The ever-growing work of Norwich City Community Sports Foundation continues to be a driving force in supporting and inspiring people across Norfolk and Suffolk. Our four key impact areas remain the same: driving inclusion for people with disabilities, boosting mental health and wellbeing, raising aspirations for disadvantaged people, and engaging the community.
In 2023 we saw 43,230 unique participants engaging with us for 681,557 hours. Whilst this is a significant increase from 2022 and a number that continues to grow, we actually measure ourselves against the true impact on those people. That is what continues to drive us forward.
Our wonderful, multi-use facility in Norwich, The Nest – Norfolk’s Community Hub, has now established itself as an integral part of the community since its opening. It has helped us extend our reach and open doors to new programmes, people and provisions that help to ensure the sustainability and growth of the charity and facility itself.
The Nest saw the addition of a second 3G football pitch this year thanks to the funding support from the Football Foundation. Throughout 2023 it has been utilised by our fellow charitable foundations, businesses, sports teams, school groups, private functions, children’s birthday parties and much more.
The hub welcomed over 15,000 unique visitors last year and a total throughput of
over 136,000 highlighting the community value of the site.
It is also the proud home of Norwich City Women FC, who brought in a league-high average home attendance of 333 during the first half of the current 2023/24 campaign.
Run Norwich got back into its stride this year with a record 6,777 people taking on the 10K route through our fine city as the event continues to grow in popularity and prestige.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would also like to thank the incredible people who make what we do possible through partnering, sponsoring, fundraising, and volunteering. Without these supporters, our impact would be greatly reduced. Thank you, all.
The Norwich City Community Sports Foundation and The Nest family continues to grow in staff, aiding our quality and volume of delivery in everything we do. Our people make us who we are; they drive, they innovate, and they care.
I would like to thank all of them for their hard work and vital contributions as we reflect on another successful year of changing lives in Norfolk.
Jake Humphrey Foundation Chairperson
95%
of disability participants believe the Foundation has made a positive impact on their life
85%
of young people stepped down from family supports plans with the help of ‘Onside’ intervention
90% of teachers reported an improvement in their confidence since undertaking CPD within the Primary Stars programme
75%
of participants have reported an improvement in their mental wellbeing since engaging with us
Carrow Park opened a ‘winter community hot-spot’ for the first time as members of the public were invited to drop in every Wednesday morning for a complimentary cup of tea or coffee.
The Utilita EFL Cup took place at The Nest, with school teams competing for a chance to play at Wembley.
The Foundation pledged its support to the Norfolk Children & Young People’s Strategic Alliance’s Flourish scheme in Norfolk.
Women’s players Millie Daviss and Bryony Williams unveiled a new orchard at The Nest, as part of the Foundation’s involvement in the eco initiative Green Football Weekend.
We shone a spotlight on International Women’s Day, hosting a special event at The Nest for girls from local schools, which included guest speakers and a mini tournament.
Our Cerebral Palsy team secured the league title, beating Derby 7-1 to clinch the silverware on goal difference!
April
Soccer Schools participants were treated to a surprise visit from first-team players Giannoulis and Pukki.
Canary Konect bus service launched, allowing easier travel between Carrow Road and The Nest.
PL Kicks and Realising Potential participants attended media and employability workshops.
Our Coastal Challenge raised over £30,000 for the Foundation. May also saw the Corporate Cup take place at The Nest, raising £4,500.
Disability Development Manager Darren Hunter won the Premier League ‘One of our own’ award and Norwich City Women’s player Millie Daviss picked up PFA Community Champion award.
Cycle Swarm and the Peaky Climbers event took place in the month of June with both events raising a fantastic £43,000 for the Foundation.
The environmental efforts of one of the Foundation’s school groups was rewarded with a trip to the Lotus Training Centre.
September began with 30 walkers raising a collective £7,500 for the Foundation in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.
2023’s Golf Day saw both a new team captain and a new venue, with City legend Wes Hoolahan arriving on scene at Barnham Broom to take on his opponent Bryan Gunn.
October saw the second annual instalment of the Girls’ Canary Cup at The Nest, with teams from across the country arriving to compete for the top prize. There was a victory for the Norwich City Girls team on home soil in the U12s age group, with the U16 girls narrowly missing out to Devon FA in the final.
