Wigan Athletic Kickz Project fishing sessions

The Wigan Athletic Kickz Project has been up and running for around two years. The project is a national programme that uses the power of football and the appeal of professional clubs to target some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. Kickz offers 12-18 year olds the chance to take part in positive activities three nights each week, 48 weeks of the year. As part of those three nights, two are football based and one session is an alternative session.

During discussion with the group, the idea of fishing was raised and seemed to generate a lot of enthusiasm. As a keen angler myself and knowing all about the benefits that fishing could have on these young people, I decided to pursue the idea.

I approached the charity organisation Cast North West, about arranging fishing sessions for the young people on the project. Cast North West was formed in 2006 by Project Co-ordinator Neil Farnworth. The project originally started with Neil running fishing days for the local young people at Gone Fishing fishery in Platt Bridge, Wigan. The fishing days proved to be very popular and Neil was soon approached by Wigan Youth Offenders Team who enquired whether he would hold fishing days for their young people. This was perfect for us as some of the young people we deal with are very challenging and hard to reach. Cast North West offers education that includes an Introduction to Angling, Drugs and Alcohol Awareness, Young Person's Law and Order and The Environment. In addition, the young people have the opportunity to gain various qualifications and accredited certificates as well as key life skills including confidence, respect, patience and perseverance.

As most will know fishing requires patience, quiet and as little movement as possible. Trying to achieve all of this with a group of rowdy youngsters was going to be difficult. The Cast North West coaches and I had our work cut out to keep all the lads entertained. What a shock we were in for!!!! When we first turned up in our mini-bus the lads and I didn't know what to expect because it was new to us all. Neil greeted us and introduced himself to the lads then showed us to the pond where we would be fishing. The tackle was already setup, rigs on poles, depth plummeted, bait prepared, all that was needed was the angler to sit on the box apply bait then cast into the water.

From the moment that 'all in' (the command to start fishing) was called, we didn't hear a peep out of any one of them. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Some of these lads had never fished before but were pulling fish out of the water like they were experienced anglers.

In the first 3 hour match (bearing in mind half an hour was spent in a classroom), the winner had a catch weight of around 13 pounds. The response from the lads was amazing, they couldn't believe how much they had enjoyed the sport.

For the next five weeks the group fished a match amongst themselves trying new tactics and baits that they had learned from the Cast North West Team. We also arranged a league for the lads over the six weeks.

As well as fishing the group had the opportunity to take a qualification in the Environment, which every one of them took up. This qualification will help with their fishing as well as understanding and learning more about the natural habitat and the environment around them.



As the weeks passed the better fishermen among them started to take the lead in the league but this didn't dampen the other lad's spirits, they all gave 100% until the final 'all out' at the final match.

A presentation at the end awarded the winner a seat box while second, third and forth places all received a match rod and reel and everyone else received a small fishing pole.

The main aim was to ensure that everyone enjoyed themselves and I can safety say everyone in the group did just that.Many are now asking to be taken night-fishing and some are now fishing on a regular basis. Their newfound dedication to fishing has changed their perspective on life, instead of being a nuisance on the streets and getting involved in anti-social behaviour, they are now fishing or in bed early ready for the fishing session in the morning.

A new group of fishermen have been born. All credit goes to the lads for their dedication and behaviour. A big thank you to the Cast North West coaches Neil Farnworth, Dave Pye, Aidy Twist and Paul Meadows. Finally my thanks to the Wigan Athletic Kickz Project for supplying the funding to allow this fishing event happen.

Lee Collier - Wigan Athletic Kickz Project Manager

For more pictures and information on the Wigan Athletic Kickz Project search on facebook for the Wigan Athletic Kickz Project or visit the Wigan Athletic website here.

For information on Cast North West visit http://www.castnw.co.uk.