19th February 2024. Tweed Foundation Announces Launch of TweedStart Ambassadors: Empowering the Next Generation of Anglers on the River Tweed
The Tweed Foundation is proud to announce the launch of the TweedStart Ambassadors Program, an initiative designed to offer a holistic learning experience for young anglers, empowering them to become advocates who encourage others to discover the joys of angling and embrace their roles as custodians of our rivers
Jamie Stewart, CEO of the Tweed Foundation, expressed, "This initiative goes beyond simply promoting angling as a recreational activity; it acknowledges its substantial contribution to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals. We are deeply thankful to FishPal and Angling Clubs across the Tweed catchment whose contributions have helped to make this possible."
The Tweed Foundation Young Ambassador program will allocate the donated funds towards acquiring essential angling equipment, such as life vests, waders, rods, reels, and lines. These resources will empower young anglers to fully engage in the fishing experience, whether on the river Tweed catchment or at stillwater fisheries.
Will Draper, Head of FishPal, said, "We care deeply about the long-term future of our sport, and this means engaging with the next generation of fly fishers. We’re delighted to support this initiative with the donations our anglers provide. We wish the Tweed youngsters tight lines!”
The equipment for the program is being provided by Glasgow Angling Centre, with Managing Director Paul Devlin expressing his enthusiasm, stating, "It's wonderful to contribute to the TweedStart Young Ambassadors initiative and give back to the sport."
We are delighted to announce the first group of Ambassadors will hail from the upper Tweed in Peeblesshire where the program officially launched on Friday, February 16th, at Kailzie Trout Fishery.
Ben McCallum, Tweed Foundation Education Officer and Project Lead, articulated, "We foresee these Ambassadors emerging as advocates for youth not only within the Scottish Borders but also beyond, as we extend the program into North Northumberland."
The Tweed Foundation is committed to creating a vibrant community of young anglers who can come together, share experiences, and celebrate the joys of angling. Through the TweedStart Ambassadors Program, we aim to cultivate a lifelong passion for fishing and safeguard the enduring legacy of angling on the River Tweed for future generations.
