𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 have arrived safely in Portugal for the World Youth Angling Championships of 2023. The largest event on the FIPSed Fédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive en Eau Douce ( world governing body of Freshwater fishing) calendar caters for young angling teams in the U25, U20 and U15 age groups representing national federations worldwide. This years event hosted by Federação Portuguesa de Pesca Desportiva coincides with World Youth Angling Day and takes place on the Rio Sorraia in Coruche, Portugal where species to include barbel, carp, mullet, bleak, boop and Carassius.
The trip concludes months of planning as Adrian Browne leads the squad in his inaugural term as Youth Team Manager. Representing Team Ireland in the U20’s are seasoned members John Browne and Brian Clark Oakland’s Coarse Angling Club , Donagh McSherry – Tulla District and Angling club and the reigning World Champion Charlie Richards – CM Lakelands Feeder Club. Making his first appearance is the youngest member of the squad James Wellwood – The VDE Baggers AC
The squad is supported by Nick Richards and James O’Doherty along with the accompanying parents. The team which receives grant funding from the NCFFI is sponsored this year by Garbolino UK and Gowen Bradshaw with further support from Inland Fisheries Ireland, Baracuda fishing tackle shop, Cloughbally Mill, Canavan Sports Cork, Conor Browne, Wholesale Tackle Ireland and Irish Bait and Tackle Limited plus fundraising through clubs and anglers island wide.

Team Ireland have drawn box section no 3 for the first day of 4 days training ahead of the championships to be staged on Saturday 5th & 6th August.
You can follow them at the dedicated Facebook page Team Ireland Youth as they prepare for the championships taking place this weekend.
We wish all our competitors the best of luck this weekend, and look forward to hearing how they get on.