Angling Coaching

What is the PAA?

The Professional Anglers Association (PAA) was established in 1999 by the Angling Trades Association (ATA) to provide a nationwide network of trained, professional angling coaches in recognition that bringing newcomers into angling, and retaining them, underpins the success of the sport. The PAA is a non profit-making company limited by guarantee which is organised by an elected, unpaid board of directors and administered through the Federation of Sports & Play Association.

The PAA encourages competent anglers of every discipline to take nationally-accredited coaching courses. Once they have qualified, they are invited to join the Association, which offers a full support service to help them with their coaching activities. Membership is open to all qualified coaches, irrespective of the branch of the sport in which they excel.

All PAA coaches have undergone specialised training and have passed nationally-recognised coaching practical and theory examinations. Each PAA coach holds an accredited Level 1 or Level 2 1st4Sport coaching qualification or a National Coaching Certificate in Angling; up-to-date Child Protection training; a current First Aid certificate; clearence from the Criminal ~Records Bureau; and specialist, comprehensive insurance to assure the health and safety of their pupils during coaching sessions.

How The PAA Operates

PAA coaches provide expert angling tuition and advice for people of all ages and abilities. Every coach knows where to fish in his or her area and can offer free tackle for starter courses, individual, group and family tuition, as well as corporate days. The PAA is there to help newcomers start fishing and develop their skills. Some coaches are real experts in particular forms of coarse, sea and game fishing and they can help existing anglers try their hands at new style of fishing and hone their angling skills.

Coaches are usually in direct contact with local fisheries, tackle shops and clubs, as well as the Enviroment Agency, local authorities and schools, and many coaches work through these organisations. The PAA also organises free coaching 'taster' sessions at major public events, notably the CLA Game Fair, Fish O'Mania and the Evesham Festival. Its coaches are integral to National Fishing Month, and many of them also arrange or provide free coaching at events throughout the UK.

How do people join?

Firstly, an applicant must be a capable angler, and he or she must have passed the nationally-accredited 1st4Sport coaching qualification. The PAA directs people to courses run throughout the country, details of which can be accessed via the Angling Trust website: under/developement; www.anglingtrust.net

The qualifications are tiered into so-called Level 1 (assistant coach) and Level 2 (full coach) levels. Anyone wishing to join the PAA must hold one (or both) of these qualifications..

Support

Each member receives a wide range of benefits, including:-

• Marketing support - special manuals, posters, stickers etc.
• A huge selection of greatly discounted tackle and bait, exclusive to members
• Dedicated website
• Regular newsletters
• Coach insurance to match specific needs of angling coaches
• Invitations to participate in shows and events
• Organsised training days
• Access to free, specialist advice (eg: on tax, marketing, fisheries management etc.)
• PAA phone app and facebook page
• Links with tackle shops and fisheries

Further Details

can be found on the PAA website www.paauk.com