ST HELENS Darts Academy saw yet another success story after Luke Littler's run to the PDC World Championship final.
Its Sidac Social Club base was packed out last night to watch the final, being broadcast on Sky Sports from the Alexandra Palace in London.
The 16-year-old Littler, from Warrington, enjoyed a dream run in his world championship debut, beating former world champions Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross along the way, before being edged 7-4 by world number one Luke Humphries in a high-quality final.
Karl Holden, co-founder of St Helens Darts Academy, spoke of their pride in Littler's achievements.
What is St Helens Darts Academy?
The academy, based at Sidac Club, sees around 90 youngsters turn up to play darts each Monday evening, across different age sections up to 18.
The St Helens Darts Academy started life at Our Lady's Club, in Parr, back in October 2013.
READ > How a packed St Helens Darts Academy cheered on Luke Littler
In 2016, it relocated to Sidac club, in Wheatsheaf Avenue, Sutton Leach, after issuing an SOS call as its original premises was shut down.
Since, the academy has grown from strength to strength, and is now recognised as one of the most prolific in the country.
The academy has played its part in building the town's reputation as a darts hotbed, which has been bolstered by the emergence of several local players competing at the top of the professional game, including 2023 World Champion Michael Smith, multiple major finalist Dave Chisnall and former BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting.
The academy has had visits from many elite players over the years and inspires youngsters to pick up a set of darts and get involved in the game.
Another success story from the academy is teenager Eleanor Cairns, from Newton-le-Willows, who won the inaugural L-style WDF Girls World Champion at Lakeside in 2022.
An Elite 1 affiliated academy, it receives support through equipment and guidance from experienced heads within the darts world, as it helps to develop and nurture the next generation of talent.
The academy has been at the centre of national media attention over recent days in the wake of 16-year-old Luke Littler's run to the World Championship final.
The academy meets each Monday evening, at Sidac Social Club.
- For more information, see the St Helens Darts Academy Facebook page, or email dartsacademysthelens@outlook.com
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