The Nest hosted a successful Summer Cup, as well as the Girls World Football Festival with teams from both inside and outside of the county showing up to compete.
The streets of Norwich were once again packed for Run Norwich, with a record-breaking number of participants taking part in the nationally recognised 10k race.
Norwich City first team players Hernandez and Fisher made an appearance at our summer Soccer Schools at The Nest, taking photos, signing shirts and having a kick-around with our participants.
There was further action at The Nest, with four days of competitive tournament football in the Canary Cup.
An action-packed November started with the Foundation having the EFL Week of Action and their very own dedicated Thanking Week.
November also saw the Business Leaders Dinner at Carrow Road, with over £20,000 raised for the Foundation in a single evening.
Norwich City striker Josh Sargent made an appearance at RAF Mildenhall, and ex-Canary Darren Huckerby visited the Extra Time participants at Carrow Park.
On the Stall City’s new store opened at The Forum, with all profits made at the fantastic voluntary-run shop going towards the Community Sports Foundation.
43,230 Unique participants
Increase of 8% on 2022
450,109 Throughput (total attendances)
Increase of 7% on 2022
681,557 Engagement Increase of 13%
overall
32,000+
97%
681,557
32,000+ young people participating in sport or physical activity
97% of participants made new friends whilst engaging on our programmes
74% of participants have improved their physical wellbeing since engaging with us
92% of participants across our community programmes believe the Foundation has made a positive impact on their lives
We provide inclusive environments that meet the needs of disabled people so that they can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of sports.
2023 was a year of success for our disability representative teams, particularly for our Cerebral Palsy National Team who dramatically claimed their first league title on the final day of the season.
Our Powerchair Football team, kindly sponsored by partners Bateman Groundworks, enjoyed some triumphs of their own. Alongside having a positive
731 Unique participants
9.4/10 Overall rating
uptick in results in the WFA Championship, they also enjoyed a visit from Norwich stars Angus Gunn and Ashley Barnes one of their training sessions.
We also delivered:
Year-round Realising Potential sessions for children and adults, pan-disability specific football sessions for those hearing impairments, Down’s syndrome football, and other varying disabilities.
Inclusive dance sessions that helped participants work on balance, coordination and timing, and enabled them to build confidence by performing in front of audiences.
9,608 Throughput (total attendances)
9.6/10 Staff rating
14,269 Engagement
99% of disability parents our
Championship, Norwich City Barnes at sessions pan-disability and with syndrome disabilities. helped enabled performing
14,269 Engagement hours
99% disability participants’ parents would recommend provision
[the FounDation proviDe] opportunities to train anD to play
FootBall that Can’t Be FounD anywhere else.
Disability Development Centre parent
We use the social and physical benefits of sport to improve people’s mental health and physical wellbeing. Our work helps to combat loneliness, anxiety, and inactivity for people in Norfolk.
Norwich City are a club that is proud to be at the forefront of championing mental health and wellbeing. The Foundation echo the club’s voice and as a result, we have made a conscious effort to raise the profile of our mental health-oriented programmes such as Team Talk.
8,016 Unique participants
Overall programme rating
9.4/10
Team Talk is an extension of our Walking Football programme that has the added focus of a 30-minute post-football ‘social’ with free coffee and cake. This session aims to provide a time to decompress and most importantly talk to your peers or a mental health first-aider
We also delivered: Duncan’s Club, Run for Me, Extra Time, Active Canaries and Walking Football to promote a healthy mind, healthy lifestyle and social opportunities.
83,403 Throughput (total attendances)
9.6/10 Staff rating
178,403 Engagement
95% of participants recommend programme
30-minute coffee provide
Time, Football healthy
Engagement hours
178,403
95% participants would recommend their programme
it’s inCreDiBle For my wellBeinG. i’m Fortunate to meet anD Be part oF a team with people From many walks oF liFe with DiFFerent BaCkGrounDs anD experienCes. Team Talk participant
Norwich City Football Club is a powerful tool for engaging harder-to-reach individuals and groups and inspiring them to raise their aspirations and reach their potential.
Onside has often been regarded as the Foundation’s ‘biggest little programme’ and we still believe this summarises the programme perfectly.
As the name of the programme suggests, the Onside programme works holistically with young people at risk of school
6,381 Unique participants
Overall rating (PL Kicks)
8.9/10
exclusions, and their families or carers, get the young participants back ‘onside’.
