2024-03-31-annual-report - The Royal Ulster Constabulary Athletic Association Limited

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Registered Number: IP00089 Charity Commission Number: 106083 HM Revenue & Customs Charity Number: XN46104

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Annual Report For the financial year ended 31 March 2024

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

*Contents*	Page
Trustees and Other Information	2
Trustees’ Report	3 – 16
Independent Auditor’s Report	17 – 20
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities	21
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position	22
Parent Charitable Society Statement of Financial Position	23
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement	24
Notes to the Financial Statements	25 – 45

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES AND OTHER INFORMATION AT DATE OF APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Chief Executive

A McGowan

Company Secretary

A McGowan

Registered and Principal Office

18b Newforge Lane Belfast BT9 5NW

Independent Auditors

Ruddell & Company Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors 16 – 18 Church Street Dungannon BT71 6AB

Trustees

R Singleton (Chair) G McGrath (Vice-Chair, joined Aug 22) D Crockard D Rothwell P J Whyte R Watterson A Wilson T Foley T McKendry K Beggan G West M Hicks (joined Nov 23) B Wallace

Bankers Bank of Ireland 1 Donegall Square South Belfast BT1 5LR

Audit and Risk Committee D Crockard (Chair) D Rothwell R Watterson P J Whyte

Solicitors

Edwards & Co 28 Hill Street Belfast BT1 2LA

Business and Finance Committee A Wilson (Chair) T McKendry

Registered Number IP00089

Charity Commission Number 106083

Remuneration Committee

D Rothwell A Wilson PJ Whyte

HM Revenue & Customs Charity Number XN46104

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees, who are also the Directors under the provisions of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 1969, submit their Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements of the group for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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”)), in preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the charity.

Reference and Administrative Details

Details of the Registered Office, Trustees, Independent Advisers and other relevant information are given on page 2.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

The Royal Ulster Constabulary Athletic Association Limited (“RUC AA”, “RUC Athletic Association” or “the Association”) is an Industrial and Provident Society and operates under its regulations and the RUC Athletic Association Rules.

Recruitment and Training of Trustees

Trustees of the charity are elected in accordance with the rules of the Association and are designed to be representative of all members of the charity. The Trustees form the Executive Board; they are elected from the following areas:

Chief Constables Representative	1 nomination annually by the PSNI Chief Constable.
Chief Constables Senior Police Staff Representative	1 nomination annually by the PSNI Chief Constable.
Sports and Social Sections Committee	2 elected representatives by the Association’s sports
	clubs (2-year tenure).
Recreation and Wellbeing Committee	2 elected representatives by the charity’s recreation
	clubs which are found in each PSNI District (2-year
	tenure).
RUC AA Council	2 elected representatives from the Association’s
	council (2-year tenure).
Retired Police Officers	1 elected at the Annual General Meeting of the
	Association (2-year tenure).
Non-Executive Trustees	Up to 2 representatives, which are recruited by the
	Executive Board to provide specific skills, which will
	benefit the Association and its members.
Co -Opted Trustees	The Executive Board may co-opt up to 5 members to
	provide specific input to the Board where they
	regard this as beneficial to the Association and its
	members.
Secretary	A McGowan.

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Training is provided for new Trustees by CIPFA. This outlines the roles and responsibilities of being a Trustee of the charity. The Association’s Accountant provides training in the financial structure and management reporting of all aspects of the charity’s financial accountability.

Council

The RUC AA Council is a consultative body representing the members of the Association. Its members are as follows:

Chief Constable as Honorary President.
1 representative from each Sporting Section.
1 representative from each District Recreation Club.
1 representative from the Chief Constable (Senior Officer).
1 representative from the Chief Constable (Senior Support Staff).
2 representatives elected at the Annual General Meeting.
1 representative Police Federation for Northern Ireland (co-opted).
1 representative Superintendents Association of Northern Ireland (co-opted).
1 representative Northern Ireland Retired Police Officers Association (co-opted).

