The Three Counties Junior Angling Association was formed in 1984, as an umbrella organisation to promote the art of angling in the three counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
The rationale behind it's formation was the development of opportunities for young anglers to learn not only the skills of angling but also the appreciation of the role angling plays within the environment and society. The emphasis of the association has been placed on achieving excellence within the sport of angling without losing the sense of enjoyment. Only the highest standards of behaviour are acceptable from members of the association who are drawn from several clubs in the three counties and a strong squad identity has been developed.
It has a highly regarded six-a-side league that operates throughout the summer and autumn months, attracting entries from Hampshire and Berkshire in addition. It also organises a Winter Individual Championship and runs the Three Counties Rover Team Championshipwhich attracts entries from all parts of the country.
On a national level the association has benefitted from participating in the National Federation of Anglers Junior Championships for the last 16 years under the banner of South Cerney and latterly under the Chippenham and Peatmoor banners.
Membership of the association is free to individual juniors and also includes intermediates. The policy has been to encourage very young anglers (from 5+) while providing them with slightly older positive role models.
Individuals who have progressed through the association's ranks are now members of several successful match groups in the region. Ian Didcote of Essex van Den Eyde learned his skills within the squad and openly acknowledges the debt of gratitude he owes the association. Several of the existing squad have fished in the Angling Times Winter Leagues for local clubs, the youngest making his debut when he was ten and another winning rounds outright plus section wins. One of the intermediate squad was involved in the recent Young England trials and attended the NFA's school of excellence.
The Association has enjoyed the support of local clubs, individual anglers and businesses including Rover and Lafarge but has not received any significant long term sponsorship.
