Meet england’s next angling stars

England’s match teams are set for a bright future thanks to a scheme designed to find our next international stars.

Talent Pathway was created by the Angling Trust back in 2011 with the aim of identifying and nurturing match fishing talent among youngsters. Its aim is to ensure the continued success of England teams at an international level.

Seven years on and the programme’s success has come to fruition with five students selected to compete in the Under 15s FIPSed World Championships hosted on the Cavo Lama Canal in Italy later this year.

Billy Kirk, Billy Pitman, Callum Jennings, Josh Paling and Sonny Lynn expertly fished their way into the team during a recent regional England U15s trial held at Barston Lakes in Solihull.  

This final selection event brought together 26 anglers from across the country who, over the last six months, have been engaged in three regional training programmes led by some of the top anglers and coaches in the sport – including Matt Godfrey,
Des Shipp and Frankie Gianoncelli. 

England U15s manager Joe Roberts had the challenging task of selecting five anglers from the 26 to represent England on August 3/4 in Italy.

He said: “The trial assessment day was very close to call and it wasn’t until the last 20 minutes that Matt Godfrey and I came to the same conclusion of who would be selected for the U15s England squad for this year’s event. 

“I would like to thank Matt Godfrey, Mick Gibbs and Mike Wilkinson for helping out on the day and all their hard work.

“Billy Kirk and Josh Paling both went to Ireland with the U15s team last year, along with the other squad members new to the team this year. 

“In last year’s Championships we brought home the bronze team medal, so we are hoping to go one better this time round and be back in contention for a podium place.” 

Asked about the success of the Talent Pathway initiative, Joe agreed that all young and aspiring anglers should get involved next year. 

He added: “The Talent Pathway has proved the knockers wrong, and I couldn’t be happier.

“The Angling Trust funds it and all the anglers have to do is turn up at their regional day with their kit and they’ll get one-to-one coaching from top anglers.

“I’d expect and urge any young angler who wants to fish for England at any youth level to attend, get free coaching and throw their hat into the ring.