An angling club is hoping to get young people ‘hooked’ on fishing after securing a Sussex Police grant.
Pulborough Angling Society will use the funds to train a new coach, and it also aims to recruit more young people.
PCSO Daryl Holter, who presented the grant to the club, said:
“I am very happy to help and support Paul and Pulborough Angling Society with £280 funding from the Sussex Police Property Act Fund. Being able to offer young people opportunities like this is so very important for all involved.”
The Police Property Act Fund is made up of monies received by the police from the sale of found property and from property confiscated by order of court and then sold.
Club chairman Paul Holden said:
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Sussex Police for awarding us a grant, in order for us to train a new club coach. We want to encourage more of our local youngsters to take up the sport of angling and spend time at our lakes and on our rivers fishing, rather than hanging around on the streets or in the parks when boredom can lead to anti-social behaviour and petty crime.
“Angling is well known as a pastime which improves mental health and wellbeing, allowing participants to fish for many hours in our beautiful rural environment, whilst learning to enjoy and respect nature, and removing the individual from any issues at home, in school or just the pressures of life.
“Respect for other people of all ages is also achieved because anglers love talking about what they’ve caught and sharing tips and tactics, and all anglers like to help others if they can.
“Our Club does not allow alcohol or recreational drugs on any of its venues, so they are safe environments for youngsters to enjoy the sport away from temptation and bad influences.”
The club wished to share the successes of two young members:
The parents of Jake, aged 16, said:
“Jake was always hard work, but since he’s found fishing with your club, it’s really sorted him out.”
The parents of James, aged 15, said:
“Since getting involved in the club, James has come out of himself, is doing better at school and now lives for fishing. It’s changed his life for the better.”
Paul added:
“We are already planning a junior coaching day during the school holidays in August, when we hope to get some more youngsters hooked on fishing and off our streets for good.”
David Wilkins, South East Region Enforcement Support Manager of the Angling Trust, said:
“Pulborough Angling Society in West Sussex have worked with local schools, and have a vibrant family and young person section.
“The funding will greatly assist the development of their coaching team and help swell the numbers of junior anglers who can attend coaching days.”
Find out more about the Police Property Act Fund, including how you can apply, here.
