Supporting the Next Generation: WDAC Backs Junior Coaching at Orchard Lakes
Wimborne and District Angling Club (WDAC) is pleased to support an exciting opportunity for young anglers to take their first steps into fishing—or to build on skills they’ve already begun to develop.
On Saturday 19th September, Orchard Lakes will host a dedicated Junior Angling Open Day, delivered by Jurassic Juniors Angling Club under the guidance of qualified, Angling Trust–approved coaches. This event forms part of the Angling Trust’s nationally recognised Get Fishing programme, an initiative designed to make angling accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people of all ages—especially young newcomers.
For WDAC, this event aligns perfectly with our ongoing commitment to nurturing junior participation in angling. With around 250 members under the age of fifteen, we recognise both the responsibility and the opportunity to support the next generation. Events like this provide a structured, welcoming environment where young people can learn the fundamentals of fishing safely, confidently, and with expert guidance.
The Angling Trust continues to play a vital role in this space. Through initiatives such as Get Fishing and the Angling Trust Market Place, they ensure that coaching events meet high standards, are properly supported, and are accessible to clubs and communities across the country. Their work underpins many of the opportunities now available to young anglers, and WDAC is proud to support and promote these efforts.
Our connection to Orchard Lakes makes this event particularly relevant. As many members will know, WDAC maintains a relationship with the venue, providing access opportunities for members throughout the season. It is therefore a natural fit for us to encourage attendance and raise awareness among our junior anglers and their families.
Looking ahead, this collaboration may also open the door to further coaching opportunities within the Club. There is clear potential to work alongside Jurassic Juniors Angling Club and the Angling Trust to deliver additional sessions on WDAC waters, helping more young anglers develop their skills closer to home. We also see opportunities to strengthen links with local schools, including Lytchett Minster, and youth organisations who are increasingly showing interest in angling as a positive outdoor activity.
At its heart, angling is about more than catching fish. It builds patience, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. Events like the Orchard Lakes Open Day are an important step in ensuring that these benefits are passed on.
WDAC encourages all members with young anglers in the family to consider attending. Whether they are complete beginners or already keen participants, this is a valuable opportunity to learn from experienced coaches in a supportive environment.
We look forward to seeing strong support for this event and to continuing our work in developing junior angling within the Club.
For further details, scan the QR Code. If you go along, please let me know how you got on!
