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Registered number: 06842491
Charity number: 1129134
RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Unaudited
Trustees' Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Contents
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Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers
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Independent Examiner's Report
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Statement of Financial Activities
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Notes to the Financial Statements
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Reference and Administrative Details of the Company, its Trustees and Advisers
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Mrs O G McDonagh (appointed 29 September 2025)
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Company registered number
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Charity registered number
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Gate 13
Rowsley Street
Etihad Campus
Manchester
M11 3FF
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Hurst Accountants Limited
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
3 Stockport Exchange
Stockport
Cheshire
SK1 3GG
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' Report
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the RFL Facilities Trust for the year 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Since the Company qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted.
Objectives and activities
a. Objectives and Activities
The principal activity of RFL Facilities Trust is to provide such financial and other assistance as the Trustees shall deem fit for the provision, establishment, development and improvement of facilities for the playing of rugby league or rugby league in conjunction with other sports.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Trust should undertake.
b. Public benefit
The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commissions's advice on Charities and Public Benefit.
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust's aims and objectives and in planning future activities for the year.
The Trust aims to improve facilities for playing rugby league. The normal areas of support include payments or loans to clubs to improve the facilities at their grounds. As this support is open to all clubs there is no geographical restriction. The charity does not charge for the services it provides. Each request will be considered on a case by case basis and will be supported if they are deemed in line with the charity's objectives'.
c. Financial review
During the year the charity received donations of £nil (2024: £nil).
Net decrease in funds are £99,025 (2024: £7,875 increase) per the statement of financial activities. Total funds are £318,158 (2024: £417,183) per the statement of financial activities.
The charity is exempt from the requirement to prepare a strategic report on the grounds of its size in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Achievements and performance
a. Main achievements of the Charity
The principal aim of the Trust is to improve facilities both on and off the pitch seeking to increase participation in the game and help bring additional income into both the professional clubs within the Championship and League 1 together with the Community Game. Since its formation in 2009 numerous clubs have benefited from support across a number of projects including the following:
∙Relocation of stands and with it significant improvement in the quality of the spectator experience, sitting in comfort under cover.
∙Clubhouse and bar refurbishment works which not only results in players, family members and supporters staying longer after matches and training but is widely used by the local community as a ‘hub’ outside of rugby for social and health related functions.
∙Construction of fencing around club pitches which were suffering from vandalism.
∙Upgrading of floodlighting and lux levels. There are several benefits as a result, better viewing for spectators, a greater likelihood of being selected for a televised fixture and being able to train thus saving money on hiring other facilities.
∙Installation of new turnstiles for quicker and safer access to grounds.
∙Provision of new or upgraded toilet facilities.
∙Installation of new boilers and better quality changing and shower facilities help attract and retain players.
∙Building of girl’s and women’s changing facilities leading to greater participation.
∙Contributing by way of a grant towards the Cardiff Bay sculpture raising awareness of black players and their contribution to rugby league and society as a whole.
Financial review
a. Reserves policy
Free reserves exclude restricted funds, designated funds and funds held as fixed assets used by the charity. The position at 31 December 2025 shows free reserves of £308,557 (2024: £407,582).
It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain unrestricted funds which are the free reserves of the charity of £5,000 which have been calculated as sufficient funds to cover management and administration and support costs. The charity is committed to raising awareness of its activities, and with its Trustees having a lot of experience in the game, they are well placed to promote awareness of its activities around the country. As described below in the plans for future periods, it is the aim of the Trust to distribute its reserves up to the free reserves level of £5,000 by raising awareness of its activities and distributing money to beneficiaries. In the light of the current results and the present economic climate, the level of free reserves will be kept under review and will continue to be monitored.
b. Investment powers and investment policy
Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the company has the power to deposit or invest funds in any manner (or to invest after obtaining advice from an authorised or exempted person within the meaning of the Financial Services Act 1986 and having regard to the suitability of the investments and the need for diversification).
At the year end the company does not hold any investment funds. All cash balances are on immediate notice to ensure operating requirements can be met. This policy will be regularly reviewed.
c. Risk Management
During the year the Trust has continued to identify and assess the major risks facing the charity. Areas of risk are discussed at main Board level to assess potential impacts and allow strategies to be implemented to manage the risks. Consequently,
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Financial review (continued)
the Trustees are satisfied that key risks are being addressed. Business planning remains an ongoing and live debate in response to uncertainty in the economy generally.
The Board ensure internal financial control is maintained by having a system of periodic management information reports, clear administrative and financial procedures and clear lines of accounting. No fundamental weaknesses in systems and controls have been identified in the year.
The Board consider that an internal audit function is not required based on the relative size of the Trust, the risks identified, and controls in place to mitigate these risks.
