Fishing has an ongoing battle to beat screen time and busier-than-ever parents, but one obvious way to grow the sport is through the education sector. It seems odd we haven’t pushed further on this front. It would be unthinkable for kids not to have the chance to try athletics or football, so why not fishing?
In EU countries such as Finland, for example, as well as in the United States, fishing is already part of classroom and outdoor learning. The good news on the UK front is that angling is finally making strides. Following the success of independent groups such as Fishing For Schools, the sport’s governing body, the Angling Trust, is now gearing up its Reel Education project for a large- scale push. So what’s it all about and what can we expect next?
A solid start
Although still in its infancy, the Angling Trust’s Reel Education scheme is already working its way into classrooms and playgrounds. Backed by Shakespeare, it introduces primary age kids to fishing with a mixture of PE-style games, alongside activities that connect with science and other subjects.
This is just the start, however. “Our aim is that, following each visit, every pupil will have the opportunity to get out locally, linking to clubs and fisheries to create the anglers of the future,” said Northern School Initiator, Chris Holden.
The project has got off to a solid start, hitting more than 100 schools and 16,000 participants, with further plans to reach 400 schools and 56,000 children in the next two years. Competitions could also be key, and a long-awaited reboot of inter-schools match fishing has begun this year.
“I attended inter-schools matches when I was young, so this is something I’m passionate to get going again,” said Chris.
“Our first match has already been held at Partridge Lakes. Eleven schools attended, with everyone present catching. Most kids hadn’t fished before but were inspired to give it a go following a Reel Fishing day in school.”
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"The interest is crazy!"
Elsewhere around the UK, many organisations and clubs do great unsung work with schools and young people, often providing those crucial links to angling that are otherwise lacking. GJ Fisheries in Manchester is looking to develop a dedicated learning centre on the bank, led by Angling Times award-winner Jay Clayton. He’s massively enthused about community interest, but he warns that red tape can be a challenge, especially while local councils creak under high workloads and funding shortages.
“The interest is crazy!” said Jay.
“Since we mentioned plans for a learning centre, the response has been overwhelming, whether it’s from teachers or families. We have the perfect site and all our plans are in place, but we’re still waiting on council approval.”
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Raring to go after getting advice from local boxing legend Tommy McDonagh, who also promotes education through sport via the 0161 Project, Jay says that, rather than waiting around, they’ve simply opted to get going.
“Sometimes it’s easier to get cracking off your own back,” he said.
“Thankfully, other supporters like Nash, have been brilliant.
“The company has donated a gazebo so we can start to run sessions, and is also offering to bring some of its stars down. Carp fishing is definitely cool right now and demand is high, so we’re really excited.”
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