Graham first started coaching in 1973 in Athletics, Rugby Refereeing (Oxfordshire and Sussex) and fishing while in the RAF and to date.
In 1975 while at RAF Bicester Graham was asked by Bicester RFC to form and run a Mini and Junior section for the club. Graham carried this out with 2 other club members until his work as an aircraft engineer required him and his Family to move to Crawley. Graham continued coaching rugby working with U/14 & U/16 teams for Crawley RFC. Graham had to give this up in 1994 due to work commitments. Eventually Graham had togive up playing, refereeing and coaching in 2004 due to a neck injury.
In 2000 Graham became a Professional Angling Coach and in 2004 set up GMC Angling Days, then in 2006 WSSAA.
To date Graham Has coached 999,983 people across Athletics, Rugby and Angling, this includes 29,988 young adult people who have varying mental health issues, at risk from exclusion from education or society, and some involved in knife/gun gangs and gangs in general, also includes 69,995 families/individuals and frontline workers (since 2021 with burn out/pre-PTSD, including 757 Armed Forces personnel.)
West Sussex & Surrey Angling Academy are a Sport England ‘CLUB MARK’ accredited approved provider, ensuring schools that therefore holding all the necessary policy, procedures and insurance required to guarantee the best possible health and safety standards.
West Sussex & Surrey Angling Academy are a West Sussex County Council approved provider, therefore holding all the necessary policy, procedures and insurance required to guarantee the best possible health and safety standards.
All West Sussex & Surrey Angling Academy courses are run from waterside venues across Sussex & Surrey enabling a dynamic and engaging mix of out-door based practical work and indoor-based group and classroom work. We believe that the learning and engagement, which takes place whilst fishing and forest environment, is an essential element of the learning experience for young people. A common thread in all our programmes is to encourage the conservation and appreciation of the environment and its role in providing a highly accessible, inclusive and positive pastime in the sport of angling.
We believe that young people can benefit hugely from the opportunity to learn outside in the natural environment. Using a mentoring and experiential learning approach, which plays directly to many participants’ strengths, young
people can build a variety of skills including, life-saving, survival, problem solving, patience, teamwork, communication and social skills.
All courses contain English, maths, weather system, geometry and physics (power to weight ratio) classroom and practical work.
Our tailored angling sessions offer care providers a unique way to enhance the wellbeing and confidence of individuals, promoting relaxation and social interaction in a natural setting.
Families are more than welcome to visit us and see the Academy in action, providing a firsthand experience of our supportive and engaging environment before signing up a loved one.
Our programmes combine practical education with hands-on experience, using angling as a powerful tool to teach valuable life skills and promote personal development.
Enjoy the thrill of sea fishing in a safe and controlled environment, where our expert instructors prioritise safety at all times. Participants will learn essential fishing techniques while adhering to strict safety guidelines, ensuring a fun and secure experience by the coast.
West Sussex Angling Academy is a Ltd by Guarantee Company, registered in England and Wales, Registration No; 6023427. West Sussex Angling Academy is a recognised Charity in England & Wales, Charity No; 1140422 & through the Inland Revenue ‘Gift Aid’ scheme, No; XT16818. Club Mark Accreditation No; AN0047.
