armagh BT61 7NH

Date: 23 September 2024

6

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Income:
Donations
Charitable activities
Investments – bank interest
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total
Net incoming/(outgoing)
Resources before transfers
Transfers
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2023
2022
Unrestricted
Restricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Funds
Funds
Total
Note
3
4
5		 £
£
£
£
£
£
105,048
47,074
152,122
115,738
47,616
163,354
88,555
-
88,555
62,489
-
62,489
220
-
220
114
-
114
193,823
47,074
240,897
178,341
47,616
225,957
(190,503)
(19,276)
(209,779)
(170,389)
(16,316)
(186,705)
(190,503)
(19,276)
(209,779)
(170,389)
(16,316)
(186,705)
3,320
27,798
31,118
7,952
31,300
39,252
-
-
-
(10,523)
10,523
-
3,320
27,798
31,118
(2,571)
41,823
39,252
84,448
41,823
126,271
87,019
-
87,019
87,768
69,621
157,389
84,448
41,823
126,271

The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these accounts .

7

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts due within one year
Net Current Assets
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
General fund
Designated funds
Total funds		 31 DECEMBER 2023
31 DECEMBER 2022		 31 DECEMBER 2023
31 DECEMBER 2022		 31 DECEMBER 2023
31 DECEMBER 2022		 31 DECEMBER 2023
31 DECEMBER 2022
Note
9
10
11
12
12
12		 £
4,722
164,797
169,519
(15,016)		 £
£
2,886
11,264
129,011
140,275
(14,461)
154,503
157,389
69,621
45,990
41,778
157,389		 £
457
125,814
126,271
41,823
61,102
23,346
126,271

For the financial year ending 31[st] December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The financial statements were approved by the directors and authorised for issue on 23 September 2024 and are signed on their behalf by

Christopher McCourt

Matthew Dobson

Company Registration No: NI069535

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AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Accounting policies

Company information

Ambassadors Football (Ireland) is a company limited by guarantee. The liability of each member is limited to £10 each. There is no ultimate controlling party.

The registered office is Richhill Presbyterian Church, 6 Corcreevy Road, Richhill, Armagh, BT61 9JR.

The trustees are also directors of the company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006.

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)” (“Charities SORP (FRS 102)”), “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Companies Act 2006.

Ambassadors Football (Ireland) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

1.2 Incoming resources

Donations

Grants and donations are credited to incoming resources on the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable, unless they relate to a specified future period, in which case they are deferred.

Grants and donations which have been restricted for use by the donor or which relate to capital expenditure are treated as restricted income and are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when they are receivable and when any performance conditions attached to the grant or donation have been met.

Charitable activities

Income from charitable activities includes all incoming resources generated from participation fees relating to the activities of the charity, sponsorship of the charity’s programmes and payments received by the charity for the provision of services. All income is recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable.

Investment income

Investment income (including bank interest) is recognised when received and is allocated to the appropriate fund.

1.3 Resources expended

Charitable activities

This comprises all resources applied by the charity when working to meet its charitable objectives. This includes wages costs allocated to activities on the basis of time spent on those activities.

9

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified to reflect the use of resources. Expenditure is recognised inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)

1 Accounting policies (cont’d)

1.4 Taxation

No provision is required for taxation as the company is defined as a charity for taxation purposes.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the full cost or valuation, less estimated residual value, of each asset over the term of its estimated useful life. The principal rates in use are as follows:

Equipment, fixtures & fittings - 25% straight line

1.6 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the carrying amounts of the charity’s tangible assets are reviewed to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Statement of Financial Activities, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment loss is treated as a revaluation decrease.

Recognised impairment losses are reversed if, and only if, the reasons for the impairment loss have ceased to apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.7 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held on call with banks.

10

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)

1 Accounting policies (cont’d)

1.9 Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

1.11 Fund accounting

The company has three types of funds for which it is responsible, and which require separate disclosure. Definitions of the funds are as follows:

Restricted funds

Grants, donations and other income received which are restricted by the funder or donor for specific purposes. Such purposes are within the overall aims of the charity.

Unrestricted funds

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

Designated funds

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. These relate to donations received where the donor has expressed a preference that the funds be used for a specific project or purpose, which the trustees intend to honour.

1.12 Preparation of accounts on the going concern basis

Having considered the financial performance of the charity and its financial position at year-end and on the date of signing the accounts, and considered expected financial performance in the future, the trustees are satisfied that the charity has adequate resources to continue in existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements.

