Drennan Team England junior coach Mark Downes is on the lookout for a new squad of junior world beaters to take on the mighty Italians on the famous River Arno between Florence and Pisa in the spectacular millennium celebrations being organised during September.
This was the river where in 1985 the senior England team landed their first gold medal after a remarkable run of four silvers and a bronze. Mark Downes says “The Arno is a beautiful river flowing through some staggering countryside. Carp, carassio and catfish are the target species and young England hopefuls must be adept with long pole and waggler tactics. There are six places for grabs in the Drennan Team England Youth squad and we are looking to land gold.”
Coach Mark Downes and his assistant Joe Roberts are confident they can put a squad together who can give favourites Italy a fright. “Four of last year’s squad have retired due to ‘old age’ says Downes adding, “CIPS rules stipulate that anglers must be under 19 on December 31. I’ve got my eye on five promising youngsters but this country has a wealth of junior talent and I wouldn’t be surprised if more than 50 anglers came forward for the trials.”
All anglers wishing to nominate must forward a CV direct to the National Federation of Anglers immediately. The trial matches will once again be held on the fabulous Clattercote Reservoir (owned and operated by British Waterways) near Banbury on Saturday, June 3. “Even the two anglers left in the squad from last year must re-submit their CV” says Downes.
The lucky six-angler squad will be flown to Pisa on Friday, September 1 to fish the World Youth Championship on Thursday and Friday 7th and 8th .
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
David Amos, NFA
Tel: (01283) 734735 Fax: (01283) 734799
