The Directors Update: November 2024

Since its inception, Fishing for Schools has striven to prioritise the needs of young people who are deemed vulnerable; many whom might benefit from a different educational path and be offered an open door to a surprising natural world.

A different vison than they would be used to… and learn through that opportunity. For the most part, this approach has worked better than we could ever imagined.

However, fishing and education have no barriers – or at least, they shouldn’t. Both elements, in very differing ways, are massive “levellers”. A fish being caught, cares little for who has deceived it …

So, why should Fishing for Schools?

For this reason, we are embarking on an innovative and exciting route that will bring all young people into our Fishing for Schools world – certainly, as many as we can effectively help. This has started in Northern Ireland, and what an experience the pilot programme have been. This resounding success has been masterminded and delivered by the Ulster Angling Federation – notably, David Thompson, who has been instrumental to the unprecedented success of the initial schools and attracting media attention along the way.

Latterly our work with Bryanston School. Whilst it is considered one of our elite public schools, why should a school and its students not benefit and enjoy angling in the same way as nearby, SEND School Yewstock?

We are back to that fish and learning, again!

Young people from ALL walks of life should have the same opportunity, and I believe it is our job to ensure that barriers into angling are dismantled.

Of course, the other vital part of this is the spirit of corporation between education sectors, and our work with Bryanston and their assistant Head Teacher of Teaching and Learning - William Bridges - has opened a whole new era of opportunity for Fishing for Schools in the future.

Together with other areas which the team are working on, I simply cannot think of a more exciting period for Fishing for Schools in our history.