The Trustees present their annual 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 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
Established in 2006, Hull FC Community Foundation is the independent charitable arm of the Rugby League club, Hull FC. The Foundation harnesses the power and influence of sport to create meaningful and sustainable change across local communities, delivering targeted interventions aligned to four key strategic themes:
Sport and Physical Activity
Education and Skills
Health and Wellbeing
Community Engagement
All programmes are underpinned by the Foundation’s core values of Challenge, Compassion, Determination, Honesty, and Respect.
Purpose and Impact
The Foundation exists to improve the health, wellbeing, aspirations, and opportunities of children, young people, and adults across the region. Through the delivery of inclusive sports participation, learning, training, and community engagement programmes, the Foundation supports more than 15,000 individuals annually.
A significant proportion of participants live within communities ranked amongst the top 25% most deprived nationally and face ongoing socio-economic challenges and inequalities. In response, the Foundation delivers needs-led provision designed to reduce barriers to participation, improve outcomes, and support positive life opportunities.
Partnership Working
The Foundation has continued to develop strong collaborative partnerships with a range of public, education, health, and community sector organisations. Key partners include:
Hull City Council
NHS Hull Health and Care Partnership
Humber Learning Consortium
Humber Violence Prevention Partnership
Local Schools and Education providers
These partnerships along with a wide range of other partners enable the Foundation to deliver innovative and responsive programmes that use sport as a catalyst to address health inequalities, educational disengagement, social isolation, and wider community challenges.
Supporting Vulnerable Communities
The Foundation provides personalised and tailored support for a wide range of vulnerable and underrepresented groups, including:
Care experienced young people.
Young offenders and those at risk of offending
Individuals not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
Military and Armed Forces Veterans
Older adults experiencing loneliness and social isolation.
Provision is delivered both from the stadium and through accessible community-based hubs, ensuring services remain inclusive and locally accessible.
Community-Led Delivery
A central principle of the Foundation’s work is ensuring programmes are shaped by the voices and experiences of participants. Through consultation, co-design, and engagement activities, residents play an active role in informing delivery and identifying community priorities.
The Foundation continues to invest in its Youth Voice and leadership programmes, enabling young people to influence decision-making and shape activities based on their lived experiences and aspirations.
Mission
The Foundation’s mission is to use the power, inspiration, and values associated with Hull FC to create a positive and sustainable impact across local communities by:
Delivering innovative programmes for people of all ages and abilities
Developing partnerships and collaborations that support improved social mobility.
Engaging residents in the co-design of meaningful and purposeful projects
Strategic Goal
The Foundation’s overarching goal is to inspire, include, and impact local communities, creating opportunities for individuals to thrive through the power of sport.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Activity Work during 2024/25
Sport and Physical Activity
School Sport: Working with partner primary schools to deliver physical education sessions, extracurricular club activities and teacher CPD activity to upskill the delivery of school sport and physical activity.
RFL Activities - Through community partnership work with the Rugby Football League, providing delivery around participation building within Rugby League.
RFL Activities – Through delivery with the Rugby Football League, delivery of Inclusion based Rugby League activity, including the continuation of delivery involving the Learning Disability Rugby League team, The Physical Disability Rugby League Team, Girls Rugby League teams and Wheelchair Rugby League Teams, ranging from juniors to Wheelchair Super League Competition.
Community Club Activity: Through taster sessions working with local community Rugby League Clubs and working with schools, providing a pathway for further participation within the sport, along with building and working with the community around the sport. Alongside this, working closely to support the development of Rugby League activity and participation through Takeover Evenings, giving youngsters access to a session involving Foundation coaches and Hull FC First Team Players.
Rugby Minis: Providing core Rugby League activity for juniors, aiming to assist with developing core physical movement skills.
Education & Skills
Humber Learning Consortium: Partnering with Humber Learning Consortium on one commissioned intervention through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Exploring Volunteering. The intervention focussed on wellbeing support with accredited and informal work readiness training with an aim of encouraging pathways into positive economic activity.
Adult Skills Activity: Supporting unemployed adults aged 19+ to achieve qualifications in employability, wellbeing, sport, leadership, and retail.
Connecting Communities: Working with Hull City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to engage residents in Hull West in positive activities, including those that equip them with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to cope through cost-of-living pressures.
Recruit into Coaching: Collaborating with local organisation City of Hull Sport and Community Group CIC to engage, educate, and inspire residents facing challenges with loneliness and isolation in leadership inspired life skill sessions.
Health & Wellbeing
Teaming Up for Health - NHS Hull Health and Care Partnership: Using the ‘Teaming Up for Health’ partnership to engage groups vulnerable to health inequality in prevention and early intervention activities with a specific focus on tackling childhood obesity, loneliness and isolation, and mental ill-health.
Skills4Success - Educational Opportunities Foundation: Delivering ‘Skills4Success’, a programme inspiring care leavers to work together to achieve qualifications in employability, sport, and wellbeing, engage in volunteering, and progress into sustainable employment.
Gamble Aware: A prevention-focused intervention engaging groups vulnerable to gambling harms in community-based workshops which raise awareness of support available.
