The Angling Trust is giving Anglers with Disabilities the opportunity to fish for England, with the first of two selection events taking place on 8th February on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal near Kirk Bramwith, Doncaster.

England Team Manager Joe Roberts is introducing a northern and southern England match fished to international rules to help identify anglers who are of international calibre. A number of anglers from each regional match will be selected to fish a national trial and have the opportunity to fish for England at the World Championships in Portugal.

Any anglers with disabilities in the North of England and the Midlands who wish to put themselves forward for the international team should contact their local Regional Officer for Anglers with Disabilities (see list below). The local officer will be able to advise them of the required style of international fishing and put them forward to fish the northern match.  Dates for the Southern regional match will be confirmed in due course when a separate press release will be issued.

Each angler must have at least one handicap point which is based on their disability, with the full team requiring a minimum of ten points in total to fish the World Championships. Team manager, Joe Roberts will assess each of the anglers’ disability on the day ranging from one to six points for the highest classification.

Potential anglers must also join the Angling Trust to be eligible to fish, which can be easily done via the new website, www.anglingtrust.net or by calling 0845 6010 699.

Joe Roberts, England Team Manager, believes these regional contests are vital, commenting: “This year we have created a selection process that will enable us to see how anglers adapt to the style of fishing required to be successful on the international stage. We will also have more time to work with the anglers and create a team that can deliver at the World Championships.”

International Events Manager Dick Clegg supported Joe, adding: “The style required to fish at international level is completely different to the way anglers normally fish in this country. Having regional matches fished to international rules will give the selection team the opportunity to pick the very best anglers who have the necessary skills to deliver success in Portugal.”

Regional Officers for Anglers with Disabilities

Region Name Contact Details
North East Paul Cartwright mrwheels@ntlworld.com/ 07966368535
North West  John Moore 01204 412397
East Midlands Rod Parker 07711281270
West Midlands Malcolm Kelly malckelly@tiscali.co.uk