In association with the Loughs Agency, which has its headquarters on the River Foyle, the Londonderry YMCA wanted to develop a comprehensive ‘fishing experience’ for young people in the North West of Northern Ireland. Dreamstore provided funds to train three leaders for a planned series of courses for young people. This seed funding enabled access to other funds which required trained coaches to lead programmes.
Willie Lamrock of the YMCA (Londonderry) explained why angling was a considered so useful:
…fishing is a great integrator among young people and seems to make a lasting impact on attitudes to the environment, community and has great potential in leadership and life skills development.