REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 09142406 (England and Wales)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1159772

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

FOR

HITCHIN RUGBY LIMITED

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

3

Independent Examiner's Report

4

Statement of Financial Activities

5

Statement of Financial Position

6

to

7

Notes to the Financial Statements

8

to

19

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2019).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The promotion of community participation in healthy recreation in particular by the provision of facilities for the playing of rugby union primarily but without limitation for the benefit for the local communities of Hitchin, Stevenange and Letchworth.

Public benefit

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

Staff and Volunteers

The trustees fully appreciate the importance of volunteers to the efficient working of the charity.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

A challenging period post pandemic with a number of long term sponsors reducing or ceasing to support the charity. We are very grateful to all our sponsors, past and present especially MNP who have made and continue to make much of our growth possible. Despite these challenges, the work of a small group of volunteers dedicated to supporting the income of the charity have maintained funding at acceptable levels.

There was modest growth in numbers for men's and women's rugby with mini and youth numbers remaining strong. Touch rugby remains an area of growth for the charity with sessions now taking place twice a week. The charity has found that pressure on resources has resulted in a deterioration to playing surfaces that will require significant financial investment over the next two years.

We maintain a strong social media presence, and this has resulted in some positive signals in terms of recruitment. The trial use by the mini and youth section of Pitchero to replace the existing club management system was successful and we intend to roll this out as a whole club intuitive in the 2024 - 2025 season.

The planned installation on modern smart meters for the 200 amp power supply was completed and the system was rebalanced to allow simultaneous use of two sets of floodlights without outages. This proved successful.

In term of fundraising the two main events were a beer festival organised with the local branch of CAMRA, contributing some £7000 to the funding of the charity and a very successful mini festival, both fully supported by volunteers.

As in previous years, financial performance in terms of subscription, sponsorship and donation from Hitchin Rugby Trading Limited have allowed us to maintain our core focus on better coaching, training and playing opportunities for more individuals in the area.

In conclusion we feel it has been a successful year for the charity.

This spring our long standing treasurer, Christopher Duval Jones stood down after over four decades of stewardship in growing the club in strength and numbers and making an instrumental contribution to the successful transition of the club to charity status.

Income and expenditure

The results for the year show an overall surplus of £2,449 (2023 deficit £6,769).

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial overview

As an overview, the charity received £217,851 (2023 £283,464) of income during the year and had outgoings totalling £215,402 (2023 £290,233) giving a surplus of £2,449 (2023 deficit £6,769). The funds carried forward are £272,707 (2023 £246,951) of unrestricted reserves and £377,588 (2023 £400,895) of restricted reserves.

Reserves policy

The charity's income, expenditure and funds for the year to 31 March 2024 are shown in the annexed financial statements. The basis of preparation of the annexed financial statements is in accordance with the governing documents and is set out in the notes.

FUTURE PLANS

The club has engaged a new head coach for the 2024-25 season and will continue to invest in coaching courses for aspirational retiring players and mini and youth parents. We have invested heavily in terms of time and resources in safeguarding procedures and practices. This will continue to be core to all our activities as we go forward.

The participation of men in the 18 - 40 age group remains a concern for the sport as a whole and for us as a club. Hence, we will continue our efforts to target this age group in the coming season. We also wish to improve the transition from youth to adult rugby by greater integration of coaching regimes and by ensuring that there is greater visibility of senior players at mini and youth training sessions and games.

We will recruit and strengthen our women's section over the summer with a free-to-all boot camp. We will also be increasing our visibility as a club at other town and area events such as fairs and monthly food festivals and on the High Street at weekends.

Our aspiration to embark on phases 2-4 of the clubhouse and changing facility redevelopment remains a strong focus. However, funding streams are limited at this time, and we have determined that we require a separate group of volunteers to manage these activities as our existing volunteer base is largely at capacity.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

Hitchin Rugby Limited, a company limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006, was incorporated on 22 July 2014 and registered as a charity on 5 January 2015. Hitchin Rugby Limited was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member to the charity.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

As set out in the Articles of Association membership is open to individuals or organisations who may apply to the directors for approval.

Organisational structure

The board of trustees is responsible for the management of the charity and the day-to-day running of the charity is delegated to the management committee..

Related parties

The charity owns 100% of Hitchin RFC Trading Limited (Company no. 08850399). The purpose of this company is to carry out the trading activities on behalf of the charity. The charity is also responsible for the day-to-day running and management of this company.

