John Weeden, the current manager of the England Anglers With Disabilities team, has announced that he is stepping down from the role after serving the team for over 20 years. John has managed the team since 2013, and after such a long career with the team, he feels it is in a great place for him to finally relinquish the role and focus on his own angling going forward.
“Managing at this level takes up a lot of time and effort, and although I have absolutely loved doing it, the sacrifices have been great,” John said.
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“I’ll still be around for the trials and am happy to go to the World Champs to help out, but my personal goal is to try to make the England Masters team and do a bit of fishing for myself. However, whatever the lads need from me in the future, I will do all I can for them—they won’t get rid of me that easily,” he added.
John has been involved with the team since 2003, and when Dick Clegg asked him in 2013 if he would like to take on the managerial role, he couldn’t refuse, and has since led the team to great success. Not only did John manage the team, but he also tirelessly campaigned and held fundraisers to cover the costs of international fishing, raising close to £100,000, all of which has gone back into the team.
“You shouldn’t have to pay out of your own pocket to represent your country, but fishing isn’t awash with cash like other sports,” he said.
“With no funding available, I took matters into my own hands, and in the last 10 years, I reckon I’ve raised close to £100,000 to help the lads.”
"I also got the anglers to be more organized, ensuring they had enough hooks and rigs tied, had enough groundbait buckets, and so on. Experience has shown me that it’s those little elements that win medals," John reflected on his approach to managing the team.
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John always held the belief that the England team wasn't just going to championships to make up the numbers—they were there to compete and win. With this extra focus and funding, John eventually helped England secure a podium place when the team finished second in Italy in 2019.
"When I think back, it pains me to remember that we should have been world champions," he revealed. "I can remember Mark Russell catching a little fish that got us silver, but he also lost a carp that would have won us gold. That’s sport, and that’s match fishing, though."
Reflecting on his career, John said, "When I look back, I can be very, very happy! We’ve improved our world ranking, won medals, and created a buzz around the team."
"On a more personal note, I’ve found the last 21 years really inspiring, seeing the anglers overcome their disabilities and give everything they have."
"I love every single one of them that I’ve managed, and I will do everything in my power to help them in the coming years."
"Thanks to everyone that has supported us with donations and tackle as without your help the team wouldn’t exist, long may that continue,"he concluded.
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