A group of 11 young people who took on the role of leaders in Waterford Schools Completion Programme (WSCP) Summer Camps over recent weeks were treated to a free fishing trip with Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Leaders in Waterford Schools Completion Programme (WSCP) Summer Camps enjoying their fishing trip.

The young anglers, aged between 10 and 12 years, attended the Waterford Schools Programme themselves previously and used their experience to help their peers. The WSCP Programme works with young people who may be at risk at disengaging from education.

The programme’s retention plan has produced fantastic results with numbers remaining in school at 90 per cent. As part of the programme, after-school, holiday and out of school recreational activities can be of huge benefit to young people.

Inland Fisheries Ireland facilitated this fun day for these leaders at Oaklands Lake in New Ross, Co.Wexford through its ‘Go Fishing’ programme to acknowledge their contribution to the WSCP Summer Camps.

Volunteers from Waterford & District Coarse Angling Club, Der Casey and Martin Collins have been instrumental in providing free coaching and guidance to the novice anglers throughout the summer with Inland Fisheries Ireland providing educational support regarding biodiversity, biosecurity and novice angling as well as supplying equipment and fishing gear.