Organisation Management

The Trustees of the charity are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the Association. They meet on a bi-monthly basis. They receive detailed Management Accounts and a Management Report from the Chief Executive and his Senior Management Team who are tasked with the day to day running of the charity. A Business and Finance Committee meets on a quarterly basis and makes recommendations to the Executive Board on financial matters. An Audit and Risk Committee meets 4 times a year and undertakes specific inspections of policies, procedures and their implementation, to ensure the highest level of probity and corporate governance are maintained within the charity.

Group Structure and Relationships

The charity has one wholly owned non-charitable subsidiary, Newforge Trading Services Limited, which was established to provide a source of revenue to help minimise the cost of membership of the Association and provide facilities for the charity to use. Surplus funds from these businesses are gift aided to the charity. These businesses also benefit members through highly competitive rates for the purchase of insurance, financial services and cars.

Other

The Council meets twice yearly. Its primary purpose is to provide an opportunity for a wide-ranging combination of the membership of the Association to engage with the Board of Trustees and the Management Team.

Every ordinary member shall, on admission to membership, purchase and so long as they continue as a member of the Association, hold at least one share of 5p each.

The Trustees have ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the affairs of the Association. Day-to-day management is delegated to the permanent staff, through the Chief Executive.

The Trustees of the Association (as listed on page 2) at 31 March 2024, all have been Trustees for the whole of the year ended on that date, unless otherwise stated.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Risk Management

The Trustees of the charity are responsible for the management of risks faced by the Association. Detailed consideration of risk is delegated to the Audit and Risk Committee assisted by the Chief Executive and his Senior Management Team.

The key controls used by the charity include:

Formal agendas for all Executive Board and all other Committee Meetings;
Terms of Reference within the Association rules for all Committees;
Delegation of Interests as an agenda item for all Committees;
Comprehensive budgeting, management accounting and detailed reporting;
Formal written policies which are reviewed on a regular basis;
Clear authorisation and approval levels and transparent tendering procedure;
Vetting procedures as required by law for the protection of the vulnerable;
Vetting procedures for all employees to ensure the integrity of all personal information is maintained;
Regular detailed surveys on all aspects of health and safety management.

Through the risk management process the Trustees are satisfied that the major risks have been identified and have been adequately mitigated where necessary.

Internal Control

The Trustees are ultimately responsible for monitoring that the Association has an appropriate system of controls, financial and otherwise, to provide reasonable assurance with respect to the:

Business being operated efficiently and effectively;
Safeguarding of assets against unauthorised use or disposal;
Maintenance of proper records and the reliability of financial information used within the Association or for publication;
Compliance with law and regulations.

In assessing what constitutes reasonable assurance the Trustees have regard to the materiality of any financial risks involved, the likelihood of such risks crystallising and the cost of and benefits from particular aspects of the internal control system. The Trustees review the effectiveness of the system of control regularly.

Grant Making Policy

Grants are awarded to sports sections and clubs to assist with capital expenditure and running costs. This process is monitored by the Sports and Social Sections Committee and the Business and Finance Committee.

Charitable Objectives and Activities

The RUC Athletic Association Limited is a charitable sports and leisure organisation with a number of charitable objectives which we strive to achieve. Our objectives are set to reflect our sports and recreational aims and the charitable ethos of our Association. It is important to us that we maintain and enhance our efforts to encourage mental and physical well-being throughout our Association and to further improve relations between the police and communities, and also relations between divided communities.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Public Benefit Statement

Purposes

To promote the advancement of amateur sport by the provision of sporting facilities, events, activities and resources and by providing assistance to amateur sporting groups for the benefit of the public at large;
To promote community development and citizenship by encouraging participation in sports and recreation through providing and developing facilities;
To promote the effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources by supporting and assisting other charitable organisations through provision of facilities and resources for activities including fundraising, events and meetings;
To promote community engagement and understanding of the police family and build relationships through participation in sporting and recreational activities by working in partnership with the local community including youth organisations, community groups, charities, schools and sports and recreational organisations;
To promote the advancement of health and well-being by promoting community participation in healthy recreation by providing facilities and resources for sports and recreation.

The Trustees believe that our five purposes satisfy both elements of the Public Benefit requirement.

The following section of our Annual Report comments on how the Association’s activities met each of our five charitable objectives and operational objectives.

