Durham County Youth Joins Target's Elite 1!
We are thrilled to welcome Durham County Youth Academy to our Elite 1 Affiliated Academy programme, as of the 1st of February.
Durham Youth Academy meets every Tuesday evening at the Willington Working Men’s Club from 7 pm to 8:30 pm and works with kids from as young as five to 21.
Having been open for nearly 16 years, Durham County Youth Academy is a part of the community and has produced many fine players who have earned PDC Tour Cards, played in the WDF, represented England and even played at County level.
Durham County Youth Academy first teaches the basic and most important rules, focusing on darts etiquette, attitude, team bonding, counting, finishing and the all-around game.
Michael Ashurst leads a six-strong committee team that supports the children. Some of the committee started at Durham County Youth Academy and once they hit 21 decided to help the new young talent coming through.
Michael Ashurst head of Durham County Youth Academy had this to say about the partnership with Target Darts:
“Working with Target Darts is going to be a privilege as they are recognised as the biggest brands in darts. It will bring a whole new outlook and support to Durham youth darts as it will help the youth of today become too future of darts. With the support of Target Darts, it will inspire the youth to work harder and become the players they are meant to be.”
World Champion Luke Littler began his journey at an Elite 1 Academy like Durham and has inspired the sport by giving aspiring players a role model to admire. His effect on the sport has certainly impacted a club like Durham, who started with 30 kids in their class but since Luke’s rise and darts, Durham has seen that rise to 50 children, with another 30 on a waiting list. This partnership further strengthens our commitment to nurturing talent across the country.
By joining the Elite 1 programme, Durham Youth Academy gains access to expertise, state-of-the-art resources, and unmatched growth opportunities. These benefits will equip young players with the tools they need to excel in darts and beyond.
We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Durham Youth Academy team and look forward to helping shape the future of the sport by fostering the next generation of darts stars.