The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 17 July 2007, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)".
Key objectives
Education & Skills: Expand school and college programmes, with targeted interventions to improve numeracy, literacy and employability.
Inclusion & Participation: Increase participation across disability sport, women’s and girls’ rugby, and inclusive volunteering.
Health & Wellbeing: Deliver more health‑related projects supporting physical activity, weight management and mental wellbeing.
Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships with Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Trinity foundations, and support district initiatives such as Pride in Place Castleford and Move More Wakefield.
Growth & Sustainability: Secure additional sponsorship and funding to support long‑term delivery.
Impact Measurement: Enhance monitoring and evaluation to demonstrate social value and evidence impact.
Targets and objectives for 2026
Building on our achievements in 2025, our priorities for 2026 align with our mission to raise aspirations and tackle inequalities. These are guided by our “6 Tackles”: Age, Deprivation, Activity Levels, Skills Gaps, Academic Attainment and Crime.
2026 KPI's
Grow participation in women’s and girls’ rugby by at least 10%. – Already in progress: – 53 girls registered on the Tigress Talent Pathway (Years 7–11). – 9 Rugbees participants since April. – 31 registered players in the Women’s Team this season.
Increase college programme enrolment to 40+ students.
Deliver three major collaborative projects with partner foundations.
Engage 5,000 young people in school and community programmes.
Expand bursary‑supported places to reduce participation barriers. • Increase volunteering opportunities by 15%, including inclusive roles such as the newly appointed Parent Liaison Officer for LDRL.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
During the period we consider the following to be our major achievements.
Awarded Runner Up – Foundation of the Year 2025 by the Rugby Football League, recognising excellence across inclusion, education, health and community impact.
Inclusion
Successfully hosted our first Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) Festival, a landmark moment in showcasing accessibility and inclusive sport.
Continued to grow Learning Disability Rugby League, Physical Disability Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby League, expanding opportunities for players, coaches and volunteers.
Formed strategic partnerships with Featherstone Rovers Foundation and Wakefield Trinity Community Foundation, enabling joint work on safer communities, bed poverty and wider social issues.
Achieved recognition from the RFL’s new Community Trust, demonstrating strong governance and impactful community delivery.
Women and Girls
Expanded our open‑age women’s pathway, building on Rugbees (ages 7–11) and the Tigress Talent Pathway (ages 11–16).
Increased opportunities for female coaches, volunteers and players, strengthening visibility and participation.
Continued to run the Castleford Tigers Women’s Team, providing competitive opportunities within the Championship.
Primary Education
Maintained long‑standing curriculum and after‑school delivery across the district and LS postcodes (Methley, Aberford, Swillington, Kippax).
Introduced the Roar of a Century heritage programme, delivering assemblies and creative workshops celebrating Castleford Tigers’ centenary.
Secured sponsorship from Burberry, Haribo and Dalziel, strengthening education and social inclusion programmes.
Secondary Education
Continued rugby league coaching in secondary schools, maintaining our partnership with Castleford Academy.
Delivered Inspired By 9s Festivals for boys and girls, expanding participation.
Delivered Movember’s Ahead of the Game mental fitness programme at Airedale Academy and Castleford Academy.
Supported six work experience placements, helping young people gain skills and confidence.
Further & Higher Education
Expanded the College Education Programme, increasing access to rugby league and further education pathways.
Strong enrolment and staffing growth enabled delivery against KPIs and supported progression into education, training and employment.
Supported the launch of the Business & Skills Hub in the Market Hall and the Youth Hub at The Hut in Airedale.
Social Impact
Delivered successful Holiday Multi‑Sport Camps, accessing DfE funding to deliver HAF for the first time in summer.
Expanded Paws & Claws Cheerleading, now one of our largest participation programmes, and hosted our first Christmas Showcase at Christ Church, Xscape.
Continued Let’s Communicate coffee mornings, reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Supported collaborative interventions addressing bed poverty across the Wakefield district.
Strengthened partnerships with The Hut Youth Hub, enabling free/low‑cost venue access and expanded youth provision.
Launched Walking Rugby and a Dance & Movement programme at The Hut, supported by Wakefield Council.
Began delivery of our Centenary Heritage Project, exploring Castleford’s amateur rugby league history and delivering heritage assemblies in primary schools.
Increased staffing capacity, improving quality and reach across all programmes.
During the year expenses exceeded income by £127,831 (2024 - £163,970).
Going Concern
As detailed in note 1.2 of the financial statements, the balance sheet as at 30 November 2025 shows that the charity has net current liabilities of £434,743 and net liabilities of £430,948, which includes amounts due to Castleford Rugby League Football Club Limited of £352,269.