1) To promote advancement of amateur sport by the provision of sporting facilities, events, activities and resources and by providing assistance to amateur sporting groups for the benefit of the public at large.

The Association continued to advance amateur sport in Northern Ireland. One of the main ways we do this is through our 30 affiliated sporting sections. These sections fulfil this aim through the following different sports: Angling, American Football, Athletics, Bowls, Boxing, Clay Pigeon, Cricket, Darts, Gaelic Sports, Football, Kayaking, Hillwalking, Hockey, Martial Arts, Motoring, Netball, Orienteering, Powerlifting, Rugby, Sailing, Swimming, and Tennis.

The Association arranges bi-monthly meetings of our sporting sections to discuss issues affecting their sports and to discuss opportunities for sports development and events. The Association’s sporting sections play sport across all areas of the region, and into the UK, Europe and beyond. The relationships built during these activities are essential to promoting sport and recreation through society in general and continue to “normalise” policing with sections of the public at large.

Our outdoor pitches were modernised in 2020, with a hockey pitch, multi-use games area, bowls green, 3G pitch for Soccer, GAA, American Football and a grass pitch for Rugby. These pitches are used by PSNI teams, as well as many sports clubs from the greater Belfast region. These teams include Glentoran FC, Taughmonagh FC, Finaghy FC, Instonians RFC, Pegasus HC, East Belfast GAA and St Brigid’s GAA. We link with other Associations, such as the Irish Football Association, for small games sessions, and youth development training for underage groups. We also engage with local schools to help fulfil their physical education requirements, for example Methodist College and Belfast Academical Institute use the 3G for soccer and rugby matches and training, and Victoria College for the hockey pitch. The Association continued our relationship with the Ulster Rugby Academy in the reporting year of 2023/24, facilitating their summer programme for 200+ amateur players from ages 15 to 20 to train, play and develop at Newforge over the summer of 2023.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

The completion of the Newforge Hub allows the Association to expand the number of sports it can host onsite to include indoor activities, such as basketball, cricket, netball, badminton, futsal, boccia, powerchair football, martial arts, and new sports like pickleball. This facility expansion has more than doubled the types of sports taking place at Newforge. We aim to increase footfall to the site from approximately 15,000 users to 100,000 users within the first year of the expanded operations.

2) To promote community development and citizenship by encouraging participation in sports and recreation through providing and developing facilities.

The Association has underpinned the EU’s PEACE IV and Sport NI funded project to deliver a new Shared Space at Newforge. The Association is the leading partner within Newforge Community Development Trust (NCDT) alongside the other bluelight agencies including An Garda Siochana, Northern Ireland Prison Service and Northern Ireland Fire Service. The Association and NCDT have a symbiotic staffing arrangement, where the Association’s staffing resource is used within the “Hub” facility for community development outcomes.

The multi-purpose rooms in the new Hub were completed in March 2023 and indoor sports arena, almost a year later in February 2024. During the reporting period of April 2023 to March 2024, the multi-purpose rooms in the “Hub” were used 362 times for 1416 hours of activities. These activities included meetings and conferences but also player and coach development through volunteer training, as well as sport club meetings, and recreational activities like yoga and pilates classes.

The gym at the Hub also completed and opened in March 2023. 40 existing gym members from our old facility continued their membership into the new gym and the Association began to implement a strategy to grow the number of gym members from the community at large. By January 2024 the gym membership had grown to 173 members and by the end of this reporting period in March 2024 had grown to 265 members – an increase of over 200 members in a year.

The Association also has a bespoke “performance gym”, for individuals and sports clubs to use for enhanced strength and conditioning work in a more private setting. This gym is used by groups such as Ulster Rugby, the Irish FA, St Brigid’s GAA, Derry GAA, East Belfast GAA, IRFU, Belfast Star Basketball and Victoria College. In the reporting period of April 2023 to March 2024 this facility was used 547 times for 2035hrs.

3) To promote the effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources by supporting and assisting other charitable organisations through provision of facilities and resources for activities including fundraising, events and meetings.

