MSA was born on the 5th August 2025 and was the birthchild of a marriage between the Copthorne & District Angling Society (CDAS) and the Haywards Heath & District Angling Society (HHDAS).

CDAS (1929) and HHDAS (1912) were both long-standing fishing clubs. They were much the same in terms of size, with membership numbers, profile and fees/membership categories very similar.

Both clubs were traditional angling clubs run by volunteers on a “not-for-profit” basis, with all subscription income going into angling.

Both clubs were well known to each other and held regular, very enjoyable inter-club competition days.

There was very little membership cross-over. Dual membership of both clubs was very small, and any negatives were far outweighed by the expected benefit of providing a wider choice of venues to prospective new members.

Combining the membership and finances of the two clubs made huge sense and would create a much stronger organisation, increasing the ability to expand our waters portfolio and protect existing fishing for our future generations.

And so here we are!