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| Scottish Youth Flyfishing Team Grafham Water 2024 |
The Scottish Youth Team took part in the 4 Nations International at Grafham Water in England on the 31stst of July. The team has 2 official training days before the competition day. Conditions were very difficult over the 3 days with temperatures rising to 32 degrees most days. The team gave 100% throughout the competition and narrowly missed out on the gold by a weight of one fish which took home the silver medal for a fantastic effort.
1st Ireland 24 fish 48lb 4oz 2n.d
Scotland 21 Fish 45lb 11oz
3street
England 15 Fish 33lb 10oz 4th
Wales 9 Fish 19lb 7oz
During the training days, the team developed a positive attitude gaining confidence in different methods to adapt to the conditions. Team captain Jake Gilchrist led the way and brilliantly set the strategy for the team to follow on match day. The 2n.d the training day was cut short due to rising temperatures, so the team returned to the hotel for some fly-tying and an early night to rest and prepare for the match.
On the day of the match, the 4 nations were led on the route to the boats by Scottish team members Ruaraidh Fowler and Fergus Murray before the match started. All the boats successfully left the harbor at 10:00 am. The team agreed to change their caps to pink ones once they got their first two fish in the net. This will alert other members of the competition team and committee members who roam the banks observing that they are indeed falling behind.
As the match drew closer it was clear that it was going to be between Scotland and Ireland by the numbers that appeared to be caught. The competition was decided by total weight and the team waited for the final result knowing it would be a close competition. Scotland narrowly missed out on the gold medal spot but the team should be proud to run the winners so close and celebrate a massive victory to secure silver in difficult conditions.
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| Scottish Youth International Flyfishing Team and Sponsors 2024 |
At the Gala dinner the team was again sent off to welcome team members Ruaraidh and Fergus. All teams were awarded their medals as well as the trophies of each individual country. The top Scottish rod was awarded to Rory Stewart and the heaviest fish to James Coull. The David Bell Merit Trophy was awarded to Beck Lyon for outstanding teamwork over the past year and was presented by team captain Jake Gilchrist.
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| Rory Stewart |
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| James Coull |
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| Beck Lyon |
Although the team does significant fundraising throughout the year, securing sponsorship is critical to helping the team reach their goals each year. Some examples of fundraising efforts undertaken by children in group last year included; raising money by climbing the Munros. organizing a Fishathon, running a Ceilidh and selling homemade flies to raise funds.
Securing additional sponsorship finance contributes to the costs of hotels for the international, training days, uniforms, equipment and transport to name a few. Without obtaining this necessary funding, the cost to individuals and parents will be higher than has been possible in previous campaigns.
All sponsorship received is greatly appreciated and the Scottish Youth Team would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Glasgow Angling Centre, Grays Fishing and may others for their support over the years and during the 2024 campaign.
The Team now begins the hunt for gold as Scotland host next year’s home international at Lake Menteith near Aberfoyle. It will start with the qualifiers finding the new team at Harelaw Fishery on the 7thth September and Lake Menteith on the 13thth October.
If you are interested in sponsoring the team or if you know someone who would like to compete for a place in the 2025 team check out scotlandyouthflyfishing.co.uk