Brighter Futures - Children in Need: Partnering with Hull Families to deliver the ‘Brighter Futures’ project, supporting looked after children to improve their personal, social, and emotional development through sport, arts and craft, and other traditional youth activities.
Parkinson’s Active – Parkinson’s UK: A programme focused on inspiring people living with Parkinson’s to engage in weekly sport, physical activity, and social sessions from University of Hull.
Ahead of the Game – Rugby League Cares: Supported by Rugby League Cares and Movember, delivering Mental Health related workshops involving ages fourteen to 60.
Unity - McMillan Cancer Support: Supporting men experiencing Cancer or who have experienced Cancer with support and accessible sport and social activity weekly.
Community Engagement
Youth Engagement: Collaborating with partners including Million Hours Fund, Office of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, and Humber Violence Prevention Partnership on delivering a weekly timetable of youth engagement activity that uses the power of sport to empower those vulnerable to risk taking behaviours to make healthier choices.
Armed Forces Communities: Partnering with Veterans’ Foundation, Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, and range of local organisations to deliver a programme of social, education, and wellbeing centric services serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Past, Present, and Future - National Lottery Heritage Fund: Delivering ‘Past, Present, and Future’, using Hull FC’s Challenge Cup victory in 2005 as a catalyst for engaging supporters and school children in a range of heritage experiences.
Set Restart - National Lottery Community Fund: A programme adopting a place-based approach towards tackling deep-rooted inequalities in Orchard Park and Greenwood ward, including family learning, wellbeing, older person, and youth sessions.
Game Plan - Henry Smith Charity: Supporting young adults vulnerable to homelessness to create social connections, access health and wellbeing support, and complete qualifications and life skills activity through the ‘Game Plan’ intervention.
Inspiring Futures - YEF: Collaboration with the Rugby Football League and the Youth Endowment Fund to deliver youth workshop and physical activity programmes involving pupils who find school challenging, providing positive access to education through sport.
Rugby in the Park – Hull City Council: Collaborating with Hull City Council. delivering a weekly Rugby intervention within the Gower Park area of Hull, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and positive activity for young people.
Our Impact
During the 2024/25 delivery period, Hull FC Community Foundation engaged with residents through a wide range of community-based activities and interventions. Participation levels increased compared to previous years, reflecting both growing demand for services and the continued expansion of Foundation provision. Funding secured from a range of grant-makers and partner organisations enabled the delivery of new targeted programmes designed to support individuals and communities facing the greatest risk of poor social, health, and economic outcomes.
These initiatives complemented the Foundation’s established core delivery and contributed towards achieving the following outcomes:
• A total of 16,106 participants took part in programmes and activities delivered by Hull FC Community Foundation.
• 88% of children engaged in provision demonstrated an improved awareness of healthy eating and nutrition.
• 85% of participants identified a positive improvement in their mental wellbeing through involvement in Foundation activities.
• 92% of participants reported increased levels of participation in sport and physical activity.
• 86% of participants stated they had improved awareness of opportunities and services available within their local community.
• 81% of participants experienced a reduction in feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
• 93% of participants formed new social connections and friendships through engagement with programmes.
• 85% of parents reported an increase in physical activity undertaken as a family.
• 97% of families reported greater access to information and guidance relating to healthy lifestyles.
The impact of the Foundation’s work is best reflected through the experiences of those who access its programmes and services:
Unity is a programme delivered in collaboration with McMillan to support men living or who have lived with Cancer, through social support and physical activity. Chris is an attendee of Unity, along with attending, Walking Rugby and Teaming Up for Health sessions. Chris shares his experiences with Foundation involvement.
“Everybody feels the benefit of Unity, and it would be really unfortunate for it not to be there. I don't think there is anywhere else where you can get this kind of support and enjoyment.” –
“It improves my quality of life, and I think things would be for the worse without the Hull FC Foundation.” - Chris S
Mike is an attendee of our session, Our Best Years, attending weekly to meet with new friends, gather support and now attends multiple Foundation sessions, including Armed Forces Cookhouse.
“The Foundation has given me confidence, routine, and a sense of belonging. Through the support of staff and other participants, I’ve been able to improve both my wellbeing and outlook for the future.” – Mike B
These experiences demonstrate the wider social value created through the Foundation’s work and highlight the importance of continued investment in accessible, community-led provision that supports healthier, more connected, and more resilient communities.
Principal Funding Sources
The Foundation’s principal sources of income include support from statutory partners, grant programmes, charitable trusts, and a range of other funding organisations. Continued investment from these partners enabled the Foundation to deliver targeted programmes and sustain community.
Investment Policy and Objectives
The Foundation’s financial strategy is designed to ensure the responsible management of resources whilst maximising investment into frontline delivery. The charity maintains an appropriate level of reserves, with the majority of available funds allocated to the delivery of short-term programmes and activities that directly benefit local communities.
It is the policy of the Foundation that unrestricted reserves, which have not been designated for a specific purpose, should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months of operating expenditure.