Risk management

Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity may be exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

09142406 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number

1159772

Registered office

Croft Chambers

11 Bancroft

Hitchin

Herts

SG5 1JQ

Trustees

P E Tasko

C J Henshaw-Allcock

T C Jeffries Director

Independent Examiner

Bradshaw Johnson

Chartered Accountants

Croft Chambers

11 Bancroft

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG5 1JQ

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

P E Tasko - Trustee

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Hitchin Rugby Limited ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors 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 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

1.	accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

2.	the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3.	the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

4.

the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Neil C Harding

Bradshaw Johnson

Chartered Accountants

Croft Chambers

11 Bancroft

Hitchin

Hertfordshire

SG5 1JQ

Date: .............................................

31.3.25

31.3.24

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

3

64,254

-

64,254

52,930

Charitable activities

6

Hitchin Rugby

176,222

-

176,222

78,519

Other trading activities

4

101,316

-

101,316

82,418

Investment income

5

4,382

-

4,382

3,824

Other income

7

(2,060

)

-

(2,060

)

160

Total

344,114

-

344,114

217,851

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

8

Hitchin Rugby

306,120

23,052

329,172

215,402

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

37,994

(23,052

)

14,942

2,449

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

258,705

391,590

650,295

647,846

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

296,699

368,538

665,237

650,295

31.3.25

31.3.24

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

Total

fund

funds

funds

funds

Notes

£

£

£

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

15

142,445

232,635

375,080

415,735

Investments

16

1

-

1

1

142,446

232,635

375,081

415,736

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

17

90,875

-

90,875

40,824

Cash at bank

115,368

135,903

251,271

250,862

206,243

135,903

342,146

291,686

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

18

(41,990

)

-

(41,990

)

(39,627

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

164,253

135,903

300,156

252,059

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

306,699

368,538

675,237

667,795

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due after more than one year

19

(10,000

)

-

(10,000

)

(17,500

)

NET ASSETS

296,699

368,538

665,237

650,295

FUNDS

21

Unrestricted funds

296,699

258,705

Restricted funds

368,538

391,590

TOTAL FUNDS

665,237

650,295

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 19 December 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

P E Tasko - Trustee

1.	STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Hitchin Rugby Limited is a charitable company incorporated in England. The registered office is:

Croft Chambers,

11 Bancroft,

Hitchin,

Hertfordshire

SG5 1JQ

The charitable company's financial statements have been prepared in compliance with Charities SORP (FRS 102) as it applies to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

2.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value.

Hitchin Rugby Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Improvements to property

-

over useful life and over length of lease

Plant and machinery

-

20% on reducing balance

Fixtures and fittings

-

10% on reducing balance

Catering and bar equipment

-

20% on reducing balance

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Investments

Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provisions for impairment.

Stocks

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items,

Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement

Exemption has been taken from preparing a cash flow statement on the grounds that the group qualifies as a small group.

Value Added Tax

The charity is partially exempt from VAT and is within the de minimus limit.

Legal status of the Trust

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £1 per member of the charity.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Creditors and provisions

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 after allowing for any trade discounts due.

Financial instruments

The trust 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.

3.	DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

£

Donations

60,664

43,930

Grants

3,590

9,000

64,254

52,930

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

£

Other grants

3,590

9,000

4.	OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

£

Beer festival

8,564

9,027

Playing subs

15,289

15,234

Sponsorships including dinners lunches, ball etc

67,671

51,250

Social income

538

124

Hire of clubhouse

4,888

4,295

Other

4,366

2,488

101,316

82,418

5.	INVESTMENT INCOME

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

£

Deposit account interest

4,382

3,824

6.	INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

31.03.25

31.03.24

Activity

£

£

Mini & Junior

41,858

40,911

Pavilion Hire

4,800

6,100

Football Hire

1,267

1,320

Pitch Hire

4,724

4,371

Match fees

4,807

5,056

Saracens camp

-

-

Tour U13's

-

17

Tour U14's

5

206

Tour U15's

-

1,389

Tour U16's

-

-

Tour U17's

22,552

-

Tour U18's

-

5

M & Y Tour

45,838

4,446

Girls Tour

29,752

6,111

Founders' Day

(50

)

-

2nd Hand Kit Stall

7,027

5,800

Touch Rugby

569

211

Tag festival

-

2,787

Autumn Internationals Cat A

(2,700

)

