International Angling Academy gets the go-ahead

Talented anglers are being encouraged to get involved in a brand new scheme that is aimed at unearthing national superstars of the future.

England legend Dick Clegg exclusively revealed to Angling Times earlier in the year that he was determined to create an International Angling Academy to support rising stars. His dream is now set to become a reality after the first session of the forward-thinking scheme was given the green light.

Juniors, veterans and ladies with aspirations to fish at the highest level can apply for a spot in the inaugural session on the Middle Level Drain in Kings Lynn on June 29.

It is expected to be the first of a long-running series, with highly skilled coaches, such as top matchman Steve Sanders and former veteran’s World Champion Joe Roberts, passing on their vast knowledge to help participants reach their full potential.

Officials at the Angling Trust gave the final go-ahead for the idea and Dick believes it will play a vital part in producing anglers capable of regularly winning gold medals in the future. He said: “England has a tremendous record in World Championship competitions and to maintain this I believe we need to use all this experience by creating an academy.

“People like Steve Sanders and Joe Roberts are among the world's best coaches and they are the ideal candidates to give advice on groundbait, rigs, presentation and all aspects of the rules relating to World Championship fishing.

“We hope this is the start of a process that will help us find exceptionally talented anglers that we aren’t yet aware of,” he added.

A limited number of places are available for the meeting, with interested parties required to email sandra.drew@anglingtrust.net with a short CV and be current members of the Angling Trust.

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