Fly Fishers International Awarded Funding to Step Up Recruitment and Learning
Two New Programs to Engage Youth and Novice Anglers
Fly Fishers International (FFI) is excited to announce significant funding for two distinct new programs designed to engage and inspire youth and novice anglers interested in learning more about fly fishing. Both the youth and introductory fly fishing education programs will build on FFI’s culture of mentorship and teaching, and be developed in partnership with other leading organizations in the sector. The programs will complement FFI’s robust online and in-person resources for fly fishing education, and will focus on content and style that reflects evolving trends for learning and engagement.
“FFI’s role as a the go-to resource for fly fishing education will be further strengthened by the addition of these two new programs,” said Patrick Berry, President and CEO of FFI. “By working with key partners and industry representatives, we will be able to create more universal programs to grow the sport we love.”
The “Next Gen” youth program funded by the YOT Full Circle Foundation is being developed in partnership with Trout Unlimited (TU) to educate and inspire the next generation of fly fishing enthusiasts through a series of videos, tutorials, and social media campaigns. The program will not only teach essential fly fishing skills and instill an enduring conservation ethic, but will empower adult volunteers and instructors to engage youth and their families through fly fishing. This collaborative endeavor will capitalize on the respective strengths of each organization and will be supported by a select working group that includes representatives from the target audience.
“Trout Unlimited is thrilled to partner with FFI and take our youth outreach and education to the next level,” said Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited’s President and CEO. “Educating the next generation of anglers and conservationists has long been one of TU’s top priorities, and this new collaboration will further our efforts by making resources and information readily available to any young person interested in the lifetime sport of fly fishing.”
A second but related fly fishing skills achievement program funded by the Howe Foundation will be designed to provide a friendly and accessible gateway for anyone who has an interest in fly fishing and allow them to approach the sport regardless of their experience in fly fishing. Starting with an easy-to-understand course of learning that participants can consume at their own pace, the program will offer an organized road map to guide their further exploration of the sport. Along with the FFI Education Committee, the program will be developed in collaboration with the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) and supported by a select steering committee from across the fly fishing industry.
“AFFTA knows the importance of having a well thought out, inviting and all encompassing program to get new participants into this sport and industry we all love. Partnering with FFI on this endeavor is exactly the type of strategic partnership we need in order to ensure that all are welcomed into fly fishing and those who found the sport are more likely to stay” said Executive Director of AFFTA, Lucas Bissett