The National Federation of Anglers would like to announce the departure of current Chief Executive, Paul Baggaley who will be leaving the NFA on the 14th November 2008.

Paul joined the NFA on 31st January, 2005, and has since worked tirelessly to create a modern and professional Governing Body for Freshwater Anglers. There have been many successes during his three year reign but his principal success must be the revision and development of the governance of the NFA, which enabled the organisation to chart a new course.  This has meant that a revitalized NFA has been able to play a full and active role representing the interests of anglers and providing tangible services to anglers, partners and angling organisations nationwide.

Paul was also integral to the creation of the Angling Development Board, which is tasked with supporting the development of the sport through coaching, club and volunteer development and to help present angling as a modern, vibrant and equitable sport.

Terry Fell, Chairman of the NFA who appointed Paul as Chief Executive commented, “Paul came into the NFA at a difficult time when questions were being asked as to whether the NFA was the National Governing Body. Paul has helped change this image and this has no doubt assisted us to move forward in a professional way. He has done much for angling and we wish him and his family every success for the future.”

Paul Baggaley added, “At our first AGM held at Holme Pierrepont Terry Fell, the Chairman of the NFA went on record stating that the NFA would invest £250,000 in the development of angling.  The NFA has been good for its word and we have seen important changes such as the formation of the Angling Development Board, the revised Child Protection and Equity Policies, the NFA’s angling education program An Introduction to Angling and the Environment, an insurance package that is saving angling clubs hundreds of pounds in premiums, a popular and successful website and vastly improved marketing and communications. 

I am really proud of what the staff and the volunteers that make up the National Federation of Anglers have been able to achieve in three years and on such meagre resources.  This merger can only benefit angling in England, but now it’s up to angling organisations and individual anglers of all disciplines to capitalise on the work that has been done so far.”