Empower Grappling Collective CIC was established to promote safe, inclusive and accessible grappling opportunities for the benefit of women and girls, whilst strengthening the wider grappling community through collaboration, education and participation. The company exists to reduce barriers to participation, improve representation within the sport and create welcoming environments where people can train, learn and develop regardless of their background, experience or club affiliation. During the financial year, the company successfully delivered its inaugural community grappling camp and established a programme of structured community open mats. These activities provided regular opportunities for participants from a wide range of clubs, affiliations and backgrounds to train together in a positive, respectful and supportive environment. Open mats were delivered at multiple locations, including events held further north, improving accessibility and extending opportunities to communities beyond the company's immediate local area. A key objective of the company's activities was to reduce barriers to participation. By providing affordable community training opportunities, the company supported individuals who may otherwise have been unable to continue training because of financial circumstances, including the ongoing cost of club membership or attendance at commercial training events. These opportunities enabled participants to remain active within the sport, continue developing their skills and maintain meaningful connections with the wider grappling community. The structured open mats also provided a neutral and welcoming entry point for individuals who were completely new to grappling. By creating a relaxed and supportive community environment outside of a traditional club setting, participants were able to experience the sport without the pressure of joining an unfamiliar club before deciding whether grappling was right for them. Experienced coaches and practitioners provided guidance, encouragement and support, helping newcomers build confidence and encouraging continued participation. The company's activities promoted collaboration rather than competition between clubs. Participants were welcomed regardless of affiliation, encouraging the sharing of knowledge, mutual respect and stronger relationships across the wider grappling community. During the financial year, the company partnered with another Community Interest Company to support the delivery of community programmes through access to experienced female coaches. This collaboration increased female representation within coaching, provided positive role models for women and girls entering the sport, and broadened participation opportunities through inclusive community-based delivery. Alongside delivering community activities, the company established the organisational foundations required to support its long-term community benefit. This included developing governance arrangements, safeguarding procedures and operational policies designed to promote safe participation, protect those accessing the company's activities and ensure the organisation operated responsibly, transparently and sustainably. Any surplus generated during the financial year was retained by the company and reinvested to further its community interest objectives and support the continued delivery and development of community activities. Through these activities, the company has sought to create a supportive, inclusive and collaborative community where women and girls can access the sport with confidence, whilst strengthening connections across the wider grappling community for the benefit of all participants.

Throughout the financial year, Empower Grappling Collective CIC engaged with participants, coaches, volunteers, partner organisations and members of the wider grappling community through ongoing discussions, event feedback and informal consultation. This engagement has helped shape the development of the company's activities, including the structure of community open mats, accessibility, safeguarding arrangements and future programmes. As a newly established Community Interest Company, the organisation is committed to continuing to seek stakeholder feedback to ensure its activities remain responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration