Darts club members triple due to 'Littler effect'

A darts club launched to help children improve their throwing has seen its membership triple since Christmas, and puts the success down to superstar Luke Littler making the sport "cool".

Professional player David Pallett and his partner Bobbi Jones first set up Bedworth Darts Academy in June 2024.

The new business had already had a strong start, but following Christmas and the high-profile success of teenager Littler, it saw numbers rise.

Ms Jones said the impact of champion Litter over the past three months had been "amazing".

The academy, which operates out of Bedworth Conservative Club, sets up competitions and challenges for players between five and 17 years old.

"Since Christmas it's really taken off," Ms Jones said.

"We've tripled in numbers - it's really exciting.

"We ask a lot of kids that come [why] they've started [playing] and they mention seeing Luke."

Littler confirmed his status as one of the top darts players in the world in 2025, winning the World Championships and the UK Open in the first three months of the year.

Mr Jones said: "I think kids are starting to see it as a cool sport and there's been a huge mind shift - it's so inclusive.

"We have a massive range of players regardless of ability and things like autism.

"We try really hard to keep those kids here and coming and pretty much nearly all of them do."

The academy is welcoming children who have ambitions to compete with Littler at the highest level in the future.

One player, Daniel said: "I watched darts all my life and one of my mates played it and he got me into it.

"Luke Littler is my favourite player.

"I want to play darts to as high of a level as I can."

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