The Trustees consider this reserve level to be appropriate in supporting the financial stability of the organisation and ensuring continuity of service provision in the event of any significant reduction in funding. Maintaining adequate reserves allows time for the consideration and implementation of alternative funding opportunities and income generation activities where required.
The Trustees regularly review the principal risks facing the charity and are satisfied that appropriate systems, controls, and governance arrangements are in place to mitigate exposure to significant operational and financial risks.
Future Plans
With a refreshed operational and strategic delivery plan in place, 2026 is expected to be another progressive year for Hull FC Community Foundation. The organisation will continue to focus on enhancing the quality, reach, and impact of its existing provision, with particular emphasis on achieving and exceeding targeted outcomes across all programme areas.
A key priority for the year ahead will be the continued development of the Foundation’s fundraising and income activity, supporting the growth of unrestricted funding and strengthening the long-term sustainability of the Foundation. Alongside this, the Foundation aims to further expand the role of its participant and resident voice groups, ensuring that lived experience and community feedback continue to shape the design and delivery of future interventions.
While a number of historic funding programmes are scheduled to conclude during the year, the Foundation will continue to strengthen and expand strategic partnerships with organisations including Humber Learning Consortium, Humber Violence Prevention Partnership, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund and local delivery organisations. These collaborations will support the delivery of enhanced community education, youth diversionary, and wellbeing programmes throughout 2026.
The Foundation also anticipates the introduction of several new initiatives and targeted interventions designed to respond to emerging community needs, broaden engagement, and further increase the organisation’s social impact across the region.
The charity is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 24th May 2006 (company number 5826791) and registered as a charity on 7th March 2007 (registered number 1118258). The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. The object of the charity is to promote community participation in rugby league and to use the power of sport to improve education and well-being in people of all ages.
The Governing Document was amended to demonstrate the broader nature of the charity's delivery range in May 2013.
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:
New Trustees are selected and appointed from the local and regional area. All appointments are made with the interest of supporting the Foundation to develop key activities.
The company's current policy concerning the payment of trade creditors is to follow the CBI's Prompt Payers Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point, 103 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DU).
Hull FC Rugby Community Sports and Education Foundation has three Trustees who aim to meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Trustees represent different sectors and bring to the charity a wealth of knowledge that support the charity to meet its objectives.
The charity is run on a daily basis by Sam French, Head of Community Foundation who leads on all key strategic and development issues and is responsible for reporting directly to the Trustees quarterly on all charity related matters.
All new Trustees received a formal induction programme to enable them to build knowledge and become familiar with the work of the charity. In addition, the charity has worked closely with the RFL governing body to support Trustee training to further support their roles and the wider governance arrangement.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Hull FC Rugby Community Sports & Education Foundation (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 2006 Act 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 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of 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 2006 Act; or
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 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
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 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 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.
Hull FC Rugby Community Sports & Education Foundation is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is MKM Stadium, Anlaby Road, Hull, East Yorkshire, HU3 6JU, United Kingdom.
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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). 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 principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
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.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
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.
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 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.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall 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.
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.
Rugby League Development
Funding from the Rugby Football League, aligned with the Foundation’s long‑term development plan, has enabled us to harness the power of Rugby League to inspire people of all ages to become more active. This support has allowed the Foundation to expand opportunities for physical activity and participation across the community. Ongoing investment continues to strengthen delivery of key programmes, including Learning Disability Rugby League, Physical Disability Rugby League, Wheelchair Rugby League, Touch Rugby League, and a range of development initiatives designed to grow the sport.
Health and Wellbeing
The Foundation works to improve understanding of physical and mental health while tackling inequalities that affect our community. Thanks to funding from partners such as Hull Health Care Partnership, Hull City Council, the National Lottery Community Fund, Macmillan, Parkinson’s Active, Sport England, Children in Need and a range of workshop providers, we are able to address the growing challenge of inactivity. These programmes give people the chance to improve their wellbeing and reduce the risk of long‑term health issues. Together, they help shape a healthier, more active community by promoting and supporting positive lifestyle choices.
Community Engagement
Our programmes give the local community access to a wide range of safe, innovative, and impactful activities. Funding from Reaching Communities, Hull City Council, the Humber Violence Prevention Partnership and the Police and Crime Commissioner has enabled the Foundation to respond to the evolving needs of our communities. This support allowed the Foundation to deliver targeted interventions, outreach and engagement work, particularly within the most deprived areas.
Education and Employability
Funding secured from the Humber Learning Consortium, Henry Smith and Hull City Council has enabled the Foundation to create learning environments that inspire people and equip them with skills for life. Programmes have worked closely with local employers to offer high‑quality work‑based learning, mentoring and employment pathways for both young people and adults. Participants also gain industry relevant qualifications and access to volunteering opportunities that help build confidence, experience and work‑readiness.
Inclusion
The Foundation has received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Veterans Foundation and the Armed Forces Covenant Trust to create meaningful opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. These programmes support individuals to build practical skills, gain recognised qualifications, develop confidence, strengthen social connections and adopt healthier lifestyles—ensuring that everyone can benefit from inclusive and positive community experiences.
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.
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - £80,500).