You are: Clubmark for Angling
Home News Diary Dates About Membership S&TA Store Issues & Conservation Events Branches Scotland STA Scotland Learning to Fish Becoming a Coach Where to Fish Links Contact Sitemap	Salmon and Trout Association: Clubmark for Angling Raising our Game There are hundreds of fly-fishing clubs across the UK ranging from small groups of friends with angling as a common interest and enjoying regular days on the water together to large more formal organisations with their own fisheries, competitive teams and regular meetings throughout the year. Some of these clubs are thriving with growing membership, coaches, events, junior sections and involvement in lobbying for increased support for their sport. Others are struggling with declining or ageing membership and worrying about how to attract new younger members. There is now an opportunity for fly-fishing clubs to become more attractive to new comers to the sport and to attract support from local authorities and lottery funding. The Angling Development Board which is recognised by Sport England as representing game, coarse and sea angling is responsible for extending a development program for sports clubs into angling. This scheme is called Clubmark for Angling. It is a national recognition of clubs that can demonstrate that they are working towards minimum operating standards. Clubs attaining this will also achieve the Sport England Clubmark accreditation, a nationally recognised award for sports clubs. Nearly twenty coarse fishing clubs have already achieved or are working towards this accreditation but game fishing clubs seem to be unaware of its existence and the opportunities it presents. Most larger clubs are already closely associated with a fishery which has a lodge with facilities for coaching and a safe environment which schools will visit. If not then why not approach a fishery and work together on this project to mutual benefit. This is a big advantage if you are trying to attract external funding. To qualify for Clubmark status a club needs to demonstrate that it is well organised with a constitution and individuals responsible for some core roles. These need not be onerous but some such as child protection do require a couple of days formal training. Similarly your club will need to have a qualified and licensed coach so that you can run events to attract new members and young people in particular. Why do Clubmark for Angling? Clubs achieving the Clubmark for Angling award are recognised as working towards providing a Safe, Effective and Child Friendly fishing environment. County Sports Partnerships and Funding agencies are increasingly recognising these clubs and choosing to work with them as a priority. The Environment Agency is keen to help & support the growth of angling and are committed to working with clubs that achieve Clubmark for Angling accreditation. Achieving this award also sends a clear message to parents that the needs of children have been thoroughly considered and addressed. How to get involved? In the first instance contact: Julian Taylor, ADB Clubs & Volunteers Development Officer, either email: julian.taylor@anglingdevelopmentboard.org.uk or tel: 07855 963128 You can also find useful information & resources on the Clubmark website: www.clubmark.org.uk
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