The SAFFA Youth structure is solid and still growing. The Youth are mentored and coached by Senior and sometimes former Youth Protea anglers in each of the Provinces. They participate in Provincial trials for team selections which are entered annually in a team format to participate in the Youth National Event.

It is through this structure that our Youth Protea team is selected each year to experience and represent South Africa at the World Championship. A second team is selected to travel either internationally or locally for a development tour - this takes our Youth from strength to strength!

The 2023 Youth Nationals, hosted by Cape Winelands Province, took place on the Vaal and Orange Rivers near Douglas in the Northern Cape .  The target species was our indigenous large and smallmouth yellowfish. The  championship comprised of five exciting scrum sessions, each offering some varied and challenging fishing conditions, and producing some incredible fish in both size and numbers over the three days.   Championship results were as follows:

• Wildfly Individual Champion - Luke Fairhead (Limpopo A)
• Wildfly Team Champion - Limpopo A Province
• AT Barnard Team Champion - Limpopo A Province
• Wickus Steyn Trophy for Sportmanship - Benjamin Blaauw (CW)
• Willem Pretorius Trophy For Fly Fishing Excellence - Daniel Duane (2023 Youth Protea)
• Develo Fly Tying Trophy - Benjamin Blaauw
• Best Newcomer - Rohann Jacobs (GN B)
• Distance Casting - Luke Fairhead :  Accuracy Casting -Gary Orwtram(Lim A)
• Team Gold - Limpopo A                         Individual Gold - Luke Fairhead(Lim A)
• Team Silver - KZN A                                 Individual Silver - Speedy Walters(KZN A)
• Team Bronze - Central Gauteng            Individual Bronze - Liam O'Flaherty(CG)

Visit our facebook page for full results & pictures captured during the event.

Check out this video clip from Nic Louw of Cape Winelands

The 2024 Fips-Mouche Youth World Championship was held in Vyssi Brod during Aug. South Africa was represented by a team of mostly first-time Protea representative anglers at World Championship level, had the privilege of pre-event support and training on the local waters by experienced former Czech team manager, Martin Musil.

The Team representing was as follows: Campbell McLean, David Mulder, Daniel van Wyk, Marc van Rooyen, Roarke Goosen and Pete Louwrens with Matt Gorlei took up the reigns for a third consecutive year as Coach/non fishing Captain, and Daniel J Le Roux as Manager for a second year running.

Fluctuating water levels and high season social rafters padding through the sectors were some of the challenges faced in this year's event. After a difficult start on day one and the team finding themselves in last position overall, they focused and pulled up four places to finish 7th overall after session five. Pete Louwrens (KZN) took a phenomenal 8th place in the Individual standings. For full final results please follow the facebook link

Thank you to the Sponsors of our Youth Team for their valued support