The Association provides room and meeting space at Newforge to charities, community groups and schools where a need is established. With the opening of the multi-purpose rooms in the new Shared Space facility in March 2023, Newforge has doubled its capacity for meeting facilities onsite. This allowed more opportunities to assist charities, whilst leaving enough capacity for non-charitable business in our rooms. In the reporting period of April 2023 to March 2024 the Association provided 439hrs of facilities to 2334 participants for charitable groups. Groups using the facilities included Action Cancer, MACS, Blesma, Cancer Focus, Mindwise and Mary Peters Trust.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

4) To promote community engagement and understanding of the police family and to build relationships through participation in sporting and recreational activities by working in partnership with the local community including youth organisations, community groups, charities, schools and sports and recreational organisations.

Part of the EU funded project has been used to upgrade areas of Newforge Sports Complex outside of the main capital construction. The front entrance has seen the inclusion of a new front gate with intercom for out of hours interactions. The security sanger has been reclad in black aluminium to match the new black directional signage on display throughout the site. The sanger has also had welcome signage placed on it to make the entrance more friendly to everyone arriving on site.

The Association completed an objective to develop the “Garden of Reflection” as a memorial space at Newforge. We engaged with the CARE Forum stakeholders to reach an understanding of what they would like the Memorial Space to be and to give an opportunity to propose any particular items to be included within the space. The RUC GC Widows Association have included a commemorative bench; the Parents Association have included a memorial plinth in the Garden, as too have the RUC Cadets Corps. With the assistance of the RUC GC Foundation, we were able to include a weatherproof outdoor version of the “Murdered Colleagues” artwork into the Garden. Part of the EU funding was used to successfully tender a Landscape Gardening company to develop the patio area beside McLeave’s Lock Restaurant. Reclaimed timber and hedging was used to border the space, three trees were plants and decorative borders were also planted into the space. A formal opening of the event, which will include representatives from all the stakeholders, is planned for later in 2024.

The Association and NCDT work in tandem to deliver peace & reconciliation programmes at Newforge, with the Association donating outdoor pitch slots for this cross community and cross border work. The Association hosted a number of these programmes during the reporting period of April 23 to March 24 including:

Children & Young People programme: launched at Newforge on 13th June 23. The Youth Teambuilding day was on 14th August 23, with a mix of sport and mindfulness sessions and interactions with PSNI Dog Section. The final Listening event was on 24th August 2024 with PSNI mixing with young people and their families to engage in meaningful dialogue. In total 28 young people took part across the events.
Exploring Amnesty Dialogue: On 9th Oct 23 Newforge hosted the “25 pieces” event – conversation and exhibition from news archive of journalist Brian Rowan. It follows the road to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and the journey since. An in-depth discussion about the challenges of turning conflict into peace, and the role of policing within that. Brian and Mervyn Jess discussed the artifacts on show and debated with the attendees. The follow up event was on 26th Oct 23 at Newforge. The topic was “Making peace with the Past” and a legacy conversation in which Brian and Mervyn discussed issues from his book 'Living with Ghosts'. Discussions on the conflict period and the many negotiations, agreements and disagreements on legacy as we struggle to find a way to answer the past. In total 44 participants took part over the 2 events.
Girls Good Relations project in conjunction with Limestone Utd: on the 12th and 19th Sept 23 a crosscommunity football programme was run in conjunction with Limestone Utd at Newforge. Participants were 8 teenage girls from the interface between Newington, Tigers Bay & Newlodge in Belfast. The girls all varied greatly in abilities, experience and knowledge of soccer. The programme was designed to initiate them to the sport and each other. We facilitated the girls for football coaching and strength & conditioning sessions.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Re-imagining Police Remembrance Space: Upgrade of the current memorial at front of old clubhouse to a purpose built garden of reflection on the restaurant terrace. The construction work for the garden was tendered and completed in 2023. The re-imagining is for a patio space turned into a “Garden of Reflection” for members at Newforge. The space is to be a memorial for police sports people who were killed in the troubles. The Garden is to be developed in an existing patio area to the side of the older Newforge Clubhouse. A formal opening of the garden, where stakeholders involved in the consultation of the design will be invited along, is planned for November 2024.
Diversity Inclusion Cup: The Diversity Cup took place on Sat 29th July 2023 at Newforge. The event was run in conjunction with Glentoran Inclusion Academy and held over a full day. Participants took part in soccer matches through the day. The event was aimed at participants of all abilities and was inclusive of those with physical and/or learning disabilities. 212 participants in total took part in the event.
Residents Network: A group of 20 Newforge residents attended the shared space in Newforge on 7th February 2024. The session was facilitated by Alliance politician Paula Bradshaw, accompanied by Councillor Micky Murray. A second session was not possible as the engagement was derailed by discussions about the deterioration of the road surface in Newforge Lane. Residents strongly sought an outcome to repair the lane.
5) To promote the advancement of health and well-being by promoting community participation in healthy recreation by providing facilities and resources for sports and recreation.

