A Key Stage 3 learner at R.E.A.L. has the amazing opportunity to potentially be selected to represent England in the Under 15’s Fishing World Championship.

Arley, who has been fishing for the last five years, says he felt good when he found out the news. Arley said: “When I found out I had a chance to represent the country I felt good, but I’m aware that I still have some work to do to be selected.”

Arley’s fishing tutor, Ian said: “Arley is a competent young angler who is refining and developing his angling skills and knowledge with ‘Young Anglers’. He’s also willing to help other anglers and demonstrates the skills to progress to become an Angling Support Coach once he reaches the age of 16.”

As a KS3 learner, Arley has been working to achieve the Angling Trust ‘CAST’ Awards, which are a set of awards that celebrate his practical angling achievements. He has already achieved Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 awards and is now working towards Level 5. Ian said: “His achievements are also recorded in our ‘Young Anglers Angling Passport’ enabling Arley to identify which areas to focus on to reach the practical criteria for the award.”

Arley also competes in Junior Open League matches which take place on a Saturday between April and October, junior matches during the school holidays and several regional events. Arley said: “I just enjoy being able to be outdoors, on my own, doing my own thing where it’s nice and quiet. 

“My biggest ever catch was an 18.5lb Carp, however, I enjoy mixing it up and fishing for all different species of fish.”

The events include the Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Schools Angling Championship, Canal & River Trust Regional & National Celebration of Young People & Fishing, Angling Trust Cadet, Junior & Cadet National Championships. 

Ian said: “Arley has recently been selected to attend the prestigious Guru Talent Pathway events. The Talent Pathway sees our young talented anglers from across the country being coached by some of England’s top senior anglers. The pathway is part of the selection process for this year’s England U15 team who will compete in the World Championships taking place in Serbia later this year.”

We’d like to wish Arley the best of luck with his Talent Pathway sessions and we’re sure whether he’s selected for England now or not, he will continue to develop his obvious talent and ‘reel’ in success.