Meet the Team at Tewkesbury Junior Anglers

Our Dedicated Team: Passionate Leaders & Mentors

Hello everyone! I’m Christopher Birch, and I am genuinely passionate about leading Tewkesbury Junior Anglers, alongside our incredible team of volunteers and coaches.

My own journey into angling began later in life, and it was a revelation. I discovered a unique blend of tranquility, focused attention, and the sheer thrill of the catch that transformed my connection with the natural world. This experience ignited a fire in me to share that passion with the young people in our community, supported by a team who share this vision.

A Foundation in Coaching & Teamwork

Beyond the riverbank, I bring years of experience as both a football coach and a rugby coach. These roles, along with the diverse backgrounds of our team members, have taught us the vital importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Whether on the pitch or by the water, our collective goal remains the same: to empower young people, build their confidence, and help them flourish in a supportive environment. We’ve taken the leadership skills and the "team-first" mentality from sports and woven them into the very fabric of our angling club.

The Vision for Tewkesbury Junior Anglers, Driven by Our Team

We envisioned a club that would transcend traditional fishing lessons. Our team offers a holistic learning experience that seamlessly integrates classroom-based knowledge with fun, engaging outdoor activities. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where children develop essential life skills, forge strong bonds of fellowship, and cultivate a deep, lifelong appreciation for our precious environment.

Our Educational Approach, Delivered by Experts

Our program is thoughtfully structured and dynamic, thanks to the varied expertise of our team:

In the Classroom: We start with interactive sessions designed to stimulate young minds. Our coaches delve into fish biology, habitat behaviour, and the fundamentals of tackle preparation—from selecting the right rod to mastering knot-tying. Safety is our priority; we ensure every young angler understands how to be responsible near the water.
On the Water: We transition to hands-on education at our local rivers and lakes. Here, theory meets practice. Guided by experienced instructors, students learn casting techniques, explore different fishing methods, and learn to "read the water" while observing local ecosystems in real-time.

More Than Just Fishing: A Community Built by Our Team

Tewkesbury Junior Anglers is a vibrant and supportive community. Drawing on my coaching background and the collective experience of our team, we place a high value on sportsmanship and mutual support. We organize:

"Get Fishing" Events: Regular gatherings for all skill levels.
Educational Workshops: Led by experts in the field.
Friendly Competitions: Promoting healthy growth and fellowship.
Accessibility: We actively fundraise to ensure angling remains accessible to all children, regardless of financial circumstances.

Our Team's Commitment to the Future

Our vision is to cultivate a generation of young anglers who are not only skilled but are also responsible stewards of our natural resources. We want to witness our members develop the same resilience we see on the sports field and the same tranquillity we find by the water.

Join Our Adventure, and Meet Our Team

We extend a warm invitation to all young anglers and their families. Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills, you will find a home here with our dedicated team.

Let’s learn together, explore the beauty of our local waterways, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Our team can’t wait to see you by the water!

Meet Our Co-Founder: Tim ("Jesus")

The Heart of the River & Environmental Stewardship

While Christopher brings the strategic vision and coaching expertise from the pitch to the bank, Tim—known affectionately by the club as "Jesus"—is the man who lives and breathes the river. A co-founder of Tewkesbury Junior Anglers since June 2025, Tim’s life is defined by a singular, driving passion for angling. If he could spend every hour of his working day by the water’s edge, he undoubtedly would.

A Life Dedicated to the Water

Tim’s role within the club is rooted in a deep, technical understanding of the sport. His expertise isn’t just about the "catch"; it’s about the soul of the river. Having been an integral part of the team since our very first session, Tim provides the steady, hands-on guidance that helps our junior members transition from beginners to true woodsmen and anglers.

Our Environmental Guardian

Tim’s commitment to the UK’s waterways is the backbone of our club’s ecological mission. He believes that being a great angler starts with being a great protector of the environment. His philosophy is simple: Leave it better than you found it.

The Clean-Up King: It is a rare day when Tim leaves a session without a bag of litter in hand. He takes the health of our local banks personally, often bringing waste home to be binned to ensure our swim remains pristine.
Fish Welfare First: Tim is our lead advocate for fish health. From proper net handling to unhooking techniques, he ensures every child understands that the safety of the fish is our number one priority.

The Specialist: Chasing the Barbel

Every angler has a "dream fish," and for Tim, it is the Barbel. He holds a profound respect for this "Prince of the River," admiring their incredible strength and the resilience they show in fast-flowing currents. He uses his love for Barbel fishing to teach our students about patience, specialized tackle preparation, and the thrill of a hard-earned catch.

Tim’s Commitment to Our Juniors

Tim’s goal is to ensure that the "Tewkesbury way" of fishing is synonymous with respect. By working alongside Chris, he helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the water, showing our members that:

Preparation is Key: Success starts with a well-tied knot and a clean environment.
Observation is an Art: Learning to "read" the river is a skill that lasts a lifetime.
Community Matters: We look after our gear, our fish, and each other.

"For me, fishing is about more than what’s on the hook. It’s about the quiet moments of connection with nature and the responsibility we have to protect these waters for the children following in our footsteps." — Tim