Two members of a fishing club set up in partnership with Halton Borough Council have got so hooked on the sport, they have now been reeled in to angle in the national championships.
Daniel Burton, aged 14 and Connor Highams, aged 12, started at Halton Children’s Centres Fishing Club, which was founded by Halton Borough Council’s Mo Ball, now have the chance to represent their country.
They impressed judges at the event at Cudmore Fisheries, on Friday 3 July, where they battled against 300 other young fisherman.
In two years the group has been going from strength to strength with a thriving group of children and young people aged between seven and 14-years-old, with membership reaching 18, as well as a waiting list of potential members.
There are many agencies and organisations that have been supporting the fishing club, including Liverpool Housing Trust who have worked in partnership with Halton Borough Council.
Halton Joint Anglers, Warrington Angling Association and Weston Anglers Association have all supported the fishing club with either free licenses, fishing tackle, funding, trophies and medals.
Recently the club received Halton Borough Council “InPursuit Of Sport funding for fishing tackle and Safer Halton Partnership funding for caps and polo shirts for the clubs members.
More recently, Norton Priory Museum gave the group its own pond, ‘Slaters Pit’.
The club achieved the NWEO Award “Recognising Diversity 2009” and has since has been busy securing development grants and support from local and national organisations and angling associations.
The children and young people have cleaned the site and secured funding from Liverpool Housing Trust, Halton Borough Council and Groundwork Merseyside and have now repaired and made the site safe for all anglers to use.
This Halton Borough Council Initiative was developed by Mo, who having spoken to parents in the community decided to start a fishing club. The club now has a committee, its own bank account and constitution.
She said: “This is a great achievement by the young people who have really come on from strength to strength.
“We have a great team of helpers on hand, including parents, staff from other agencies and volunteers and this is a great way of bringing families and young people together.”
Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for the Community, Cllr Marie Wright, said: “I would like to congratulate Daniel and Connor and the whole club for their achievements.
“Angling engages young people in community activity, such as keeping the local pond, river or canal free of litter. It also develops their self-confidence and encourages positive behaviour and relationships.”
For more information about the fishing group contact Halton Brook Children’s Centre on 01928 573265. Children’s Centres in Widnes and Runcorn are run by Halton Borough Council.