The Directors of Castleford Rugby League Football Club Limited have confirmed that they will continue to support the charity and will not withdraw support to the detriment of the third party creditors.
On this basis, the Trustees concluded it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Reserves policy
The charity wishes to eventually build up the surplus funds not otherwise committed to a level that will allow it to cover anticipated running costs for twelve months.
At the year end the charity had negative unrestricted funds totalling £500,654 (2024: £341,239) and restricted funds totalling £93,638 (2024: £38,122).
Risk review
The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The foundation will seek to explore all opportunities to work with the local community in areas such as education, wellness, mental health, community inclusion, social isolation and educational and vocational pathways.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee. The charity is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 17 July 2007, the details of which are well known to the trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Trustee recruitment and training
Trustees have the power to co-opt new trustees. New trustees receive help and advice from existing trustees and officials.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Tigers Trust (the charity) for the year ended 30 November 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I 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 that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Tigers Trust is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is The Jungle, Wheldon Road, Castleford, WF10 2SD.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The balance sheet as at 30 November 2025 shows that the charity has net current liabilities of £434,743 and net liabilities of £430,948, which includes amounts due to Castleford Rugby League Football Club Limited which amounted to £352,269.
The Directors of Castleford Rugby League Football Club Limited have confirmed that they will continue to support the charity and will not withdraw their support to the detriment of the third party creditors.
On this basis, the Trustees concluded it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
Income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis. Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been included in those cost categories. Certain other costs, which are attributable to more than one activity, are apportioned across cost categories on the basis of an estimate of the proportion of income and direct costs incurred on those activities.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors 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.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
There are no unfulfilled conditions or other contingencies attached to these grants. The charity did not benefit directly from any other forms of government assistance.
Rugby activities
Dance activities
School Activities
Education
Pitch hire
Other office costs
Coaching
Equipment hire
Kit costs
Other motor/travel costs
Administration costs
Sundries
Matchday costs
Medical costs
Rugby activities
Dance activities
School Activities
Education
Pitch hire
Other office costs
Coaching
Equipment hire
Kit costs
Other motor/travel costs
Administration costs
Sundries
Matchday costs
Medical costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Men's Weight Management - Back Onside
A programme to aid weight management, improve physical activity levels and instil healthy eating habits in men of all ages. Delivered in partnership with Wakefield MDC and the RFL, this programme has seen strong success, with demonstrable changes in lifestyles, activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing for all the participants.
Sport for Change
Funded by Sport Relief, 'Sport for Change' aims to improve engagement in sport as well as an increased awareness of current lifestyle issues prevalent amongst young women in the area. The project will use a range of sport delivery sessions and interactive workshops to cover topics such as drug awareness, sexual health, teenage pregnancy and community cohesion. Coordinated with Wakefield Council, Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and Youth Services, the sessions aim to increase an understanding of lifestyle issues young girls may face to ensure they can make informed choices for the future. The programme has been devised by the Tigers Trust and will be delivered, predominantly during term time as well as via after school sessions, by its community staff. Using the rugby league club's high-profile brand and community standing it hopes to reach a demographic that is often regarded as hard to reach.
RFL Development Plan
The Rugby Football League Development Plan supports the Foundation's grassroots rugby league development activities across the Castleford district. Funding contributes towards primary rugby league delivery, coach development, community club support and the growth of female participation through the RugBees programme. The programme aims to increase participation opportunities, strengthen volunteer pathways, improve coaching standards and create more sustainable community rugby league clubs across the area.
Roar of a Century
Funded through Wakefield Council's Culture Grants programme, Roar of a Century celebrates the centenary of Castleford Tigers Rugby League Club through a programme of creative, cultural and heritage activities. The project engages children, young people and local residents through heritage workshops, arts activities and community events, promoting wellbeing, creativity and community pride whilst celebrating the club's contribution to the town.
Jason & The Wakefield Adventure
Funding was received from Wakefield Council's Culture programme to support the display of the Jason and the Wakefield Adventure exhibition at a family community event. The project encouraged community engagement with local culture and heritage, supporting family participation and improving access to arts and cultural experiences within the district.
Go Higher
Working closely with Airedale Academy the Go Higher project focuses on young people aged 16-18, primarily from Ferry Fryston and Airedale, to raise levels of aspiration amongst young people and their families.
Using bespoke workshops alongside practical delivery, the project also facilitates the understanding of the relevance and benefits of educational attainment and that achievable goals can be set and met. In one of the most deprived (by all measures of health, economic and social indices) areas of the district will challenge misconceptions and support opportunities to develop skills and resilience to transition to higher education.
Yorkshire Housing Association Active Kids
The Yorkshire Housing Active Kids programme supports children and young people to access holiday camps and physical activity opportunities. The funding helps reduce barriers to participation, encourages healthy and active lifestyles and creates opportunities for young people to develop confidence, aspiration and community connections through sport.