From the period 2019 to 2023 the Association embarked on a strategy of fund-seeking to supplement its own finance which was used to redevelop the outdoor pitches. During this 4-year period, the Association’s Management Team were successful in bringing in £9.35 million in funding across 14 different funding streams. These applications ranged from large-scale capital investment from the EU’s Peace IV fund and Sport NI’s multi-facility fund, to smaller applications like Whitemountain, Hope for Youth and Garfield Weston for sports equipment, storage units and spectator stands.

In the summer of 2023, an application was submitted to the EU’s PeacePlus fund for £5.4m of pitch side changing facilities and recreational space, however this application was not successful. By the end of 2023 the Association’s Trustees devised a new strategy to move away from fund-seeking and facility upgrade to financial sustainability and a focus on growing the operations within the newly developed facilities. As such, no further funding applications were made in the reporting period of April 2023 to March 2024.

However, areas of site development remain an aspiration. The Association continues to hold the objective of acquiring additional land to develop a pitch capable of holding Gaelic Athletic sports as an important strategic goal. In February 2024 the Association’s Chairman and Management Team met with officials from AFBI and DAERA to further discuss options for the potential transfer of the DAERA land adjacent to Newforge with follow-up discussions planned for the remainder of 2024. The development of modern changing facilities in the centre of the outdoor sports pitches also remains a goal however, to develop such a non-income producing facility will require the assistance of external funding. Unsuccessful applications have been made to both the Levelling Up Fund and PeacePlus for such a project and the Association’s Trustees and Management Team will remain vigilant for future similar opportunities.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Access Policy

The Trustees are very clear that access to our Association cannot be restricted by the cost of our membership fee. They have therefore sought to keep membership costs to a minimum. At present, standard membership costs a very modest £7.98 per month putting it within access of most potential members.

Operational Objectives for 2023/24

The Association set several operational objectives for the April 2023 to March 2024 period and the outcomes of these are reported on below.

