Newbury youth darts club supports rising stars with coaching, competitions, and inclusive sessions

The Newbury area has become a hotbed of darting excellence in recent years.

Luke Humphries has led the way, winning the 2024 PDC World Championship, while Jason Heaver and Jordan Rawlings both took part in the PDC Q School this month.

Late last year another world class prospect arrived on the scene, as Thatcham’s Archie Self won the WDF Boy’s World Championship.

The area has no shortage of darting talent, boasting a healthy competitive scene for players of all levels.

One man providing opportunities for the next generation of local players is Ian Sandland, who runs the Youth Darts Club at The Crucible on Hambridge Road.

The goal is to provide an enjoyable social experience, where youngsters can practice and compete.

The club is open to children aged eight to sixteen, every Sunday between 2pm and 4pm.

“We give them time to play in a different scenario,” Sandland explained.

“Sometimes you’re sat at home in front of your own board.

“But you learn more when you’re out and about.

“I help the kids out and get them playing.

“It’s a pound per session, we’ve got sets of darts which have been donated, and some which I’ve brought.

“I’ve been playing since I was a teenager, and I had to teach myself as best I could.

“I want the next generation to have people there to help them, to get their foot in the door.”

The club is growing at a good pace, with numbers increasing since Luke Littler’s World Championship win in early January.

“We’ve been doing this for about seven months now,” he said.

“Numbers weren't great at the start, but since the beginning of January it’s gotten bigger and bigger.

“Our largest group, which is for anyone who wants to turn up, is up to sixteen now.”

It’s not just coaching, either, with players able to compete in a number of local competitions.

There’s a social element too, with kids able to spend time with likeminded youngsters and make friends through darts.

“We had a lad join us in the first week,” he recalled.

“He was trying to get his mates to join for a while.

“After the new year, one came along, and suddenly there was an influx of about seven or eight more!

“They’re all coming down to play and they’re all having fun.

“That’s all we want it to be.”

Darts is truly a sport that anyone can play, and Sandland has recently set up a new group to make sure things remain accessible.

“We have a smaller group now, which is designed for kids who struggle with the bigger group,” he said.

“We’re calling it ‘quiet darts’, for children who might have anxiety or autism, or might just be put off by the bigger group.

“There’s five children allowed per session, and it’s all booked through me.

“They can have their own board, with a bit of coaching from me.

“But we won’t be on top of them, it’s a little bit slower.”

Anyone looking to get involved or learn more is encouraged to contact Sandland via the Crucible Youth Darts Club Facebook page, where he can be contacted privately.

Quiet Darts sessions are usually held every other week and must be pre-booked.

Larger sessions run every Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, with no booking required.