Getting to know our coaches: David Green

One of our newest coaching recruits, David joined the Fishing for Schools team last year. One of the great strengths of Fishing for Schools is the breadth of experience our coaches bring to the programme, and David is no exception. Based in the southwest, he brings a wealth of coaching expertise, along with the knowledge and skills gained throughout his career and life.

What do you do now - apart from Fishing for Schools, of course - and what should we also know about you?

I’m now retired from the IT industry and latterly running pubs, however I’m busy coaching, teaching and guiding people wanting to try fishing.  In fact, I’m almost as busy now as I was running pubs, the only difference is I’m not having to pull pints late into the night and get up early to cook guests breakfast!

When did you start fishing?

I caught my first fish from the River Moselle in Germany at the age of five,

What inspired you to start fishing?

A Dutch gentleman by the name of Mr De Jong gave me a roach pole and showed me how to catch fish (on the River Moselle). When you’re five years old, these things make a huge impression.

What made you want to become a coach?

A good friend of mine, Brian Peterson, saw me helping some of my colleagues to fly fish and suggested that I take it to a more formal level. He was a brilliant fisherman, and I wanted to be at least half as good as him!

It took me several years of hard studying and practice to get to being a STANIC (Salmon & Trout Association National Instructors Certificate) coach.

When did you become a coach?

2001.

When did you join Fishing for Schools and why? (Please don’t say that you were dragooned!)

2025. I have been involved with coaching children and doing school enrichment weeks for many years, Fishing for Schools seemed like a natural fit for what I am doing.

What has given you the most pleasure working with Fishing for Schools?

Seeing the enjoyment children get from achieving their goals, i.e. catching fish.

What is the most difficult part of Fishing for Schools?

Keeping a straight face when one of the children crack a joke or do something funny.

What is your main aim for a Fishing for Schools session?

For the children to have fun.

How do you personally measure a successful session?

When the children visibly enjoy themselves.

What is your funniest moment with Fishing for Schools?

At Todber Manor when one of the children (who will remain nameless) launched a gudgeon over his shoulder and into my lap when striking a little hard! (It went back a bit confused but otherwise unharmed.)

Why do you believe in Fishing for Schools?

It gives the children the opportunity to open their minds to a whole new area of understanding and enjoyment therein.

What is the future for Fishing for Schools, do you think?

Very bright, its a great initiative which will develop, spread and become a mainstream curriculum item in education establishments.

Why should people who are both anglers & non-anglers get behind Fishing for Schools?

It’s a great way of developing relationships which lead to a greater understanding of the countryside and the natural world in general.

Where do you see Fishing for Schools in five years’ time?

Running courses and educational events for not just schools but adult learning centres as well.