SEDBERGH SCHOOL SIXTH FORMER QUALIFIES FOR 2015 ENGLAND YOUTH FLY-FISHING TEAM

Tom Savage (L6, SH) represented the England U18 Youth Fly-Fishing Team during the summer holidays, as one of the team of 14. The event, held at Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire, went to the Scottish team, however Tom qualified for the England team for next year. Grafham Water is vast, and the team was sent to different parts of the reservoir for the competition. 

Tom said: “It was fantastic to be selected – after the event, we had a formal dinner for competitors and our guests. Next year’s competition will be held at Lake of Menteith in Scotland from 2nd – 6th August. 

Ben Thompson, Senior Competitions and Talent Development Manager for Angling Trust, said: “ Tom is an important member of the England squad and contributes positively to the development and success of the England team.

With a number of new caps in the team for next year, Tom’s experience and qualities will be invaluable in the build up to and during the home international and we are delighted to have him in the squad for 2015.”

Youth International competitive fly fishing started in 1985, when a team of 10 youngsters was chosen to compete against a Welsh team – following a challenge from Moc Morgan OBE, a well known and respected Welsh TV personality and angler. The England Youth Fly Fishing Association (EYFA) was set up by Tom Bilson, with the help of many well known anglers. In 1989 the first girl, Kelly Smith, represented England.  

In 1998, for the first time, the EYFA entered the inaugural Youth World Championships and won Bronze Team medal and Silver Individual. In 1999, the team took team Gold and Silver medals. The England Youth teams are drawn from a pool of age qualified candidates who have previously presented England at either World or International level. The team is now part of the Angling Trust. 

Angling Trust is currently recruiting volunteers to support and inspire the next generation of England’s fly fishermen and women. Please visit www.anglingtrust.net/vacancies or contact Ben Thompson (Senior Competitions and Talent Development Manager) on 07854 240177. Closing date is 31st October 2014.

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