Darts is enjoying a resurgence among young people in Northern Ireland, fueled by the remarkable performance of 16-year-old Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship. Luke’s extraordinary journey to the final left competitors and fans captivated, as he defeated some of the world’s most experienced players.
Luke’s achievements have inspired a group of young darts players in County Antrim who aspire to follow in his footsteps. Among them is Jacob Todd, a promising youth darts player in Northern Ireland. Despite being two years younger than Luke, Jacob has already caught the attention of the darts community.
Reflecting on a recent match against Luke at the Junior Darts Corporation World Cup team event in Gibraltar, Jacob described his opponent as a machine on the dartboard. While Jacob couldn’t clinch a victory against the rising star, he expressed his desire to play with the best and acknowledged Luke’s exceptional talent.
Luke Littler narrowly missed out on glory in the world championship, falling to a 7-4 set defeat against Luke Humphries. However, his performance has left a lasting impact on young players like Jacob, who continue to aspire to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
In a converted darts room in Jacob’s family home, he is surrounded by a group of friends who are also part of the Junior Darts Corporation academy in nearby Carrickfergus. The camaraderie among these young players is palpable, and they all share a deep passion for darts.
Adam Black, aged 17, explained the unique appeal of darts: When you’re playing well, there’s no feeling like it. It’s not like any other sport. It’s very individual, and when you’re playing well, it’s just so enjoyable. Alexander Hughes, aged 14, added, The best part is probably taking a ton-plus checkout against your mate or beating one of the best players in Northern Ireland.
As these young players pursue their dreams, they find inspiration in their newfound darts heroes. Jacob’s father, Aaron Todd, noted the impact of players like Luke Littler, Josh Rock, and Peter Wright, who have become idols for the younger generation. He emphasizes the positive influence these role models can have on aspiring players.
Speaking about his future ambitions, Jacob Todd, currently a student at Cambridge House Grammar School in Ballymena, expressed his desire to reach the top of the world stage. He dreams of competing in the big TV tournaments and facing off against the best players in the world. Jacob’s passion and determination are evident as he vows to go far in the sport he has fallen in love with.
As darts undergoes a revival among young people in Northern Ireland, the aspirations of Jacob Todd and his peers reflect the growing interest and talent in the game. With Luke Littler paving the way for a new generation of players, the future of darts in the region looks bright, with these young players inspired to aim for glory themselves.
