The Angling Trust has announced it is to collaborate with Greys Fishing to support youth fly fishing in England. The two year deal will see Greys Fishing become the Official Supplier to England Youth Fly Fishing and the Official Sponsor of both the Loch Style and newly launched Junior Bank National.

The Alnwick based company owned by US tackle giant Pure Fishing, has a strong reputation for providing quality tackle to competition fly anglers and this deal will strengthen that reputation as the next generation of England’s fly fishers begin and progress through their competitive journey.

England Youth Fly Fishing has a strong record when it comes to providing England internationals, with Scott Nellins, Simon Robinson, Lisa Isles and Phil Dixon all making the transition into competitive angling. Key to their development and progression, alongside their undoubted talent, dedication and commitment was the opportunity to learn about competitive fly fishing and to perform in that environment.

The Loch Style National and International, traditionally held in May and August respectively, have been established for many years and with the rise in popularity of bank fishing, the introduction of the Greys Junior Bank National will provide even more young fly fishers with the opportunity to enter the world of competitive fly fishing and progress to national and international level.

The new Greys Junior Bank National will provide an entry point to competitive fly fishing and provide existing competition anglers with the opportunity to perform in a high quality competition and achieve national recognition. The competition will begin with 9 regional heats held throughout the country in September and October 2015 with three anglers from each heat qualifying for the National Final which will be held at Ellerdine Fishery in April 2016.

The cost of entering the competition is only £5 and with prizes supplied by Greys Fishing up for grabs at each of the heats as well as the grand final, it’s an opportunity not to be missed!John Henderson, Head of UK Sales & Marketing for Pure Fishing UK said: “It is a great pleasure to support and work together with the Angling Trust. When Ben Thompson approached me with ideas to work with the Greys brand, I jumped at the chance. This provides a great opportunity for both the Angling Trust and Pure Fishing to get more youngsters involved in the sport whether it is competitively or just for fun. I would like to wish all those competing the best of luck and tight lines for the future.”

Ben Thompson, Angling Trust Competitions & Talent Manager said: “We are delighted to be working with Greys Fishing and this project will support and enhance both domestic and international youth fly fishing. There are many barriers to youth participation so to be able to provide a new competition where anglers can compete locally, with minimal equipment and be able to keep the cost of entry low, is a huge plus for young anglers. To represent your country at any level is a real honour and having the support from Greys Fishing will help our young anglers in their development and quest for glory in the Home International.

“This partnership demonstrates a real dedication and commitment to support and develop youth fly fishing in this country and I look forward to working with the Greys team.England Youth Fly Fishing will compete against Scotland, Ireland and Wales in August 2015 as Lake of Mentieth in Scotland plays host to the Youth International. Scotland were victorious in 2014 at Grafham Water but England are keen to wrestle back the title under the stewardship of newly appointed England manager Clark Colman.You can find out more about England Youth Fly Fishing and follow their progress by visiting the website, www.anglingtrust.net/eyf

Full details of the Greys Junior Bank National and instructions on how to enter can be found at www.anglingtrust.net/juniorbanknational