In the opinion of the Board, the Trust has ensured that under normal conditions, risks are mitigated to an acceptable level in its day to day operations.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
d. Plans for future periods
The charity plans to distribute its funds to beneficiaries that meet its criteria as set out in its objectives. The specific aim of the charity is to distribute all its unrestricted funds in the form of donations or loans.
At 31 December 2025, commitments totalled £8,000 (2024: £75,000) for projects approved on or before the year end that had either not yet commenced or were still in progress.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Governing document
The Trust is a company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity under the Charity Act 2011. It is governed by its Memorandum of Articles of Association dated 10 March 2010 to allow for current governance arrangements.
Any person can apply to become a member of RFL Facilities Trust and must be approved by the Board who shall have absolute discretion as to the admission to membership. There are currently 4 members, each of whom agree to contribute £10 in the event of the charity winding up.
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:
Mr J H Hyland
Mr A N Sutton (Resigned 15th September 2025)
Mr M Hutchinson
Mr R Graham
Mr R K Hicks (Resigned 28th February 2025)
Mrs O G McDonagh (Appointed 29th September 2025)
In accordance with the Articles of Association, the number of Trustees shall be at least three but (unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution) shall not be subject to any maximum providing that RFL (Governing Body) Limited (or any successor body) shall be entitled to nominate up to three Trustees. In every year, one third of the Trustees shall retire from office and if eligible can offer themselves for re- election.
Trustee induction and training
All new Trustees are trained as appropriate and all existing Trustees receive updates from the Charities Commission.
b. Organisation
The company has, in the opinion of the Trustees, a strong corporate governance environment appropriate for its size and operations. The main Board meets at least four times a year.
c. Independent Examiner
Hurst Accountants Limited have expressed their willingness to continue in office.
d. Small companies exemption
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
∙observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
∙make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Independent Examiner's Report
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of RFL Facilities Trust ('the Company')
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I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
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As the Trustees of the Company (and 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 the Company's accounts 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
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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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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
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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)].
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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.
This report is made solely to the Company's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Company's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated: 29 June 2026
John Glover Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales
Hurst Accountants Limited
Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors
3 Stockport Exchange
Stockport
Cheshire
SK1 3GG
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of financial activities (incorporating income and expenditure account)
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Total funds brought forward
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Total funds carried forward
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The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
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The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Registered number: 06842491
Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2025
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Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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The Company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006.
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
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The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
RFL Facilities Trust is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Gate 13, Rowsley Street, Etihad Campus, Manchester, M11 3FF.
2.Accounting policies
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Basis of preparation of financial statements
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The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
RFL Facilities Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust 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.
Income, including government grants is recognised when the Trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Investment income is recognised on an accruals basis and comprises of interest receivable during the accounting period.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised when a liability is incurred. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the relevant cost category to which it relates.
Charitable activities are the provision of such financial and other assistance as the trustees shall deem fit for the provision, establishment, development and improvement of facilities for the playing of rugby league or rugby league in conjunction with other sports.
Governance and support costs include those costs incurred in defining the strategic direction of the charity in particular constitutional and statutory requirements.
Grants payable are commitments (including payments) made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objectives of the charity. Single or multi-year grants are accounted for as grants payable when either the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant and the Trustees have agreed to pay the grant without condition, or the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant and any condition attaching to the grant is outside the control of the charity.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash at bank and 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.
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Liabilities and provisions
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Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
The Trust 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 Trust's balance sheet when the Trust 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.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
2.Accounting policies (continued)
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Financial instruments (continued)
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Basic financial assets
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.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through income and expenditure, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected.
If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset's original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in net expenditure for the year. If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in net expenditure for the year.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the Trust transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade creditors and accruals 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.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Trust's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Interest on cash deposits
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Grants to Institutions
2025
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Analysis of expenditure by activities
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Grant funding of activities
2025
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Analysis of support costs
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Audit and accountancy fees
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Independent examiner's remuneration
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Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner for the independent examination of the Company's annual accounts
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Fees payable to the Company's independent examiner in respect of:
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Trustees' remuneration and expenses
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During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).
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During the year ended 31 December 2025, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2024 - £NIL).
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Due after more than one year
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Prepayments and accrued income
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Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
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Accruals and deferred income
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Summary of funds - current year
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Balance at 1 January 2025
£
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Balance at 31 December 2025
£
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Restricted funds held are in relation to projects in the Swinton and Salford area.
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Balance at
1 January 2024
£
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Balance at
31 December 2024
£
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RFL Facilities Trust
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 December 2025
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Analysis of net assets between funds
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Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
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Debtors due after more than one year
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Creditors due within one year
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Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
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Debtors due after more than one year
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Creditors due within one year
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As at 31 December 2025, the charitable company had grant commitments totalling £Nil (2024: £75,000).
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