What Does “Licensed Angling Coach” Mean?
- Online Instructor
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
If you've ever watched someone leading a training session in football, running a tennis lesson, or teaching someone how to fish, you might have heard the term licensed coach. But what does that actually mean?
In the UK, being a licensed sports coach means that the person has completed proper training, gained official qualifications, and meets important safety standards. This helps make sure they can coach others in a safe, responsible, and professional way. Let’s break it down — especially for angling, but we’ll also look at other sports to compare.
1. Qualifications and Licenses – Who Decides What You Need?
In the UK, every sport has a National Governing Body (NGB). These organisations set the rules for coaching and offer the qualifications and standards needed to become a licensed coach.
For example:
Angling is overseen by the Angling Trust, which runs coaching courses and licences coaches.
In football, it's the FA (Football Association) — they offer coaching badges like the UEFA C Licence.
For athletics, it’s UK Athletics (UKA) with levels 1 to 3 for coaching.
Each of these NGBs has its own pathway, but they often include:
Level 1: Beginner – learn the basics and assist other coaches.
Level 2: Intermediate – plan and run your own sessions.
Level 3: Advanced – often for coaching at a high-performance level.
Coaches usually need to start at Level 1 and work your way up.
2. Extra Training – Not Just About the Sport
To become a licensed coach, you’ll need more than just sport-specific knowledge. Coaches are in a position of trust and responsibility, so they must also be trained in how to look after their students — especially when working with children or vulnerable adults.
As a minimum, licensed coaches are expected to have:
Safeguarding Training – so coaches know how to keep children and vulnerable people safe.
First Aid Training – knowing what to do in an emergency.
DBS Checks – a background check to make sure you're safe to work with vulnerable adults and young people.
This is especially important in angling, where many coaching sessions involve young beginners or group events.
3. Learning Never Stops – CPD and Experience
Licensed coaches are expected to keep learning. This is called Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
It might include:
Attending extra workshops or courses.
Learning new coaching techniques.
Updating knowledge on rules, safety, or best practices.
Learning special educational needs techniques for ASD, ADHD or physical disability.
In angling, CPD could involve learning how to coach match fishing, fly fishing, or improving group management skills at events.
Also, most coaches build up experience by:
Working as an assistant first.
Volunteering at clubs or events or working in a paid role with a professional organisation.
Learning by doing — coaching is very hands-on!
Never stopping learning.
4. What Else Makes a Good Licensed Coach?
Insurance: Licensed Coaches will carry professional and public liability insurance in case of accidents or claims.
People Skills: Good coaches know how to explain things clearly, motivate others, and build trust.
Professionalism: They must follow a code of conduct, show respect, and always act ethically.
5. Why Would a Coach Not Be Licensed?
This is an important question — especially when you realise that being a licensed coach with the Angling Trust costs less than £1 per week!
So, if it’s not about money… what is it? Let’s look at some of the main reasons why someone might avoid becoming licensed — and why that should matter to you.
They Don’t Want to Be Assessed
To become licensed, coaches must complete training and be assessed. This shows they:
Can coach safely and effectively.
Understand the rules and techniques of the sport.
Know how to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Some people avoid assessment because:
They don’t want their methods reviewed.
They’re worried they won’t meet the standard.
They prefer to do things their own way — even if it’s not best practice.
Just because someone is good at a sport, doesn’t mean they can teach others; a license shows someone is trained, checked, and trustworthy.
They Don’t Want to be Background Checked
As uncomfortable as it is to think about, some individuals deliberately seek roles that give them access to children or vulnerable adults. This is why the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is such a vital part of becoming a licensed coach.
DBS checks can reveal important information — including past behaviour or convictions — that may make someone unsuitable to coach or work with others in a position of trust.
And the truth is, not everyone wants their background checked. If someone is avoiding becoming licensed, it’s worth asking: what might they be trying to hide?
They Don’t Want the Responsibility
Being licensed comes with extra responsibility:
Staying up to date with DBS checks, first aid, and safeguarding.
Following a code of conduct.
Being accountable for your actions.
Some people may prefer to stay “under the radar” — but that can lead to problems. If something goes wrong, they have no protection, no insurance, and could even face legal issues.
And if that’s the case… is that really someone you’d want teaching you or your child?
7. So, What Can I Expect from a Licensed Angling Coach?
Choosing a licensed angling coach means you're learning from someone who’s qualified, assessed, and committed to doing things properly. But what does that actually look like in practice?
Here’s what you can expect from a licensed coach:
They’ve completed:
Level 1,2 or 3 Qualification
A DBS check (background check)
Safeguarding training
First aid training
These aren’t optional extras — they’re ALL essential requirements of being licensed.
Up-to-Date Knowledge
Licensed coaches are encouraged to keep learning through CPD (That means they stay up to date with:
The latest coaching methods
New angling techniques
Best practice for working with young people or groups
Professional and Respectful Behaviour
A licensed coach will:
Turn up on time
Communicate clearly and respectfully
Follow a code of conduct set by the Angling Trust
Treat everyone fairly, regardless of ability, age, or background
Insurance and Peace of Mind
Licensed coaches will have professional and public liability insurance, which protects both you and them in case something unexpected happens during a session.
When you choose a licensed angling coach, you’re choosing someone who’s:
Safe
Professional
Accountable
Committed to helping you learn and enjoy fishing
Whether you're new to angling or looking to build your skills, a licensed coach is your best bet for a positive, safe, and rewarding experience. You can verify an Angling coach’s license using the Angling Trust’s online tool www.anglingtrust.net/check-a-coach/ to see if your local angling coach is officially licensed and meets all standards.
If a coach isn’t licensed, ask yourself why not — it’s not about the cost or effort. It maybe they’re avoiding the oversight that ensures you and others stay safe and well taught.
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