Sharp eyed Exmouth youngsters aiming to be the next Luke Littler are celebrating after earning essential sponsorship from local opticians.
When the town’s Strand pub started a darts team five months ago for players aged 13-15 years old, no-one could have imagined the heights they’d have reached already.
The pub partnered with the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) to launch its grassroots academy – and three players have already qualified for the prestigious JDC Advanced Tour, which places them among the top junior players in the UK.
But it isn’t cheap to develop gifted young players like this, so the pub sent a letter to the town’s businesses, requesting sponsorship.
The only response was from Specsavers Exmouth, whose director was keen to get behind the players and help them reach the next level in their darts development.
The store, which is locally owned and run, has a history of backing the community and raising funds for good causes in the town, so director Ria Heskins said she was delighted to be part of the town’s next generation of dart-playing ability.
She says: ‘What they are doing at the Strand is fantastic. They’re giving these young people an interest, a focus and an early taste of success. I’m really pleased for them.
‘So when we got the letter asking for sponsorship, we couldn’t have been happier to back them. To get these players to tournaments around the country costs money, so we’ve donated £500 to help them.
‘We’ll also look to support them throughout the year, maybe with some fundraising activities. I can’t wait to see them reaching great heights and making everyone in Exmouth proud.’
Some of the young Exmouth players have been selected to represent Devon and are now even playing in the men’s league, as well as having invitations to play in tournaments abroad.
Putting together the team was the idea of the Strand’s landlord, Doug Clarke. He is a big fan of darts and has played for fun with the likes of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, who dominated world darts for three decades and won 214 professional tournaments.
Doug says: ‘The young players we have here are phenomenal. They’ve already been invited to the Winmau Junior World Masters, as well as tournaments in Portugal and Cypress.
‘Basically, we’ve created this from nothing, but they’re already thriving. It’s really special to see. I honestly believe some of them can go far in this sport.
‘For a town the size of Exmouth, having one junior player at this level would be impressive, but having three is almost unheard of. Their talent, work ethic and passion for the game have already turned heads across the junior darts circuit.
‘But it all costs money. I’ve bought a seven-seater minibus to get them around, but there are also competition entry costs and other costs, so this sponsorship from Specsavers Exmouth is fantastic. It takes a bit of pressure off the parents.
‘We’re raising other funds to help them, but to be backed by a business in our own town like Specsavers means a lot. We’re so grateful to Ria and her team.
‘When our young darts players turn out to compete in competitions and tournaments in the future, they will have new tracksuits with the Specsavers logo on. They’re all really proud to show off their new sponsor.’
To book a eye test or hearing check at Specsavers Exmouth, visit the store at Exeter Road, Exmouth, or call 01395 277107.
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