Complete construction of the new indoor sports facility at Newforge – this objective was achieved with the completion of the gym in March 23 and the indoor sports arena in February 24. The completion of this facility allows the Association to expand the number of sports it can host onsite to include indoor activities, such as basketball, netball, badminton, futsal, boccia, powerchair football, and new sports like pickleball.
Remain as a partner in Newforge Community Development Trust (NCDT) – the Association remains the lead partner in NCDT. NCDT is also a tenant of the Association, with an annual lease to manage the Hub building on the Newforge site, and the Association remains the landowner of entire Newforge site. NCDT is a separate registered charity but shares staff and some board members with the Association. The Association has full sight over NCDT activities, including a representative on the NCDT Board.
Submit applications for funding for facilities upgrade and equipment at Newforge – during April 2023 to March 2024, the Association made an application for funding for a shared changing facility and recreational space to the EU’s Peace Plus in August 2023. Unfortunately, the application was not successful.
To pursue additional land on which to develop a sports pitch capable of facilitating Gaelic Sports - In February 2024 the Association’s Chairman and Management Team met with officials from AFBI and DAERA to further discuss options for the potential transfer of the DAERA land adjacent to Newforge. The discussions revolved around the concept to build a floodlit, artificial pitch large enough to accommodate Gaelic sports. Follow-up discussions are planned for the remainder of 2024.
Develop the upgrade of the Memorial Garden at Newforge. – part of the EU’s Peace IV funding was reserved for programme work and one of these programmes was to upgrade the memorial space at the Newforge Clubhouse. The first meeting with CARE Forum stakeholders took place in February 2023 where initial ideas were discussed about what might be included in the new memorial space. It was proposed that the current memorial be upgraded from the limited space at the front door to the patio area adjacent to McLeave’s Lock restaurant. A follow up meeting was arranged for the autumn of 2023 where the design brief was agreed by stakeholders, who also submitted what they would like to have included in the space. Five landscape gardening companies were approached in October 2023 as part of the tender process and three of them returned quotations and designs for the work they proposed. The work was completed in December 2023 by Brian Corbett Garden Design. The transformation of the patio area included supplementing the existing crests and memorial with a weatherproof version of the “murdered colleagues” artwork, kindly donated by the RUC GC Foundation. A cast iron bench from the RUC GC Widows Association was placed in the garden along with a commemorative plinth from the Parents’ Association and RUC Cadet Corps. Accompanying these pieces, the “Garden of Reflection” was upgraded with reclaimed timber and hedges to frame the space, as well as three trees and shrubbery to plant out the borders. A formal opening of the space is planned for later in 2024.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Develop a 3-year strategy for the Athletic Association through the Board of Trustees - The Association’s Board of Trustees engaged in a strategy meeting at Newforge and set short term strategic goals for the 2023 to 2025 period as follows –
Membership Growth
Facility Upgrade and Expansion
Increase Sports Development
Expand Membership Services
Improve Financial Sustainability
Community Engagement
Staff Development

Of the above short term strategic goals, improving financial sustainability and increasing sports development has been prioritised during the reporting period of April 23 to March 24. The expansion of the sports facilities at Newforge to include a larger gym and an indoor hall allows for a much greater variety of sports onsite and an increase to the number of users onsite. From a baseline of just under 16,000 users at Newforge, the Association has targeted 100,000 users across the site by the end of 2024/25. With increased users comes increased income from sports facilities hire from individual users and clubs. Secondary spend on food & beverages and vending machines, will in turn, also increase income and seek to improve the Association’s Financial Sustainability. The Newforge “Hub” building has also doubled the conferencing capacity on the Newforge site. The indoor sports hall has also been equipped with a large dropdown screen, high powered projector, speakers and bleacher seating for 500 people, with an additional 100 chairs. This allows Newforge to also host large conferences or events for up to 600 people seated, or up to 1000 with additional seating or standing room. Newforge has targeted 2 conferences per day over a 42-week cycle for the year 24/25.

Achievements and Performance

Sporting Section Reports

The Association has 30 active affiliated Sporting Sections who contribute to our purposes of advancing amateur sport, promoting community development, promoting the effectiveness of charities, building understanding of the police family and advancing health and wellbeing. This amount of Athletic Association sporting section allows for a great variety of sports for members to choose to be part of and, in this reporting period of April 2023 to March 2024, the Association maintained its level of affiliated sections from previous years. The 30 sporting sections which the Association continues to maintain are as follows: American Football; Athletics; Bowls; Boxing; Clay Pigeon; Cricket; Darts; Fishing Game; Fishing Match; Fishing Sea; Football District; Football Club Men’s; Gaelic Football; Golf; Hillwalking; Hockey Men; Hockey Ladies; Judo; Jujitsu; Kayaking; Motor Club; Netball; Orienteering; Powerlifting; Rifle & Pistol; Rowing; Rugby; Sailing; Swimming; and Tennis. With this number of affiliated sections, the level of activity often varies greatly between clubs. Rather than use the annual report to comment on each of our sections activities, we will instead report by exception, and focus on some of the sporting highlights of this period. We have picked out a selection of sports to highlight, from various different disciplines. Some took place both on the water and some on land, and some with an emphasis on skill based, and others more focused on the traditional physical aspects of sport.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

In Sea Angling, the PSNI had an outstanding individual during the reporting period. D White triumphed in the 2023 Master Angler Boat competition, which was fished over 12 outings between May and October 2023. The Master Angler is awarded to the top angler from their best 6 fishing trips. In addition to this award he also achieved 1st Place for the most 'Species Award', catching an incredible 20 fish species. On land he was also the 2023 Master Angler Shore champion, which was fished between November and March on a selection of beaches along the North Antrim Coast. Over 10 fishing venues tests anglers skills and the overall winner is the individual with the highest points over their best 6 outings. A special annual shore event is the 'Biggest Ray' competition fished at Fahan County Donegal, where D White also achieved 1st place in this competition and therefore is the first member of the PSNI Sea Angling Club to achieve the 'Treble' - Master Angler Boat, Shore and Species Award!