A particular success story this year Jack’s. 11-year-old Jack was experiencing bullying and exclusion at school but 12-weeks of work with Onside Officer, Scott, and a special visit from a Norwich City’s Ashley Barnes, Jack was back his confident self and returned to full-time education.
We also delivered:
Premier League Kicks, Premier League Inspires and Fresh Start as a means engaging harder to reach individuals and communities.
44,695 Throughput (total attendances)
100% of parents believe that their young person has improved in their hopes and dreams (Onside)
56,939 Engagement
100% of PL participants coming
carers, to ‘onside’.
year was experiencing but after Officer, Norwich back to to League means of individuals
56,939 Engagement hours
100% PL Kicks participants enjoy coming to our sessions
From our point oF view he’s more ConFiDent. he’s Got a Group oF FrienDs he Goes anD plays FootBall with anD he woulDn’t have Done that BeFore.
Jack’s mum Onside participant’s parent
The Foundation also operates a range of affordable services that provide community engagement and positive impact such as our school sports and kids’ courses.
Jess’ journey with the Community Sports Foundation started back in 2018, joining the Girls U10s after being spotted in the Summer Cup. She now represents our ADP and Emerging Talent Centre at U15s playing as a defender.
22,036 Unique participants
Overall rating (Soccer Schools)
9.5/10
Unfortunately, Jess has faced long lay-offs and multiple setbacks with various knee injuries over the past three years.
Through the support of her coaches, Jess was able to overcome these setbacks and has now recently signed for a local side.
We also delivered: Football and Education, college programmes, Schools programmes, Alternative Provision and Soccer Schools.
299,107 Throughput (total attendances)
96% of schools that completed our survey would recommend our school provision
483,358 Engagement
1,900 young across Development
483,358 Engagement hours
1,900 young people enrolled across our Football Development programmes
the Boys love GoinG there For soCCer sChools anD look ForwarD to it. they are always maDe to Feel welCome By the CoaChes. we think that it is GooD value For the time DurinG sChool holiDays.
Soccer Schools parent
2023 was a year that saw an expansion of The Nest’s facilities with the addition of a second 11-a-side 3G pitch, thanks to funding support from the Football Foundation. This has resulted in an increase in footfall and engagement at the facility.
156,751 Attendances
2023 also saw us begin operation of Brundall Sports Hub, a new 11-a-side 3G pitch on the outskirts of the city. This venue has become home to a number of Kids’ Courses, most notably Match Nights.
5,830 Attendances made across our programmes
since the Foundation began collecting data
“
Facility user
The whole faciliTies and sTaff are such greaT ambassadors for whaT sporT and fooTball can provide and conTribuTe To noT jusT The local communiTy buT for a whole region. “
Carrow Park & Carrow Road
Carrow Park, received a branding face-lift, giving the facility a new-look. The Foundation also expanded its Education Hub facilities at Carrow Road and moved into a new office.
54,603 Attendances were made via 3G and classroom bookings
Birthday parties
Conferences
Kids’ Courses
Each year the Foundation takes a day to say thank you to all of the fundraisers, donors, funders, partners, sponsors, volunteers, trustees and staff that support what we do.
Without your vital support, our work would not be possible.
Main sponsor
Race partners
Race sponsors
Race supporter
Hugh J Boswell
Run Norwich has been a staple of the Community Sports Foundation calendar for nine years now, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. 2023 saw a record 6,777 runners take to the streets of the city, despite the best efforts of the Norfolk winds.
The Foundation’s ever-reliable team, joined by a fantastic group of over 300 volunteers, ensured another memorable day for the runners who were set on their way by Norwich City’s Grant Hanley.
9/10 Overall rating
96%
Logan Smith completed the three-peat with a last-gasp overtake coming around the final corner at The Forum, whilst 2022 winner Anya Culling was pipped to the female title by Mabel Beckett.
A key part of the Foundation’s fundraising and events programme, Run Norwich 2023 raised a total of £239,607. All profits from the race go towards the Community Sports Foundation’s work with disabled and disadvantaged people.
15,000 Spectators
Excellent organisation, information, volunteers, musicians. Superb crowd support. Fantastic city and route. Faultless in every way. “ “
Run Norwich participant
Watch the race recap
Commitment, passion, and a drive to help others.