Veterans Foundation
The Veterans Hub project provides regular social and wellbeing activities for veterans and serving personnel. Through coffee mornings, guest speakers and community activities, the programme aims to reduce social isolation, improve mental wellbeing and create opportunities for participants to become involved in wider Foundation activities, volunteering and community programmes.
Tigers College
In conjunction with SCL Education and Training, the Tigers College programme offers access to nationally recognised qualifications at Level 2 and 3 for young people seeking further education opportunities. There is also a DISE programme, which is for the pupils on the Diploma of Sporting Excellence.
Wakefield Live Well Grant
Funded through Live Well Wakefield, this programme supports mental health and wellbeing initiatives across the district. Working in partnership with local Rugby League foundations, the project uses the power of sport and social prescribing to improve mental fitness, reduce isolation and provide participants with practical tools to support their wellbeing.
WMDC Health Promotion
Funded by Wakefield Metropolitan District Council, this programme supports health and wellbeing activities for older adults. Delivery includes dance and movement sessions together with Walking Rugby activities which help participants remain active, improve mobility, reduce social isolation and enhance physical and mental wellbeing.
WMDC Happy Healthy Holidays
Funded through the Department for Education's Holiday Activities and Food Programme, Happy Healthy Holidays provides children and young people with access to free holiday activities, nutritious meals and enrichment opportunities. The programme supports disadvantaged families by reducing barriers to participation whilst promoting healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and positive community engagement.
Ahead of the Game
Delivered in partnership with Rugby League Cares and Movember, Ahead of the Game uses the power of sport to improve mental health literacy, resilience and wellbeing amongst young people. The programme supports participants, parents, coaches and volunteers through educational workshops and mental fitness activities, helping young people develop confidence, build resilience and create a stronger sense of belonging within their communities.
Move More Wakefield
In partnership with Move More Wakefield, this programme gathers insight from local communities to better understand barriers to physical activity and wellbeing. Through consultation, workshops, surveys and community engagement activity, the project supports future health improvement initiatives and encourages greater participation in physical activity across the district.
National Heritage
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project preserves and celebrates the history of amateur Rugby League across Castleford and the Five Towns. Through the collection of oral histories, digitisation of memorabilia, volunteer engagement and the creation of an online museum, the programme ensures the heritage of local clubs, players and communities is recorded and shared for future generations.
Let's Communicate
Let's Communicate is a community wellbeing programme designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation amongst local residents. Through regular coffee mornings, social activities and opportunities for community connection, the programme provides a supportive environment for participants to build friendships, improve wellbeing and access wider Foundation activities. The project helps strengthen community cohesion whilst promoting positive mental health and social inclusion across the Castleford area.
Burberry Inspire Programme
Burberry's Inspire Programme is designed to tackle educational inequality and help young people build a better future by channelling the influence of sport to unlock creativity and drive positive change in their lives and communities. The programmes supported include:
Tigers Mathletes - a numeracy-based programme designed to help students in primary years 5-6 that are struggling with traditional forms of mathematics by positioning mathematical equations around rugby-themed problems.
Tigers Den - taking inspiration from TV series 'Dragons Den', this programme tasks students in secondary years 8-9 with creating a micro-business that is both profitable and has a positive impact on their school or community. By providing an opportunity to learn about social and business enterprise in a group setting, this programme helps students develop their communication and collaboration skills, while also building their business acumen and confidence.
Future Stars - an innovative talent identification and development initiative aimed at year 9-11 students and designed to unearth the sports stars of the future. The programme seeks out individuals with exceptional athletic potential and provides them with professional coaching as well as opportunities to explore a range of sports, including and outside of rugby league.
Together Fund
The RFL's Together Fund forms part of the wider Sport England support package, continuing on from the Tacking Inequalities Fund, for further onward distribution for community organisations. The Together Fund has been created to try and help reduce the negative impact on activity levels due to COVID-19 and the cost-of-living-crisis in under-represented groups with a specific focus on:
Disabled people
Women & Girls
Lower socio-economic groups
Culturally diverse communities
Man v Fat
Delivered in partnership with MAN v FAT Rugby, this programme uses the power of rugby league to support overweight and inactive men to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Through regular activity sessions, weight management support and peer-led encouragement, the project promotes healthier lifestyles, increased confidence and stronger community connections amongst participants across the Castleford area.
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:
The staff included in note 9 of the accounts are employed by Castleford Rugby League Club. The staff salaries and other costs originally paid are recharged from the club to the charity each month. At the year-end £352,269 (2024: £366,489) was outstanding to the Rugby Club.