The 2nd AGM and Conference of the NFA has been held at Holme Pierrepont last weekend where 75 delegates from clubs around the country attended to see the progress the organisation has made in the last year.
The conference focused on the key message of ‘together we can’ which has meaning not only for NFA members but also the sport as a whole. In order for the sport to develop successfully it is paramount that partners and organisations work with members and member clubs to provide a sustainable future for the sport. The National Federation of Anglers, The Salmon & Trout Association, National Federation of Sea Anglers in partnership with Sport England and the Environment Agency have started the ball rolling by forming the Angling Development Board (ADB).
The ADB is tasked with the development of angling across all disciplines through coaching, education and club development. The ADB will work closely with all the Governing Bodies and with the advent of the NFA’s OCN qualification in angling, clubs can now work together with schools and coaches to bring new faces into the sport. With over 70 schools and organisations which work with young people expressing an interest in running the course in September, angling is set to go from strength to strength.
The day included workshops for angling clubs to learn about the benefits of their membership including free fishery and legal advice as well as presentations by Get Hooked on Fishing CEO, Anne Moyle. Anne spoke about how angling clubs can establish a programme within its local community and open up angling to a wider audience. Alistair Maltby from the Association of Rivers Trusts outlined the benefits of forming a trust for lowland coarse clubs and Keith Hendry from APEM advised delegates on how to improve their fishery.
Paul Baggaley, CEO of the NFA stated on the success of the conference, “I am pleased on how the day has gone, however this is only the beginning and the next year will be crucial for both the NFA and angling as a whole. We must all support and participate in the development of the sport through education, coaching and club development if angling is to grow.”
