Introduction
Junior fishing clubs are the lifeblood of angling in the UK. They not only introduce young people to the joy of fishing but also play a huge role in building confidence, promoting mental health, and reducing anti-social behaviour in communities. By teaching youngsters the right way to fish, clubs also encourage respect for nature, responsible angling, and long-term participation in the sport.
Running a junior fishing club may seem daunting at first, but with the right structure, support, and tools, it can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever take on. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to set up and run a thriving junior angling club in 2025.
Getting Started with a Junior Fishing Club
The first step is creating a clear foundation for your club.
- Choose the right venue: Look for safe waters with good access. Lakes with platforms or easily accessible banks are ideal.
- Form a committee: You’ll need people to manage memberships, safeguarding, events, and finances.
- Understand legal responsibilities: Insurance, safeguarding policies, and risk assessments are essential. Many clubs partner with local councils, fisheries, or the Angling Trust to make sure everything is in place.
Safeguarding and Membership Management
When working with children, safeguarding is the top priority.
- Lead Coach requirement: Every club should have at least one Level 2 qualified Angling Coach (Lead Coach). Coaching qualifications can be gained via the Angling Trust, who also run regular training courses.
- Volunteer roles: All other helpers should complete the Angling Trust Event Support Volunteer (ESV) training to ensure they can safely assist sessions.
- Safeguarding Officer: Every junior club must have a named safeguarding officer responsible for policies, reporting, and welfare.
- DBS checks: All volunteers and coaches should be DBS-checked.
- Parental consent: Written consent is required for all juniors, especially for off-site trips or photos.
- Record keeping: Clubs must track memberships, consents, renewals, and attendance.
Many clubs now use digital tools like Clubnest to manage memberships, safeguarding consents, and registers securely. This saves time, ensures compliance, and gives parents confidence that everything is handled properly.
Planning Coaching Sessions
Structured coaching is the backbone of a junior club.
- Qualified leadership: The Lead Coach (Level 2) should design and oversee sessions.
- Support network: ESV-trained volunteers provide safe ratios and help with coaching delivery.
- Make sessions age-appropriate: Short, fun, and engaging activities work best for younger children, while teens may enjoy more technical coaching.
- Keep it varied: Sessions might cover casting, setting up rigs, handling fish safely, and water safety.
- Small groups: Keep ratios safe and manageable — ideally one coach per 4–6 juniors.
Providing a mix of fun, learning, and achievement keeps children motivated and builds their skills gradually.
Risk Assessments and Safety
Every coaching session or junior event should have a risk assessment in place.
- Identify hazards: Steps, bridges, deep water, or weather conditions.
- Plan controls: Life jackets where necessary, clear signage, and responsible adult ratios.
- Dynamic assessments: Risks can change on the day, so clubs need a system to log and update assessments quickly.
- Digital tools: With Clubnest, clubs can prepare risk assessments in advance and update them dynamically during sessions, making compliance easier.
A strong risk assessment process gives peace of mind to parents, coaches, and governing bodies alike.
Funding and Sponsorship Opportunities
Running a club costs money, but there are many ways to secure funding.
- Grants: Organisations like the Angling Trust, Sport England, and community funds (such as HPC Community Fund) offer support.
- Local sponsors: Tackle shops, local businesses, and fisheries often help with prizes, equipment, or financial backing.
- Fundraising events: Raffles, fun matches, and family open days can raise both money and awareness.
Don’t be afraid to reach out — many organisations are keen to support grassroots sports.
Running Junior Matches and Events
Matches give juniors something to work towards, but they should be run differently to adult competitions.
- Shorter matches: Keep them to 2–3 hours to maintain focus.
- Accessible pegs: Choose swims where juniors can fish safely and comfortably.
- Fair rules: Keep rules simple, and encourage learning rather than winning at all costs.
- Celebration: Every child should feel included — small prizes, certificates, or medals go a long way.
Events such as “Take a Friend Fishing” days and family matches are also brilliant for building confidence and community spirit.
Promoting Your Club
Even the best clubs need visibility to grow.
- Social media: Share updates, photos, and stories on Facebook, Instagram, and local community groups.
- Schools and youth groups: Work with local schools, scouts, cadets, and youth charities to encourage participation.
- Word of mouth: Encourage parents and juniors to bring friends along.
- Websites: Having a simple website with contact details, session dates, and safeguarding info is essential.
With Clubnest, clubs can build a professional-looking site quickly while also managing bookings and sessions in one place.
The Role of Technology in Modern Clubs
Digital tools are transforming the way clubs operate.
- Membership management: Online registrations, payments, and renewals.
- Coaching bookings: Easy scheduling, waiting lists, and registers.
- Match results: Record, publish, and share instantly.
- Safeguarding & Risk Assessments: Store consents securely and complete risk assessments online.
Clubs that embrace technology not only save time but also look more professional, making them more appealing to parents, sponsors, and governing bodies.
Success Stories and Inspiration
Across the UK, junior fishing clubs are thriving thanks to strong leadership, community support, and modern tools. Some clubs have grown from just a handful of members to over 100 juniors within a few years. Others have used partnerships with schools or local councils to reach new audiences and make fishing more inclusive.
Hearing how other clubs have succeeded can be a huge motivator — and shows what’s possible when passionate volunteers come together.
Conclusion
Running a junior fishing club in the UK is one of the most valuable contributions you can make to the sport. It creates opportunities for young people, strengthens communities, and ensures that the next generation of anglers learns the right way to enjoy fishing.
With the right planning, qualified coaches, safeguarding officers, and proper risk assessments, your club will not only thrive but also set the gold standard for junior angling.
Ready to take your club to the next level? Discover how Clubnest can help with safeguarding, bookings, memberships, risk assessments, and more.