I went, I saw, I caught a fish! What happened when our Safeguarding Lead joined the Angling Trust Tackle Guru Talent Pathway Event

Di Murray, Safeguarding Lead for the Angling Trust, recently joined 44 bright and enthusiastic young anglers at the Angling Trust Tackle Guru Talent Pathway event at Meadowlands Fishery — a day filled with learning, fun, and plenty of magic moments on the bank. Here’s what she discovered:

As Safeguarding Lead for the Angling Trust, I had the privilege of experiencing the Angling Trust Tackle Guru Talent Pathway Event from a unique perspective: supporting the wellbeing of everyone involved while also enjoying the fantastic atmosphere.

From the moment families arrived, there was a real buzz. Our talented, licensed coaches delivered hands-on sessions packed with practical tips, new techniques, and confidence-boosting encouragement. Meanwhile, our competitions team worked tirelessly behind the scenes guiding anglers and parents, keeping the day running smoothly, and ensuring everyone was in the right place at the right time. Clear communication, including managing expectations around selection, helped create a positive and supportive environment for all.

It was inspiring to watch the young anglers fully engage — asking questions during demonstrations, learning how to select and mix bait, and setting up their equipment for the best possible performance. Seeing them put these new skills into action with such enthusiasm was a real highlight. Parents, too, were fully involved — chatting, supporting, and capturing special moments from the day.

For me, safeguarding is always at the heart of events like this. The day provided a valuable opportunity to speak openly with both participants and parents about how we keep young people safe in angling. Creating a safe environment isn’t just about policies — it’s about visibility, communication, and trust. By being present, approachable, and proactive, we can ensure that every young angler feels secure and supported, and able to enjoy their experience.

What stood out most was how naturally safeguarding underpinned the day. From well-structured sessions and clear supervision to positive coach–participant interactions and engaged parents, everything contributed to a culture where young people could thrive with confidence.

Beyond skill development, the event was about so much more: new friendships formed on the water’s edge, proud smiles celebrating personal achievements, and a shared passion for angling that we hope will last a lifetime. The sense of camaraderie throughout the day was a powerful reminder of how bright the future of our sport is.

The Angling Trust’s focus remains clear: supporting and nurturing young anglers in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment. If the GURU Talent Pathway Event is anything to go by, the next generation is more than ready to cast their passion forward.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the day so special. Together, we are not only developing talent, we are building a community where every young angler can feel safe, valued, and able to thrive.

P.S. A personal highlight — thanks to Matt and the team for encouraging me to have a go too… I caught my first fish!

• For more information visit the Safeguarding webpage or email Di Murray at [email protected]