I live in Lakenheath, (but originally from Northern Ireland) and am the Hon Secretary of the village Angling Club. For some years, we have had a very low number of Junior members, and whilst I am not match-oriented personally, I do take part in the Club matches, which has an average attendance of about 15 - and I am one of the 'Pools Fodder', giving £1 per fortnight, up to early December.
Several years ago, there was a thriving Junior Section, but now it is in limbo, because of the opening of three commerical waters, in or near, the village.
However, I make occasional visits (with my wife), and sometimes my son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter (who is 18), to one - Cross Drove, because it has the most important facilty for all of us: flush toilets.
It is about seven acres, and is one of the most attractive waters, because the owner has spent years constructing it - virtually every peg is a little bay, with foliage, and there are lots of lily pads. There may be forty anglers there, but you would think you were the only one present.
Matches are held there three times a week (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) but there are no hot pegs at all, unlike some venues, where the 'venue expert' is a one swim/one method
angler. The lake is also closed from November to March, so the fish do get a lenghty respite.
In my youth in Northern Ireland, I fished wild loughs and rivers, and they would be my first choice, but as my wife also fishes, I look for venues with proper sanitary arrangements.
I get no favours from the owner (even though we are both 'Mighty Blues' supporters)
I still have to pay (Pensioner rates).
However, speaking as a 'Grumpy Old Man' the modern youth is an 'I want it now', and be an instant expert; us old codgers spent years on the angling journey of discovery, and i believe we appreciated it more. Plenty of effort equals more pleasant results, when it (rarely) comes together.