Competitions

27 March 2026

Angling Trust Seek England Youth Fly Fishing Management Team as Legendary Manager Steps Down

The Angling Trust is seeking a Manager and Coach for the England U16 Youth Fly Fishing squad to lead them into events in 2026 and beyond.

Long-standing manager Craig Barr has announced he is to step down this spring following more than a decade at the helm of the squad which has seen them compete and win accolades at the highest levels.

The squad is currently gearing up for this year’s Youth Loch Style Home International which will be held on Lough Lene, in Ireland, at the end of July, and are involved in squad training weekends over the next few months.

“There’s always a cracking bunch of kids involved in the squad weekends and Home International each year, and it has been a privilege to have been able to lead them and fly the flag for England,” said Craig.

“For many it has been their first taste of serious match fishing, and I’ve loved seeing many of them progress in their angling careers over the years. The squad now deserves someone who can give more than I can commit at the moment, and it’s with a heavy heart that I’m standing down.”

Now the search is on for a replacement leadership team, with the Angling Trust seeking two experienced individuals to take over the management and tactical coaching of the squad which ranges in age from 12 to 16 years, with two anglers up to 18 years old also eligible to fish.

Craig has kindly agreed to stay on as part of the coaching staff at the forthcoming squad weekends, and to help to bring the new management team up to speed with the young anglers.

“On behalf of the Angling Trust and all the anglers who have represented England at Youth level under his leadership, I’d like to thank Craig for his incredible, long-standing commitment to this team and the many youngsters he has guided to success over the years,” said Angling Trust Head of Competitions Steve Fitzpatrick.

“The new management team roles are both volunteer positions and will require candidates to be trained to Angling Trust Level 2 Coaching standards with additional DBS checks carried out too. Those with international level angling experience and coaching will be preferred for the roles.”

* If you think you’ve got what it takes please email your CV to [email protected]

The deadline for applications is Thursday the 30th of April at 9am.

A full role description is available on request.

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