The Angling Development Board (ADB) has appointed two new members of staff, following new funding and support from the Environment Agency (EA) and has appointed a new Coaching Manager. These staff will grow the capacity of the organisation to deliver more participation in angling throughout the country. Further expansion is being planned.
Brian Smart – Southern Counties Officer
The Environment Agency South East has confirmed that it will be seconding a member of staff to the ADB to support angling development work in the region. The new Southern Counties Officer, Brian Smart, will cover the Isle of Wight, Kent, Hampshire and Sussex and stepped into the role on the 12 September. Brian has worked for the Environment Agency and, before that, the National Rivers Authority for 20 years, initially as a water sampler and, for the last four years, spearheading angling development in the SE. Born in Hampshire, Brian says: “I’m a life-long angler and am thrilled at the opportunity to collaborate with the ADB to take angling development to new levels”. Brian is also a qualified Angling Coach.
Nick Payne – Development Officer Devon & CornwallThe ADB, in partnership with the Environment Agency South West, has appointed a new County Development Officer for Devon and Cornwall. Nick Payne will commence his new role in early October 2011 working 18 hours per week. Nick’s role is to improve access to angling, increase angling participation and to support club, fishery and coach development within Devon and Cornwall. This will include supporting the Devon County Angling Action Group (CAAG) and establishing a new CAAG in Cornwall.
More Funding for Participation
The Environment Agency in the North East and East Midlands have committed funding to support the participation programmes delivered through the CAAG network and in the East of England continue to support the Essex County Angling Officer. The Environment Agency South East and South West are exploring the potential to provide similar support to their CAAGs.
New ADB Coaching Manager Appointed
New Coaching Development Manager, Ben Snook, commenced work with the Angling Development Board on the 12 September 2011. Previously employed as a Coaching Development Manager for County Durham Sport, Ben has a sound knowledge of county, regional and national coaching infrastructure. A semi-professional rugby union player, Ben is also a qualified coach in a number of different sports.
The post is funded by Sport England will be responsible for the development of coaching and coach education throughout England. This includes the roll out of the new Level 3 angling coaching qualification in 2012 and the development of a Level 4 coaching qualification. Plans are also in place to provide innovative training programmes to support coaches working with talented and elite anglers.
Ben will also be working closely with organisations such as Sport Coach UK, Skills Active and other national governing bodies of sport which will enhance the profile of angling nationally.
Merger with Angling Trust
The Angling Development Board intends to merge with the Angling Trust in April 2012 to create a single organisation for the promotion and protection of all angling in England.
