The Angling Trust’s northern and southern selection matches for the England team for anglers with disabilities have now been confirmed. The re-scheduled northern qualifier will take place on 5th April 2009 on the Stainforth and Keadby Canal and the southern qualifier will be fished on 18th April 2009 at Gold Valley Fishery.
England Team Manager Joe Roberts has introduced two selection matches 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 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 appropriate match.
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 0844 7700616.
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.”
Source: Angling Trust
