On Friday, the 21st, the annual Junior Presentation Evening was held at the Royal British Legion Club in Newton Abbot. Despite a few absences, we still had fantastic support, with many of last year’s junior match anglers attending alongside their parents, as well as club members who generously give their time to coach and help out. Even the upstairs bar was open for the occasion! 
The evening began with a special round of applause for Elle Pedrick, who has been selected for the England Ladies Team. She’ll be heading to Italy later this year to gain more international experience. This incredible achievement is a testament to her years of dedication and her Dad Taxi for all the travel. Elle is a true ambassador for the club.
Next, we celebrated two of our rising junior stars who have been selected for the Angling Trust U15 England Guru Talent Pathway this year. For the second year running, 12-year-old Jamie Sandes Coxall has been chosen, and he’ll be joined by 13-year-old Thomas Rangecroft, who will be participating in the pathway for the first time. We wish them both the best of luck over the next three weekends and look forward to hearing all about their experiences.
With only 40 spots available nationally each year, the fact that NAFA has multiple juniors selected again highlights the depth and talent within our junior section. It’s a reflection of the hard work from everyone involved, and we’re incredibly proud of their achievements.
One small challenge we’re facing is that our Junior Matches are becoming so popular that we now have to turn some anglers away due to a lack of available pegs! This is a shame but not only a reflection of the quality of the competition in our junior matches but also the openness and inclusivity we have. Something truly for the club to be proud of.
After the congratulations, it was time to present the trophies. It was fantastic to see new faces taking home awards, with many younger, highly skilled anglers making their mark. Once again, our Junior Officer Chris Gray and Club Chairman Ian Powell were on hand to present the trophies.
Following the presentations, it was time for the buffet, another drink, and some socializing. These matches aren’t just about winning; they’re about the friendships formed along the way, which was clear as our juniors took over the pool and darts downstairs. The friendships extend beyond the kids, too—parents, coaches, and volunteers are all forging bonds, creating a true sense of community. This is what a club is all about: inclusivity, respect, and a willingness to support everyone, no matter who they are. It’s wonderful to see how many of our SEN participants, who were once shy, have now opened up and formed lasting friendships.
A huge thank you must go to everyone who contributes their time to support the matches. A special mention to Junior Officers Chris Gray and Rich Gage for their outstanding organization, and to the coaches who share their wealth of knowledge and experience—Dennis, Lee Dance, Gary Webber—and my apologies if I’ve missed anyone, but your support is truly appreciated. Thanks also to Max and Lou at Tackle Trader, everyone who donated prizes this year, and of course, the Royal British Legion for kindly allowing us to use their function room and letting our juniors take over. 
And now, without further ado, here are the results of the 2024 season:
The results are:
NAFA Junior Winter League
1st Elle Pedrick
2nd Jamie Sandes Coxall
3rd Noah Gage
Jenkins Trophy 2024
1st Elle Pedrick
2nd Alexander Mancuso
3rd James Guest
NAFA Junior Summer League 2024
1st Liam Bailey
2nd Elle Pedrick
3rd Alexander Mancuso
Goodiford Mill Trophy 2024
1st Elle Pedrick
2nd Jamie Sandes Coxall
3rd Oliver Richards
Bill Berry Trophy 2024
1st Jamie Sandes Coxall
2nd Elle Pedrick
3rd Mason Richie
Junior Carp match 2024
1st Thomas Rangecroft
2nd Alexander Mancuso
3rd Jacob Gibson
Drennen Challenge match 2024
1st Saw Barrett
2nd Laim Bailey
3rd Billy Proctor
Junior Pairs Match 2024
1st Billy Proctor + Liam Bailey
2nd Jamie Sandes Coxall + Chris Gray
3rd Thomas Rangecroft + Noah Gage
Junior Xmas Match 2024
1st Eddie Nicholson
2nd Jamie Sandes Coxall
3rd Noah Gage
While not everyone walked away with a trophy, we also want to acknowledge the dedication of all the regular junior match anglers who have braved all kinds of weather, week in and week out, to help make the junior section what it is today. Their hard work, combined with the experience, coaching, and tackle they receive through the generous donations from NAFA members, helps them grow as anglers. We look forward to seeing them share in the success and trophies of the 2025 season.
For their commitment, each of these anglers received a 2024 participation trophy:
Stephen Harris, Robin Harris, Alfie Proctor, Josh Braithwaite, George Driscoll, Sam Nash, Isaac Hewitt, Reuben Starkey, Eli Newlove.
Stephen Harris, Robin Harris, Alfie Proctor, Josh Braithwaite, George Driscoll, Sam Nash, Isaac Hewitt, Reuben Starkey, Eli Newlove.
Now, we move on to some special awards for juniors who have caught the eye of the coaches this year.
NAFA Most Improved Junior 2024
James Guest
James has had an outstanding year, and it’s even more impressive considering he doesn’t have the support of family members in the sport—he’s completely self-taught. James is a quick learner, often watching videos and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. He’s already showing great progress, and we’re excited to see what lies ahead for him.
James Guest
James has had an outstanding year, and it’s even more impressive considering he doesn’t have the support of family members in the sport—he’s completely self-taught. James is a quick learner, often watching videos and absorbing as much knowledge as possible. He’s already showing great progress, and we’re excited to see what lies ahead for him.
NAFA Coaches Choice 2024
Frazer Starkey
Frazer has been a consistent participant for a couple of seasons now, and this year, his skills have really come together. Things are starting to click for him, and he’s been showing impressive technique, especially with the long pole in deeper water at Bradley. His growth as an angler is evident, and we’re eager to see more of what he can do.
Frazer Starkey
Frazer has been a consistent participant for a couple of seasons now, and this year, his skills have really come together. Things are starting to click for him, and he’s been showing impressive technique, especially with the long pole in deeper water at Bradley. His growth as an angler is evident, and we’re eager to see more of what he can do.
NAFA Team Player 2024
Jacob Gibson
Jacob has been a true team player this year. Not only has his fishing improved dramatically, but he’s also always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Whether helping out at the open day or supporting the matches, Jacob’s willingness to give back shows his great character. Well done, Jacob!
Jacob Gibson
Jacob has been a true team player this year. Not only has his fishing improved dramatically, but he’s also always eager to lend a hand wherever needed. Whether helping out at the open day or supporting the matches, Jacob’s willingness to give back shows his great character. Well done, Jacob!
These awards are a reflection of the hard work and dedication these young anglers put into their sport. Keep up the great work!
