Near Christchurch, a Rolleston based fishing club is making waves providing a space for anglers to connect while offering troubled youths a chance to get back on track.
The Selwyn Anglers Alliance was founded in February by Brendon Topp. Wanting the new club to give back to the community, he contacted Rolleston community constable Brendon Ross to ask if any teenagers particularly those who had come to the attention of police, might benefit from getting involved in going fishing
Brendan Ross referred two teenagers who attended the clubs most recent meeting.
The club provides the gear for any newcomers to learn how to fish.
Brendan Ross said many of the young people he works with lack access to positive recreational opportunities. He said basically young offenders were good kids who have just done “something silly.”
He expects to refer more teenagers to the new fishing club and hope the positive role models they meet there will give them a positive direction.
The club is off to good start with 21 committed members and another 20 expected to join.
Outdoors is the best classroom. Well done Selwyn Anglers Alliance. Best wishes for future.
Fishing is ideal for kids. It develops self esteem which kids in trouble lack, teaches discipline, patience etc and an appreciation of nature. Good to see this positive venture by Selwyn anglers.
Pity government doesn’t restyle “boot camps” to be more like Outward Bound with fishing a main activity.
Congratulations on three counts; (1) in getting a club up and running in NZ’s fasted growing town, and (2) for highlighting the sport with youth, even if it starts with the troubled ones, and (3) in building an important link with the community via the police. Angling has sometimes had an elitist image. This club clearly has its feet on the ground.
Founder Brendan Topp met with me in Rolleston this morning.
I will be attending the Rolleston angling club tomorrow to hear a talk about possible ways to control didymo by the guest speaker and will deliver some election flyers for the young anglers to distribute to help my candidacy for ECan in the Mid-Canterbury election in exchange for a modest donation.
We will arrange for me to speak at a future meeting(s) about fish biology &/or freshwater advocacy.