1.13 Pension Scheme

The company provides a defined contribution pension scheme, the assets of which are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. Contributions to this scheme are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable.

11

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charitable company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the opinion of the directors, they do not consider there to be key sources of estimation uncertainty.

3 Income from Donations


Grants towards:
National projects
Donations towards:
National projects
International projects		 2023 2022
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
£
134
-
134
2,790
-
2,790
104,914
-
104,914
112,948
-
112,948
-
47,074
47,074
-
47,616
47,616
105,048
47,074
152,122
115,738
47,616
163,354

Grants and donations towards national projects are those where the donor has expressed a preference that the donation be used to support the work of staff or projects in Ireland, or where no preference is expressed. Grants and donations towards international projects are those where the donor has expressed a preference that the donation be used to support the work of Ambassadors projects and staff members in other countries (including those of affiliate Ambassadors organisations).

4 Income from Charitable Activities

Youth programmes
Adult programmes
Tours		 2023
2022
£
£
33,958
36,070
8,421
6,050
46,176
20,369
88,555
62,489

All income from charitable activities is unrestricted income.

5 Breakdown of costs of charitable activity

ctivity
2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £ £

Activities undertaken directly:

12

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND)
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Youth programmes
Adult programmes
Tours
International projects
Support costs (note 6)		 33,601
-
33,601
41,668
36,930
-
36,930
30,627
26,778
-
26,778
29,792
57,049
19,276
76,325
62,852
36,145
-
36,145
21,766
190,503
19,276
209,779
186,705

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)

6 Support cost breakdown

upport cost breakdown
Wages
Travel
Equipment
Staff & volunteer training
Repairs & maintenance
Office expense
Insurance
Accountancy
Miscellaneous expenses
Depreciation		 2023
2022
£
£
-
-
14,214
5,073
-
-
1,284
1,460
40
485
6,258
2,584
3,246
3,922
5,400
6,216
5,285
1,934
418
92
36,145
21,766

7 Directors’ remuneration

The directors neither received nor waived any emoluments during the year.

8 Staff costs

taff costs
Wages and salaries
Pension costs		 2023
2022
£
£
60,740
75,349
973
1,355
61,713
76,704

The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was as follows:

Employees
Directors		 2023
Number
2022
Number
£
£
4
5
3
3
7
8

No employee was paid more than £60,000 during the year.

The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel in the period was £36,378 (2022: £39,392).

13

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND) (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)

9 Tangible fixed assets

9 Tangible fixed assets
Equipment,
fixtures &
fittings Total
£ £
Cost
At 1 January 2023 3,223 3,223
Additions 2,847 2,847
Disposals - -
At 31 December 2023 6,070 6,070
Depreciation
At 1 January 2023 2,766 2,766
Charge for the year 418 418
At 31 December 2023 3,184 3,184
Net book value
At 31 December 2023 2,886 2,886
At 31 December 2022 457 457
10 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year:
2023 2022
£ £
Trade Debtors - 800
Other taxation and social security - 1,030
Other debtors 4,722 9,434
4,722 11,264
11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Trade Creditors 1,256 1,134
Other taxation and social security 434 -
Accruals and deferred income 13,327 13,327
Other Creditors - -
15,017 14,461
12 Statement of Funds
Balance Transfers Balance
1 January Movement in resources between 31 December
2023 Incoming Outgoing Funds 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds 41,823 47,074 (19,276) - 69,621
Unrestricted funds:

14

AMBASSADORS FOOTBALL (IRELAND)
(A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE)
DIRECTORS’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
General reserve
Designated funds
Total unrestricted
Total funds		 61,102
113,679
(128,791)
-
45,990
23,346
80,144
(61,712)
-
41,778
84,448
193,823
(190,503)
-
87,768
126,271
240,897
(209,779)
-
157,389

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONT’D)

13 Analysis of net assets between funds

nalysis of net assets between funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Designated funds		 Tangible
Fixed Assets
Other Net
Assets
Total
£
£
£
-
69,621
69,621
2,886
43,104
45,990
-
41,778
41,778
2,886
84,882
87,768
2,886
154,503
157,389

14 Financial commitments

At the reporting end date the company had no outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases.

15 Pension Commitments and Other Post Retirement Benefits

Defined Contribution Scheme

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost and charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £973 (2022: £1,355). At the 31 December 2023, contributions amounting to £Nil (2022: £Nil) were payable to the fund and were included in other creditors.

15