WHY AREN’T CLUBS DOING MORE TO ATTRACT JUNIORS?

National line-up shows that most are fishing only for carp I

FIND it difficult to believe that no more than seven clubs could put out teams for this year’s Junior National.

Thirteen teams competed, four in the Cadet section and nine in the Juniors. The Intermediate section wasn’t even fished.

Most clubs don’t do anywhere near enough to attract youngsters, but thankfully some do, like Godalming Angling Society, whose experienced members give up their time to help bring on the next generation of anglers and run a series of ‘training’ events for them.

Godalming AS also runs ‘taster’ days for youngsters at its Marsh Farm complex.

I am sure plenty of other clubs are doing the same, but names such as Leeds, Barnsley and Warrington, that used to feature very strongly in Junior Nationals, are now missing. I attended a junior presentation night for Leeds several years ago and the trophy table was loaded. Where are those kids... and the next group?

The ease and availability of carp fishing obviously attracts far more youngsters than canals and rivers, but I still feel that clubs could do far more... not only to boost angling but to ensure their own continuing future.