In Ladies Hockey, it had been a number of years since the PSNI had won the coveted PSUK trophy but 2023 proved to be their year once again. Home advantage no doubt played a massive part with all coaches, management team and players in a position to give it everything they had over the two day tournament. Seven teams made the journey across for what was an excellent two days of hockey with some exceptional talent on show. On day one the team won two games and drew the third, setting them up for a semi-final against Police Scotland, which they won after scoring a number of fantastic goals. The following day saw the Ladies take on Cheshire Police in the family which was a full family affair, with the PSNI Ladies having children and young family members accompany them as team mascots. Following a fantastic goal, the ladies ran out as eventual winners with a 1-0 win. The Ladies ended the tournament undefeated, conceding no goals whilst scoring a considerable amount. The tournament embodied the true meaning of sport and was a fantastic two days and PSNI Ladies Hockey team were crowned PSUK Champions.

Also, in hockey, September 2023 saw 14 members of the PSNI hockey section go to Aberdeen, along with members from Police Scotland North, East and West for the 2023 Celtic Cup competition. PSNI were paired along with Police Scotland West making a force to be reckoned with and, as a result, we would go on to become the 2023 Celtic Cup Winners. Day two saw everyone’s names being thrown into a hat to participate in a mixed 7s tournament in which the NHS, Army and Police Scotland Rugby had also been invited to. In true sporting fashion, the winner was decided from the leading teams by a physical challenge while everyone else watched on. With over 60 participants across both days, the tournament has been growing in size each year it is held. More importantly, the competition saw a fantastic £1250 being raised on behalf of the charity Police Care UK. Karen Maxwell, Club President of the Police Scotland North team who hosted the Aberdeen event said; “It only felt right to add to the money already raised in Edinburgh. Police Care UK is a charity that has provided essential support to many in the hockey family. Police Sport really brings us together, the team bond is undeniable along with the positive impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Our committee would really like to thank all the players, family and friends for their generosity as well as SPRA, the local pitches, and small businesses who supported our event.”

In Rowing, it was a successful start to the 2023 Regatta season for the Women’s Master Crew (with PSNI members incorporated). A win in the coxed four race at Neptune Regatta on 1st April and then a repeat of that success back on the Liffey at Trinity Regatta in May again for the Women’s Masters coxed four. Sunday 14th May saw the first day of the Come and Try Rowing to attract more female Masters Rowers down to Belfast Rowing Club. We have 8 new Learn to Row Members from PSNI signed up for a four week trial so hopefully some new blood for the PSNI Rowing Club. PSNI also attended the PSUK Rowing championships in September 2023, hosted by the Met in Walton-on-Thames.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

10 PSNI team members were rowing and won the most races out of the services represented, who were the Met, Devon & Cornwall, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire. PSNI focused on novices this year, particularly women novice rowers, which paid dividends as the novice 4 won their event. The Men’s Open 4 rowed in composite with Nottingham and they also won. The novice single sculler won his final and Men’s Doubles won too, however the women’s novice double scull lost their final. 2023 was a great success for novice women and hopefully good for next year at the open level.

A success story to relay for PSNI Cricket, as for the first time in 7 years, PSNI entered the Saturday League of NCU in 2023 to add to the mid-week team and PSUK. The MW team ended the season mid-table, but they also reached the Semi Final of the midweek competition. The Saturday team only lost 3 matches the whole season and set a strong foundation to bring back weekend police cricket.

