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Coaching
CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT LIST OF ACTIVE AND LICENSED COACHES!
At the Ulster Angling Federation, we are passionate about promoting and growing the sport of angling across Northern Ireland. Our key focus is developing qualified angling coaches who enhance our outreach efforts and inspire new generations to take up this rewarding sport.
Our Commitment
We are dedicated to:
Providing professional, top-notch training for coaches to ensure high-quality instruction and ethical fishing practices. Engaging with clubs, schools and community groups to make angling accessible to everyone, especially for under represented groups such as young people, women, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities. Fostering a supportive angling community that values conservation and sustainability. Creating an outdoor classroom environment, and reconnecting community with the natural environment. Securing funding to provide targeted programmes across Northern Ireland.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, the Ulster Angling Federation welcomes you to be part of our vibrant community. Together, we can inspire the anglers of tomorrow.
If you are interested in becoming a coach, or participating in a session, contact the Ulster Angling Federation on coaching@ulsteranglingdederation.com
Why We Use Licensed Coaches
At the Ulster Angling Federation, the safety, wellbeing, and quality of experience for all participants is our top priority. That’s why we only work with licensed coaches.
By choosing a licensed coach, you can be confident that the individual has:
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Completed recognised training and coaching qualifications
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Passed enhanced Access NI / DBS checks
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Completed safeguarding training
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Holds an up-to-date first aid certificate
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Been trained in health & safety protocols
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Is actively registered with the Angling Trust/UAF
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We maintain a strict policy: if any of these requirements expire, or a coach chooses not to renew their licence, they are removed from our approved list until all criteria are met again.
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Licensed coaches are supplied with a photographic ID card showing their name, qualification level, licence number, membership reference and the expiry date/validity period of their Licensed Coach membership.
This ensures that everyone taking part in angling activities under the UAF umbrella is supported by a coach who is qualified, vetted, and accountable.
Existing Coach Levels
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Level 1 Coach – Assistant Coach
A Level 1 coach supports qualified Level 2 coaches in delivering sessions. They can help run activities but cannot lead or plan sessions independently. They work under supervision and are trained in the basics of coaching, safety, and assisting learners. -
Level 2 Coach – Lead Coach
A Level 2 coach is fully qualified to plan, deliver, and lead coaching sessions on their own. They can design programmes, assess skill development, and supervise Level 1 coaches. They carry full responsibility for the safety and quality of the session.
Current Active and Licensed Coach list - 19/03/26
The following coaches are listed on our Clubmate Coach Licensing platform, qualified, have up to date verifications to include Enhanced Access NI, First Aid and Safeguarding and have actively renewed their annual license. A coach who has an out of date verification will be removed from this list, until their verification has been updated.
If you are concerned that the coach you are checking does not appear on that list, then please contact us on the following email: coaching@ulsteranglingfederation.com
County Antrim (11)
Susan Brown
Alan Kenny
Ray McKeeman
Stephen Oakes
Barry Platt
Bobby Robinson
Dean Rudd
Tomasz Rzonca
David Swain
David Thompson
Neill Walker
County Down (5)
Stephen Gibson
Phil Glover
Harry McKee
Trevor Moore
Tony Sharp
County Armagh (7)
Chris Cardwell
Hugh Heaney
Gary Houston
Philip Jackson
Steven Manderson
Ryan McNeill
Robert Phoenix
County Tyrone (7)
Gavin Devlin
David Donaghy
James McCrossan
Michael O'Hagan
Nigel Patrick
Andrew Sweeney
Mark Tierney
County Londonderry (7)
Joanne Brown
Natalie Ferris
Graham Lucas
Don McCloskey (Senior)
Emmett McWilliams
Jonathan Olphert
Amy O'Reilly
Coaching Platform
About Clubmate
As part of our commitment to modernising angling administration across Northern Ireland, the Ulster Angling Federation proudly partners with Clubmate – the leading online management system designed specifically for fishing clubs and fisheries. Clubmate was born in 2016 after founder Owen experienced first-hand the frustration of outdated, paper‑based membership processes.
Determined to remove unnecessary barriers for both anglers and volunteers, he launched a platform that now serves over 275 clubs and fisheries, supports more than 75,000 anglers, and processes over £7 million in memberships and tickets every year. By adopting Clubmate to manage our Licensed Coaches, the Federation ensures a streamlined, reliable, and fully digital system that saves valuable volunteer time and allows us to focus more energy on supporting anglers, safeguarding standards, and promoting the growth of our sport across Northern Ireland.
Beyond coach management, Clubmate provides an exceptional end‑to‑end solution for fishing clubs of all sizes. Its intuitive online membership tools eliminate paperwork, reduce admin time, speed up renewals, and help clubs deliver a modern, hassle‑free experience for their members. From digitising applications to handling payments, communications, and day‑to‑day club management, Clubmate enables committees and volunteers to spend less time on admin and more time doing what they love – fishing and supporting their anglers.
Clubs across Northern Ireland interested in simplifying their membership management or exploring the benefits of digital administration can contact Clubmate directly:
📧 Email: support@clubmate.co.uk
🌐 Website: https://clubmate.fish
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 20 3900 1180
Accessibility & Inclusion at the Ulster Angling Federation
At the Ulster Angling Federation, we are committed to ensuring our coaching sessions are inclusive and accessible to everyone. We want all participants to feel comfortable and supported while enjoying the sport of angling.
Our Commitment to Autism Acceptance
We are proud to share that members of our coaching and leadership team have completed Autism NI Impact Award training. As part of this commitment, we have implemented "reasonable adjustments" to help autistic individuals and those with hidden disabilities feel at home at our sites.
What to Expect During a Coaching Session
To make your visit as predictable and stress-free as possible, we offer the following supports:
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Autism Trained Staff: Look for our coaches wearing Ulster Angling Federation Caps —who can signpost you to a designated "Champion" for the day.
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Visual Structure: We use clear, visual schedules to show exactly what will happen during the session, from arrival and setup to fishing and breaks.
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Clear Communication: Our coaches use simple, literal language and follow the "10-second rule," giving every participant enough time to process.
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Sensory Awareness: We are mindful of sensory needs. We can identify quiet areas at our angling sites if someone feels overwhelmed and we aim to minimize unnecessary noise, such as loud whistles, where possible.
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Pre-Visit Support: We can provide a Pre-Visit Guide (Story) with photos of the site, parking, and coaches so you can "see" the day before you arrive.
Speak to Us
We understand that every individual is different. If there are specific adjustments your child or a participant needs—such as flexible arrival times, uniform/gear flexibility, or specific communication methods—please let us know in advance.
Our Accessibility & Inclusion for Autism Champions are Mark Tierney, David Thompson, Ray McKeeman and Steven Manderson.
"A one-minute conversation could save me one week of overthinking." — Steven, Autism NI Advocate.
