A darts academy is proving a hit for young people as the Luke Littler effect takes hold in the small village of Cwmcarn, near Caerphilly.
With a helping hand from the National Lottery and Sport Wales, Dragon Chasers Darts Academy is hitting the bullseye; raising confidence levels, improving numeracy skills and serving as a community hub for young people.
Back in 2024, a group of Dads, who are junior rugby coaches, wanted to expand the sporting activities on offer to young people in the area. Keen to make sure that local youngsters of all abilities could come together and play a sport on the same level playing field, they decided on darts.
National Lottery funding for darts equipment
The idea was bang on target – in the months that followed, more and more children signed up to get involved. More children, of course, meant more equipment was needed which was when The National Lottery and Sport Wales stepped up to the oche with vital funding. The club scooped £1,000 to get kitted out with more dartboards, dartboard surrounds, lighting and mats.
Nathan Dark, who helped set up the Academy, said: “It was a financial burden before The National Lottery and Sport Wales came along. But thanks to the funding, we’ve been able to double our numbers and give more young people opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