We’re proud of our workforce, which includes staff who have been with the Foundation for over 30 years and budding coaches taking their first steps into their professional careers.
Chief Executive Officer
Ian Thornton OBE, and Director of Strategy & Development, Jackie Thornton celebrated 30 and 25 years respectively in 2023 coaches
To sustain and grow our reach and impact as a charity we need to continue to achieve a diverse mix of income. This comes from partnerships, funding, fundraising, donations and revenue from our facilities and affordable engagement activities and programmes. We also ensure that our expenditure is both necessary and reasonable to further our wider charitable objectives.
We are always striving to improve our facilities, programmes, delivery and equipment to ensure the highest standard of community provisions. The better we can be in every area of the Foundation, the greater the impact we can have on the Norfolk community and beyond.
We use the power of Norwich City Football Club to achieve our charitable objectives. Using our programmes, platforms and player engagement with the help of those at Norwich City Football Club, we support and inspire our community to help people lead a better lifestyle.
We have a team of inspirational people who care and aspire to make a difference every day. We strive for excellent recruitment of people who believe in our values, and we aim to create a culture that makes them feel proud and appreciated.
In 2023, our group turnover was
£6,065,591
We aim to have a diverse range of income to safeguard the charity’s sustainability and achieve its vision. Any surplus made through project delivery is invested back into the four charitable objectives and the future development of the Nest:
Fundraising events and donations
We ran 12 fundraising events and a donations campaign
Funding and grants
Our funding team apply for local and national grants of varying sizes
Revenue and facilities
We generate income from The Nest, Carrow Park and affordable services through social enterprise
Commercial sponsors
Local and national businesses sponsor The Foundation, The Nest, and Run Norwich
FunDraisinG examples
Run Norwich
10K running event with 8,500 entries
Coastal Walk Challenge
47-mile hike around the coast in 24 hours
Three Peaks Challenge
Conquer the UK’s three highest peaks in a race against time
City Giving
Donations from individuals & business from the community towards projects delivered by the Foundation
FunDinG examples
Funds raised
£239,607
£48,907
£61,129
£31,255
Income achieved
Premier League Charitable Fund
A core grant and project-specific funding
Norfolk Community Foundation
A local organisation that administers smaller funding grants
Norfolk County Council
Local needs related funding for specific projects
£599,862
£99,220
£286,059
Income achieved
£593,689
£2,055,831
£3,104,785
£311,286
revenue anD FaCilities examples
Participant Income
Affordable services such as kids’ courses, youth football, and school sports
The Nest and Carrow Park Events, catering, residentials, pitch hire and birthday parties
Income achieved
£1,174,849
£771,325
CommerCial partnerships examples
Foundation
General and programme specific sponsorship
The Nest
General sponsors, pitch/facility specific sponsors
Run Norwich
Tiered sponsorship packages (main sponsors, partner sponsor)
Income achieved
£138,150
£58,176
£115,500
Developments continue to take place at The Nest and Carrow Road to improve the current facilities and establish new ones to further enhance our community reach.
The latter stages of 2023 saw the introduction of a new Alternative Provision programme, Tackle Learning, aiming to engage the hardest-to-reach young people in an alternative form of
education and activity, using sport as a tool.
The Foundation have also collaborated with Joma to launch a new range of sporting attire for all programme participants and students. The kit becomes part of a wider project to develop a retail unit which will broaden the wider infrastructure of the Foundation.
The Foundation are proud of our official community partners, whose invaluable support means we can reach more people across the region.
We do what we can to ensure our partners get a beneficial return from their investment through fundraising events, social media promotion, tickets, perks, and networking events.
We are always looking to build this community, so if you or your organisation would like to enquire about becoming a partner, contact us at:
csfmailbox@norwichcitycsf.org.uk
The Foundation is always looking for volunteer help from those who wish to make a difference in their community and we have a number of opportunities available.
From Duncan’s Club to Run Norwich, we have a host of programmes and fundraising events that are reliant on the support of our community. To enquire about volunteering for us, contact:
csfrecruitment@norwichcitycsf.org.uk
Our ever-growing work across the county means we have an ever-growing team of people. If you’re interested in full-time work, part-time work or stepping into a career in coaching, visit our vacancies page on our website to stay up to date on opportunities.
csfrecruitment@norwichcitycsf.org.uk
