Bridges Beyond Boxing
Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025
About Bridges Beyond Boxing
Bridges Beyond Boxing exists to support young people through boxing, connection and shared experiences. We use sport as a starting point, but our focus is much wider, helping young people build confidence, develop life skills and experience the world beyond their immediate environment.
We are a volunteer-led charity, with all activity overseen by a Board of Trustees who are committed to delivering safe, meaningful and accessible opportunities for young people. During this reporting period, the charity has moved from early planning into full delivery, marking an important step in our development.
How we are run
The charity is led by four trustees who meet regularly to guide the work, review progress and make decisions. Meetings are held throughout the year, with additional sessions where needed, particularly around programme delivery.
We have worked hard to keep things simple but well organised. This includes:
-
clearly defined trustee roles
-
regular review of risks and safeguarding
-
keeping our policies up to date
-
making sure finances are tracked and understood
Safeguarding has been a consistent priority. All volunteers involved in programmes are appropriately checked, and clear processes are in place to support young people during all activities, particularly when travelling.
We are planning to grow the board to six trustees over the next year to bring in additional skills, particularly in fundraising and youth development.
Bridges Beyond Boxing 2024-5, Annual Trustees Report
1
What we set out to do
Our aim is to give young people opportunities they might not otherwise have access to.
We do this by:
-
supporting participation in boxing and physical activity
-
creating safe and structured environments
-
building confidence and discipline
-
providing opportunities for cultural exchange
A key part of our work is connecting young people from Northern Ireland with young people in the United States through shared experiences in boxing and community life.
What we did this year
This year has been a major milestone for Bridges Beyond Boxing.
We successfully delivered:
-
two trips to the United States
-
one visit hosting young people from the United States
In total, 24 young people travelled to the USA, and a further 10 young people were involved through hosting and engaging with visiting participants.
Each trip was carefully planned and supervised, with safeguarding, travel safety and communication with families at the centre of everything we did.
What difference it made
The impact of these experiences has been clear.
Young people told us they:
-
felt more confident in themselves
-
experienced new environments and cultures
-
developed stronger friendships and teamwork
-
gained a sense of independence and belief
For many, this was their first time travelling internationally, and it opened up new perspectives on what is possible for them. The relationships built with host clubs and communities in the United States were also a key outcome. These connections go
Bridges Beyond Boxing 2024-5, Annual Trustees Report
2
beyond sport and have created the foundations for ongoing exchange and shared learning.
Importantly, all programmes were delivered safely, with no major incidents, which reflects the care taken in planning and supervision.
Public benefit
Our work provides clear benefit to young people and the wider community.
Through our programmes, young people are supported to:
-
improve their physical and mental wellbeing
-
develop confidence and resilience
-
build positive relationships
-
access opportunities they would not otherwise have
We aim to keep our work as inclusive as possible. We actively encourage participation from young people of different backgrounds and work to remove barriers where we can.
The benefit is not just in the moment, but in how these experiences shape young people’s outlook, confidence and future choices.
Financial overview
During the year, the charity received income of £24,975 and had expenditure of £20,648.
Spending was mainly linked to programme delivery and ensuring that activities were safe, well organised and accessible. We have kept a close eye on finances throughout the year, with regular reviews at board level. The accounts have been independently examined, and no issues were raised.
Looking ahead
We are proud of what has been achieved this year, but we are also aware that this is just the beginning of our growth as a charity.
Our focus for the next period is to:
-
continue delivering international exchange opportunities
-
build a more stable and diverse funding base
-
grow the board to strengthen our capacity
Bridges Beyond Boxing 2024-5, Annual Trustees Report
3
- maintain a strong focus on safeguarding and quality.
We want to grow carefully and responsibly, making sure that we do not lose the quality and purpose that sit at the heart of the charity.
Trustees’ statement
The trustees confirm that they have carried out their duties in line with the guidance provided by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, including consideration of public benefit.
They are satisfied that the charity is being managed responsibly and in line with its purpose.
Declaration
This report has been approved by the trustees.
Signed:
Name: Declan Barry
Position: Secretary
Date: 12 April 2026
Bridges Beyond Boxing 2024-5, Annual Trustees Report
4