THE DIFFERENCE WE MAKE

Our Impact: More Than a Decade of Getting Kids Fishing

Name: Summerhayes Juniors Club
Rating: 5

Coaching young anglers for free since 2013

Hundreds of Somerset children introduced to fishing

Delivering with SASP, youth services and schools

Run entirely by volunteers — every pound reaches the bank

Since 2013, Summerhayes Juniors has been proving a simple idea: give a child a rod, a coach and a free place to belong, and everything else follows — confidence, focus, friendships and a lifelong reason to be outdoors.

Support Our Work

2013

Coaching free ever since

100s

Of children coached

£0

Charged to families — ever

SASP & YOT

Delivery partners

WHY IT MATTERS

What a Free Fishing Club Actually Changes

For many of our juniors, Wednesday night is the highlight of the week — but the fishing is only the surface. Underneath, something bigger happens: anxious children find calm, restless children find focus, isolated children find a peer group, and families find something they can do together that costs nothing.

<p>Because everything we run is free — club nights, courses, lessons, holiday sessions, tackle and bait — no child is ever excluded by their family's circumstances. That's not a pricing decision; it's the whole point of the club. It's made possible by volunteers, donors, tackle donations and the organisations who partner with us.</p><p>Our work now reaches well beyond the club itself: structured programmes with schools and SEND groups, angling interventions delivered alongside the Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership and the Somerset Youth Offending Team, home education sessions, and a referral pathway that gives youth professionals a positive place to send young people — with a free, permanent route into the club when their programme ends.</p>

THE OUTCOMES

What Young People Take Away

The changes parents, teachers and youth workers tell us about, session after session.

💪

Confidence

First fish, new skills and visible progress — juniors leave sessions standing taller, and parents see it at home.

🧘

Calm & Focus

Time by the water builds patience and regulation — a real difference for busy and anxious minds.

🤝

Belonging

A positive peer group and trusted adults, week in week out — for some juniors, the most stable thing in their week.

🌿

Connection to Nature

Fish care, wildlife and waterways — young people who fish grow up protecting the outdoors.

🎓

Skills & Achievement

A structured pathway with courses, certificates and matches — real progression, not just participation.

👨‍👩‍👧

Families Fishing Together

Parents learn alongside their children and leave equipped to fish together beyond our sessions.

Summerhayes Juniors delivering angling programmes with Somerset youth organisations

TRUSTED TO DELIVER

The Organisations That Work With Us

Impact you can verify: we deliver angling programmes alongside Somerset's biggest youth organisations, who choose us because sessions are safeguarding-first, structured and genuinely engaging for the young people they refer.

Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP)

Somerset Youth Offending Team

Schools, SEND groups & alternative provision

Angling Trust ‘Get Fishing’ programme

Youth Organisations & Referrals

In Their Own Words

5/5 (6 reviews)

The families and juniors behind the numbers.

A Confidence Boost Through Fishing

“My son Ethan has absolutely loved being part of Summerhayes Juniors. From his very first session, all of the coaches made him feel welcome, encouraged him, and helped build his confidence. The coaching is fantastic, with everything provided including tackle and bait, so it’s really easy for children to get started. The coaches are patient, knowledgeable and genuinely care about helping every child learn at their own pace while making sure they have fun. Since joining, Ethan’s fishing skills and confidence have grown so much, and he always looks forward to Wednesday evenings. It’s wonderful to see him spending time outdoors, making new friends and learning about fishing and the environment. I can’t recommend Summerhayes Juniors highly enough. If you’re thinking about getting your child into fishing, this is the perfect place to start. Thank you to Gavin and all of the volunteers for everything you do for the children and the local community!”

michaela sillifant

More Than Just Fishing – A Fantastic Learning Experience

“"I brought my grandson along, and it was one of the best experiences we’ve had together. The sessions don’t just teach fishing—they teach patience, respect for nature, and perseverance. A brilliant initiative for kids of all ages!"”

David Collins, Grandparent

Brilliant Coaching & Supportive Atmosphere

“"The level of support and encouragement at Summerhayes Juniors is fantastic. My son struggles with confidence in new activities, but the coaches made him feel comfortable and capable. Now, he’s excited about every session and wants to keep learning more!"”

Lucy Patterson, Parent

A Great Way to Learn & Make Friends

“"I had so much fun at Summerhayes Juniors! The coaches taught me how to bait my hook and land a fish properly. I even made new friends, and now we go fishing together on weekends. Can’t wait for the next course!"”

E Rogers, Junior Angler

Confidence & Skills That Will Last a Lifetime

“"My daughter had never fished before, but after just a few sessions, she was catching fish like a pro! The structured learning and friendly environment made all the difference. She’s now hooked on fishing (pun intended) and can’t wait to come back next season!"”

Mark Davis, Parent

Fantastic Experience for Young Anglers!

“"My son absolutely loved his time at Summerhayes Juniors! The coaches were amazing—so patient and encouraging. He’s learned so much about fishing, and now he’s teaching me a thing or two! Highly recommend it to any parent looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity for their child."”

Sarah Thompson, Parent

Supporters funding free junior fishing coaching in Somerset

KEEP IT GOING

Impact Runs on Support

None of this is funded by families — it can't be, because keeping it free is the point. It's funded by people and businesses who decide this work should exist. If that's you, there's a way to help that fits: sponsor a junior, donate tackle, fundraise, volunteer, or book a corporate day.

Sponsor a Junior

Help Us Write the Next Chapter

Every supporter becomes part of this impact — sponsor a junior, donate tackle or partner with the club.