A sport in which we do not often report on, the Police Sport UK Orienteering Championships and annual match against the RAF took place at Watchwood & Calverton, in Nottinghamshire on Sunday 19th November 2023. Competitors from nine services took part in the challenging arena of a reclaimed coal tip, which was only increased in intensity by damp weather and dense vegetation - hard going at times! The results of PSNI team member R Vasey received him high praise at the competition, having out run all the RAF competitors with the exception of one. However, these efforts alone were not enough, as the RAF defeated the Police 7 points to 3.

Finally, whilst not a sporting section per se, an honourable mention goes to the Police Male Voice Choir, who celebrated their 50th Anniversary with a concert in the Great Hall at Stormont on Friday 27th October 2023. The choir was formed in March 1973 when Chief Superintendent Edward Woods met with 12 other officers at RUC Headquarters in Brooklyn and the first concert was held shortly afterwards on 9th May 1973 in Holywood. The number of members in the choir has remained stable and it currently has 37 members in its 50th year, who continue to perform annually at concerts, church services and other events. The event included a charity collection for Air Ambulance to support the fantastic work they do in saving lives across the province.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Financial Review

Going Concern

The Trustees have given careful consideration to the results during the financial year. The group has net current liabilities of £567,748 (2023: £723,866), while the group continued to experience challenging economic conditions during the financial year. In order to meet its liabilities as they fall due the Group and charitable body is dependent on members funding and adequate banking facilities. On this basis, a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group and Charitable Body’s ability to continue as a going concern and, therefore, that it may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

Giving due consideration to the cash flow forecasts prepared, current trading performance and liquidity position of the group and parent charitable society, including existing bank facilities, the Trustees believe that the Group will be able meet its liabilities as they fall due and will be able to continue as a going concern for the period of not less than 12 months from the date of this report. The parent charity society has net current assets of £135,190 (2023: £49,782) and has received assurances from its subsidiary undertaking that they will not seek repayments of any balances due to them if the company is not in a position to settle them and will continue to provide financial support for a period of 12 months from the date of these financial statements.

On that basis, the financial statements continue to be prepared on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments made to reflect an inadequate funding level from members or a reduction in or withdrawal of banking facilities.

Review of Business and Future Developments

The current financial year has been challenging. The result for the year shows a deficit of £246,772 (2023: deficit of £247,264). There has been an increase in costs relating to trading activities as a result of the increased footfall and activities post Covid.

Newforge Trading Services Limited continues to provide income from insurance services. The redevelopment of the grounds came at a cost as the bank loan continued to be repaid during the financial period. Fixed asset expenditure during the financial period amounted to £26,065. Newforge Trading Services Limited deficit for the year was £238,056 (2023: £163,395).

Reserves Policy

The Association policy is to retain a level of free reserves which matches the needs of the charity, both at the current time and in the foreseeable future. Free reserves are its total funds excluding restricted funds, designated funds, revaluation reserve which comprises unrealised profits on buildings and income funds which can only be released by disposing of fixed assets (net of loans) held for charitable use. The reserves target is to have sufficient reserves to cover costs for a period equivalent to three months expenditure. The Association had total reserves at 31 March 2024 of £1,203,044 (2023: £1,449,816). The Association’s reserve policies are reviewed annually.

Plans for Future Periods

Increase footfall to the Newforge sports facilities to 100,000 users per annum
Add 1 additional new sport to the Athletic Association affiliated sections
Host 2 large scale events at Newforge for 500+ participants

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Continue cross-community and cross-border outreach as a partner within Newforge Community Development Trust
Pursue additional land on which to develop a sports pitch capable of facilitating Gaelic Sports
Finalise the development of the Memorial Garden at Newforge and formally open the space

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities in respect of Financial Statements

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the group and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable group for that year. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to:

Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act (Northern Ireland) 1969. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of Information to Auditors

In so far as the Trustees are aware:

There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s Auditors are unaware; and
• The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Auditors are aware of that information.

ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION LIMITED

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)

Exemptions from Disclosure

The company has taken exemption from the requirement to produce a separate statement of financial activities for the charity and a charity cashflow statement as the results are included in the consolidated statements.

Funds Held as Custodian Trustees on Behalf of Others

The charity holds no funds as custodian Trustees on behalf of others.

By Order of the Board

A McGowan Company Secretary