Young darts finalist brings hopes for future of the sport to Bedfordshire league players
Luke Littler is the youngest ever player to have reached the World Darts Championship final, at age 16
The final of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship saw the youngest ever player to compete in the final of the competition.
Luke Littler, aged 16, faced 28-year-old Luke Humphreys at Alexandra Palace last night (January 03), which saw Humphreys take the trophy with a 7-4 win.
Despite his loss, his achievements have been applauded worldwide and enabled him to set a new record, which is bringing hopes for younger generations of players.
Leagues around the country already welcome young players in competitions, and academies are training tomorrow's world champions.
Greatest Hits Radio spoke to Steven Curtis, who runs a local darts league in Mid-Bedfordshire (Ampthill and Flitwick) and owns AS Pro Sports in Shefford.
He said: "It's always nice to have younger and newer players coming into the league, seeing them improve and younger players when they're between ten and 15 are always more keen to compete."
"Youngsters getting involved - you watch them practise and play and they are improving a lot as the years go on, which is nice to see."
In his shop, Mr Curtis sells dart boards and other sporting equipment, and has already seen an increase in the number of young people coming through the doors looking for a board.
He, himself, has even gotten his eight-year-old son involved, who he is hoping to see compete in future years.
He said: "It is important because the youngsters are the future of darts, you've got to get them involved, and when they are playing at home they can practise."
"It also helps your maths - it's a great way to learn."
In addition to the fun of playing darts, Mr Curtis spoke of the benefits of joining a club which can be a great social activity in a community atmosphere.
He said: " I've been playing for 22 years, and over the years I've made a lot of good friends."
"It's nice when you go to the bigger competitions and also for the lower level players, and the more competitive players."