During the financial year, Central Karate Academy CIC continued to deliver high-quality, inclusive martial arts and wellbeing programmes designed to improve physical health, confidence, discipline and social development across the local community. Our core activity is the provision of affordable and accessible karate training for children, young people and families, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding, inclusion and personal development. Sessions were delivered primarily from our purpose-built studio unit, providing a safe, structured and welcoming environment for participants of all ages and abilities. Through our weekly classes, school partnerships and outreach programmes, we engaged children and young people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with additional needs, those from low-income households and individuals who face barriers to mainstream sport. Karate training at Central Karate Academy CIC goes beyond physical activity. Our programmes are structured to promote: Emotional resilience and self-regulation Positive behaviour and respect for others Confidence, leadership and teamwork Improved mental health and wellbeing These outcomes are particularly valuable for young people who struggle in traditional educational or social settings. Many parents and carers reported improved behaviour, focus and self-esteem in their children as a result of attending our sessions. In addition to studio-based delivery, we worked with schools and community partners to extend our reach, supporting pupils with engagement, attendance and behaviour and reinforcing positive attitudes towards learning and achievement. We ensured that financial barriers did not prevent participation. Through reduced-cost places, flexible payment arrangements and hardship support, children who might otherwise be excluded were able to continue training and benefit from the programme. The organisation also provided employment, training and volunteering opportunities for local people, including assistant instructors and young leaders, helping to develop skills in coaching, safeguarding, communication and leadership. Overall, Central Karate Academy CIC has made a meaningful and measurable contribution to the community by: Increasing access to physical activity Supporting children’s mental health and emotional development Promoting positive behaviour and social inclusion Strengthening community engagement through sport These activities directly further the company’s community interest objectives and continue to create long-term social value for the people we serve.

During the financial year, Central Karate Academy CIC undertook ongoing consultation with key stakeholders to ensure that the organisation’s activities continued to meet community needs and operate in line with its social objectives. Consultation was primarily carried out through director meetings led by the Executive Director, Jake Byrne. These meetings provided a structured forum for reviewing performance, discussing operational matters and planning the future direction of the organisation. Directors were able to share feedback from staff, parents, participants, schools and community partners, ensuring that a wide range of voices informed decision-making. Stakeholder views were considered in relation to: Programme delivery and class structure Safeguarding and welfare arrangements Accessibility and inclusion Financial sustainability and pricing Expansion of services and partnerships In addition to formal director meetings, feedback from parents, carers, young people, instructors and partner schools was gathered informally through regular communication, attendance monitoring and ongoing engagement at sessions delivered in the purpose-built studio and partner venues. This feedback was reported into director discussions and used to inform improvements and service development. This ongoing consultation process helped ensure that Central Karate Academy CIC remained responsive to community needs, maintained high standards of service, and continued to operate in a way that delivers meaningful social benefit.

During the financial year, Central Karate Academy CIC was led by the dedicated efforts of Executive Director Jake Byrne and Director of Karate, Neil Byrne. Following the sudden departure of another named director during the year, both remaining directors took on a significantly increased workload in order to ensure the continued operation and stability of the organisation. This included additional responsibilities relating to programme delivery, safeguarding, staffing, finance, compliance and the ongoing running of the purpose-built studio. Any remuneration paid to directors reflected the substantial time, expertise and operational responsibility required to manage and deliver the company’s activities and was set at a level considered reasonable and proportionate to the work undertaken and in line with the company’s financial position. The Board ensured that all director payments were properly authorised, recorded and made in accordance with CIC regulations and the company’s governing documents, with no excessive or inappropriate financial benefit provided. The directors remain committed to delivering strong community benefit and ensuring that the majority of the organisation’s income continues to be reinvested into services for children, young people and the wider community.

During the financial year, Central Karate Academy CIC did not transfer any assets to directors or third parties other than in the normal course of business. Some directors incurred personal expenditure on behalf of the company in order to support the day-to-day operation of the organisation, including costs such as venue hire, equipment, supplies and essential services. These amounts were subsequently reimbursed by the company in line with agreed procedures and on presentation of receipts or evidence of expenditure. These reimbursements did not represent a transfer of assets for private benefit, but the repayment of funds advanced to the company in order to enable it to continue operating and delivering community benefit. No director received any personal profit or financial advantage beyond the recovery of costs incurred on behalf of the CIC. The organisation remains compliant with CIC regulations regarding asset use and continues to ensure that all funds and assets are applied solely in furtherance of its community interest objectives.