Chris Hall (Head of Careers/Vocation) I have worked with Mark Eacock for over a year and have taken advantage of his Angling Academy during this time to give my students a chance of gaining certification on his angling programme. I am Head of Careers and all Vocational education at a school near Hereford and work with students with emotional and behavioural difficulties and as you can imagine find it difficult to find decent placements for these students. I was given the opportunity to use Mark’s academy for a number of my students and it was quite obvious from the first day this was to become an excellent placement. Mark not only has the knowledge of angling to pass on to my students but also a very good understanding of the problems that arise with them. All students placed with Mark have managed to pass their Level 1 Sports Leader Award and this can only be attributed to the way he has interacted and looked after my students. I have also noticed a considerable improvement in their social skills as well as the motivation they have all displayed during the programme. This is due to Mark’s dedication and his belief that he can move these students on to better things.
I would have no hesitation in placing more of my students on his programme such has been the success so far and would personally like to thank Mark for his patience and commitment during the time I have worked with him.
The ABC Fishing Club began in October 2007, working with Professional Angling Coach Mark Eacock of Worcester Angling Academy and Wellingborough District and Nene Angling Club who have provided us with free usage of their fishery. Mark’s coaching style has enabled all participants to gain invaluable life skills, fair play, environmental awareness and fish welfare. Children have increased self esteem and confidence and behaviour has become more positive. 24 children have benefited from fishing.
Our vision for angling in Northamptonshire is for more black children and young people and their parents to get involved in angling as a past time and sport in a bid to create interaction and bring communities together and in so doing prevent young people offending.
The first step was introducing the sport then training young leaders and sports leaders to enable children to run the activities, taking ownership and responsibility for their project. We are currently establishing Dry Fishing Clubs in primary schools in Wellingborough because the sport is now proving to be quite popular as children tell their friends about their experiences.
We feel that this idea is viable because of the commitment and dedication of staff from Worcester Angling Academy.
and we will be only too pleased to forward these to you.