The world of darts is undergoing a young player-led transformation.
No longer are the sport’s rising stars born from smoky pubs and having had one too many pints, but of children vying to follow in the footsteps of former youth and current PDC world champion, Luke Littler.
Major tournaments draw in record-breaking viewership figures and youth academies have grown to accommodate such a rise in enthusiasm for the youth division of the sport.
Darren Barson, CEO of the Junior Darts Corporation told South West Londoner: “The PDC do a fantastic job in promoting the sport, and Luke Littler within that.
“It has given us a completely new audience.”
Darts is now officially the fastest growing sport in the UK with 35% of Brits more interested in the sport now than was the case two years ago.
The quantity and quality of junior players has risen over the last two years.
Barson said: “All of the young players at our Foundation Tours, most of whom are between 12 and 14, have an average above 85.
“Some of our top players are consistently performing above that with an average of 90.”
According to Darts Orakel, the top ten ranked adult professional players have an average of 97.
The JDC run both foundation and advanced level tours where under-18s come together to pay and play, both for fun and a chance to advance their professional careers.
The best of the best will head to Gibraltar later this year as part of the JDC’s Junior Darts World Championship competition.
Joe Wheeler founded the Farringdon Junior Darts Academy last year after noticing children in his local area enjoyed playing the sport but had no safe, structured environment to play it in.
Joe said: “On our first open day I was expecting about ten or 12 children to turn up, including my own.
“I was surprised, and thrilled, when 49 kids showed up. So we have been very very busy.”
Alongside his role as an academy coach, Joe’s three children – Lily, Lola and Woody – also compete in junior darts tournaments.
Joe said: “I think it’s an easy game to play, but a hard game to play well.
“Anyone can play and you do not have to be the best player in the world to enjoy playing.”
Woody, 12, said: “I like playing darts because my whole family played it, and I always beat my sisters.
“I would like to be a professional when I am older, and if I could play anyone I would play Luke Littler, because if I beat him, I would be world champion.”
Darts professionals think that in the coming years the top flight of professional players will be between 18 and 25 year olds, significantly lower than the current average age of 36.
Barson said: “In the last few years the sport has quadrupled and I think it will continue to grow.
“The UK is not just seen as the main area for growth, projects in America, Canada, New Zealand and the Gulf states mean the sport is growing internationally, which will only benefit players and audiences.”
The JDC collaborate with foundations, schools and other sporting organisations – such as Manchester United – to bring darts to children that ordinarily may not have had access to playing the sport.
Barson said: “Lots of other sports and educational organisations are seeing darts as a great way to build children’s confidence as well as focus. It is a great one for maths as well.
“The benefit is you do not need a massive playing area. You can put something on a wall and allow the children to explore the sport.
“I think there is a place for darts in education, and it’s a conversation that needs to be happening.”
Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons
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