Darts club looking to inspire next Luke Littler

A junior darts academy has opened in Grimsby hoping to discover the next Luke Littler.

It is being held at the Birds Eye Sports and Social Club, on Ladysmith Road, and is thought to be the first of its kind in the area.

Ashley Newbegin set up the academy following the success of Littler, who took the sport by storm when he reached the final of the 2024 World Championship at the age of 16.

He wants children in the area to have a shot at their own success.

The club held a taster day last week, which it said proved a success with parents and children.

The academy is for eight to 18-year-olds and Mr Newbegin hopes plenty of youngsters will see the benefits of the sport.

He said: “Anyone can be a good player. It helps with maths, it helps with mental health.

“Darts helps with a lot of things and that is the main idea, getting people out and doing things around the area.”

Charlie was among the youngsters who attended the taster session and hopes to follow in Littler’s footsteps.

“He is one of the best darts players at the minute,” he said. “The dream is to be world champion.”

One parent told the BBC how grateful she is to have the club on her doorstep.

She said: “We tried to look at a darts academy, but the nearest one was Hull, so I really appreciate Ashley setting this up.”

Another added: “It keeps them off the streets and out of trouble.”

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