Andrew Race, Chairman of the ATA, who has been working closely with Angling Trust on the development of British angling said:

“I was an avid junior match angler fishing at club and Junior National level, and I know the value to both industry and sport that a thriving junior match scene can bring.  Angling clubs need new members and new talent coming through the ranks to make them a success and the Angling Trust initiative, now expanded into ladies and disabled sections, has even greater potential for angling recruitment.

I know many ATA members, including my own company, are already supporting such schemes and it is in our interest to do so.  Through the combined efforts of ATA, Angling Trust and other stakeholders, the social benefits angling has to offer are now being taken to a much wider audience and angling competition is an ideal vehicle for this.  ATA will be working closely with both Angling Trust and Canal and Rivers Trust with their Junior, youth and cadet National Canal Championships programme in the future.”