THE LUKE Littler effect is often spoken about in the world of darts but we are now seeing it in action in our local community.

Jon Bush, a county and super league level player who has been involved in the sport since the age of 14 has seen ballooning-interest in his Teignbridge Darts Academy and he cited the teenager’s success on the world stage as a key reason.

Having seen the attendance figures more than double already, with 36 youngsters and counting showing up currently and the chance to cater for 60, there is a real opportunity to build a community.

On Saturday, May 3, at their base, which is The Keyberry Hotel in Decoy, Jon and co will run a trial event to see if their group is ready to go to the next level.

Aiming to battle social anxiety whilst also boosting maths abilities, hand-eye coordination, sportsmanship and general social skills, the academy now has the chance to get their young people involved in darts matches.

A super league-style match against a Paignton academy will take place on the Saturday and if all goes well, they will endeavour to create a league. There is currently no youth league but they could bring academies together and go from there.

Not only will a match be played but the Teignbridge academy will take this as an opportunity to celebrate their 1st birthday, with everything looking up for them at the moment.

Jon told the Mid-Devon Advertiser that this upward trajectory wouldn’t be possible without a wide range of people and so he gives thanks to everyone involved.

Thanks go to The Keyberry for allowing the academy to set up shop there, to the donators: Newton Abbot’s mayor, the Taphouse team, Victoria at Finlake and the local darts committees. Thanks also to Dulux for donating paints, to Windmau and Scolia for equipment and to the children and parents for their continued patience and support.

Several youngsters, pictured, even helped paint their new space, banding together for their shared passion.