-

Mens Tour

2,861

-

Ladies Tour

16,892

-

Grants & Appeals

686

-

Six Nations

(4,666

)

-

176,222

78,519

7.	OTHER INCOME

31.03.25

31.03.24

£

£

Bungalow Rent

(2,060

)

180

(2,060

)

180

8.	CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Direct

Support

Costs (see

costs (see

note 9)

note 10)

Totals

£

£

£

Hitchin Rugby

227,382

101,790

329,172

9.	DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

31.03.25

31.03.24

Operation of

the rugby club

£

£

Kit and playing equipment

10,078

8,841

Catering

16,036

15,995

Pitch Hire

6,500

3,000

Transport

1,973

-

Referees' Expenses

1,573

1,203

Recruitment Expenses

-28

1,230

Players' Expenses

105

277

Laundry

2,261

1,517

Physio

6,000

6,644

Entry fees

2,450

1,985

Coaching and training expenses

14,100

14,616

Maintenance - Pitch

20,998

13,330

Course fees

75

395

Ladies budget

13,788

16,434

Physio, first aid and consumables

2,054

2,153

Awards and trophies

778

635

Flags and banners

300

772

Saracens live games

-

(718

)

Tour U13's

-

-

Tour U14's

5

-

Tour U15's

-

-

Tour U16's

-

-

Tour U17's

22,552

-

M & Y Tour

46,756

12,174

Girls Tour

29,752

-

Stash Account

889

1,513

Maintenance - Floodlights

-

920

TV Costs

5,282

4,877

M & Y Pathway

-

640

Misc costs

762

739

Incentive payments (men)

-

50

Mens Tour

2,083

-

Ladies Tour

15,654

-

Gym Equipment

3,567

-

Hospitality

1,039

601

227,382

109,643

10.	SUPPORT COSTS

31.03.25

31.03.24

Operation of

the rugby club

£

£

Rent, rates and service charges

7,736

4,994

Insurance

11,556

10,364

Light and heat

9,993

16,285

Cleaning

15,432

13,864

Repairs and maintenance

6,342

2,093

Printing, postage and stationery

152

1,000

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets

41,255

42,770

Telephone

1,181

918

Interest and charges

123

497

General expenses

5,047

9,861

Accountancy and bookkeeping

2,973

3,113

101,790

105,759

11.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

31.3.25

31.3.24

£

£

Depreciation - owned assets

41,255

42,770

12.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration, expenses or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Members of the Board have not received any remuneration either directly or indirectly during the year and provide their services voluntarily. Certain expenses incurred on behalf of the charity are reimbursed to Members of the Board.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor for the year ended 31 March 2024.

13.	STAFF COSTS

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

14.	2024 COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

Restricted

Total

fund

funds

funds

£

£

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Donations and legacies

52,930

-

52,930

Charitable activities

Hitchin Rugby

78,519

-

78,519

Other trading activities

82,418

-

82,418

Investment income

3,824

-

3,824

Other income

160

-

160

Total

217,851

-

217,851

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Hitchin Rugby

192,095

23,307

215,402

NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

25,756

(23,307

)

2,449

Transfers between funds

(14,002

)

14,002

-

Net movement in funds

11,754

(9,305

)

2,449

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

246,951

400,895

647,846

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

258,705

391,590

650,295

15.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Improvements

Fixtures

Catering

to

Plant and

and

and bar

property

machinery

fittings

equipment

Totals

£

£

£

£

£

COST

At 1 April 2024

633,200

75,368

67,671

11,937

788,176

Additions

-

-

600

-

600

At 31 March 2025

633,200

75,368

68,271

11,937

788,776

DEPRECIATION

At 1 April 2024

282,821

48,913

32,500

8,207

372,441

Charge for year

31,660

5,292

3,557

746

41,255

At 31 March 2025

314,481

54,205

36,057

8,953

413,696

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2025

318,719

21,163

32,214

2,984

375,080

At 31 March 2024

350,379

26,455

35,171

3,730

415,735

During the year, £6,808 was received from HMRC as a VAT repayment in relation to the recently built changing rooms.

16.	FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

Shares in

group

undertakings

£

MARKET VALUE

At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025

1

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 March 2025

1

At 31 March 2024

1

There were no investment assets outside the UK.

The company's investments at the balance sheet date in the share capital of companies include the following: