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The Fishing Academy

The Fishing Academy (“TFA”) is a non-profit organization founded nineteen years ago by John Hoffman, a lifelong Brighton resident, who grew up in the Fidelis Way Housing Development. As a teen, he discovered fishing as his escape from the dangers of street life. Inspired by the many positive experiences he had as a youth in Youth Enrichment Services (YES), he decided to offer a program modeled on YES that offered fishing as a way to get youth from Allston, Brighton, and other Boston neighborhoods off the streets, away from drugs and violence, and expose them to wonders of nature.

Ocean

Founded in 2004

Over 10,000 children served in Greater Boston

Over 1,000 veterans served

60 past participants provided their first employment experience

  • 2024 Annual Fishing Academy Gala
    2024 Annual Fishing Academy Gala
    Fri, May 17
    Speedway Garage B
    May 17, 2024, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Speedway Garage B, 525 Western Ave, Brighton, MA 02135, USA
    Come bid on hotel stays, Red Sox and Boston Calling tickets, salon services, fishing trips and more! Help raise funds for this vital Youth and Veterans Program! Did you know that The Fishing Academy has given out $90,000 in camperships since 2004? Did you know over 50 Local Youth have been employed.

Message from our Founder.

I would like to welcome and thank you for coming to our page and learning more about our charity organization, The Fishing Academy.

 

When I first founded the charity in March of 2004, I wasn't even sure how an outdoor fishing program would be received, all I knew is I wanted to teach kids about a sport I loved that kept me out of trouble when I was a teenager. Now heading into our 19th  year, we have taken over 9,500 youth off the streets and into the great outdoors.

 

We have added Veterans programs, taking out those who bravely served our country and bringing them to a relaxing environment. We  focus on  Youth Development and have provided  over 60  former  participants with their first employment opportunity.

 

The Fishing Academy has had an overwhelming response from people in the community, parents, teachers, friends and supporters. We hope you can get involved and help kids develop into future leaders of their communities, so that someday they will create positive opportunities for the next generation!

 

Sincerely,

John D. Hoffman

Director​​​​​​​​​​

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