Thursday 11th August 2011 was the date for the first Rotherham Youth Championships which was held on the Great Pond at Ravenfield Park. The event was organised by Phoenix and Parkgate Junior Angling Club in association with Rotherham Borough Council.

Adverse weather leading up to the event had a detrimental effect on the field with only 13 junior anglers taking part from an expected 35. This didn’t dampen the spirit of those who were prepared to brave the elements as a fantastic day was enjoyed by all. Even the weather changed from heavy rain in the days running up to the event to only a short light shower early on in the match.After the match all nets were weighed before some much needed refreshments provided by Phoenix Sports and Social Club.Weights were less than expected on what proved to be a difficult days fishing but no one could tell after seeing the smile on Joe Simmons as he claimed the 2011 Rotherham Youth Individual Champion title with his 3lb 4ozs winning catch.

Herringthorpe A became the 2011 Rotherham Youth Team Champions with a combined weight of 7lb 4oz, pictured from left to right Kyle Gott, Jordan Bailey, Joe Simmons, Jack Archer and Dylan Raynor.

Tipped by many as the pre match favourite Jack Turner won the Parkgate Award for consistent performances throughout the season.

Jack Archer won the Phoenix Award for the improvement he has shown over the last twelve months and the focus he showed throughout the match.

Guest of Honour, Alan Scotthorne sponsored by Shimano and Van Den Eynde Baits selected Rhys Gwilliam as the winner of the Scotthorne Award in recognition of Rhys’ focus throughout the match. Rhys drew a difficult peg between two anglers who finished first and second but showed maturity beyond his years to take fourth place.

Angling Development Board representative Daniel Ramm presented a bouquet of flowers to Jean Simmons from R.M.B.C’c Children and Young Peoples Service . This was in recognition of all the hard work Jean has done over the last twelve months to help make our Junior Club what it is today.

The presentation concluded with a speech from Alan which had coaches and helpers in awe let alone our junior anglers as he talked through his angling background, sharing events and memories from childhood through to becoming world champion. Hopefully his words will help to shape a champion of tomorrow.
Thanks to,

Phoenix and Parkgate Angling Club would like to thank the following for making this event an outstanding success:
Guest of honour

Alan Scotthorne, 5 times world champion sponsored by Shimano and Van Den Eynde Baits
Sponsors

Tata Steel, Internationally renowned steel maker with facilities in Rotherham and Stocksbridge
Castus Design, Local web design and development specialist.
Waterline. Suppliers of tackle to the trade.
Wickersley Angling Centre, open 7 days a week.
Parkgate Angling Centre
Individuals who made donations privately.
Dynamite baits

Catering

Phoenix Sports and Social Club

We would also like to thank the following who have been generous with their support in helping our junior section smash every target they set themselves over the last 12 months.

Coalfields Regeneration Trust
Tata Steel
Environment Agency
South Yorkshire Police
Octoplus Fishing Tackle
British Waterways

We look forward to the remainder of 2011 before we work towards making 2012 another fantastic year.

If you would like to volunteer or support our angling programmes please contact us via the online form or the Phoenix Sports and Social Club office.