School to set up darts centre of excellence

DARTS is a pastime people do not normally take up until they^re old enough to go into a pub but a Notts primary school is aiming to change all that.

Cotgrave Candleby Lane Primary School is looking to set up an East Midlands Centre of Excellence for darts with the hope of creating the Phil ^The Power^ Taylors of the future.

Darts enthusiast Mike Jenner approached the school with the idea for the centre, which he said would also have a number of educational benefits for any children who chose to pick up the arrows.

He said: "It follows on from the idea of academies in the south, what we^re looking at doing is increasing participation in darts and also get the kids off the streets, increase numeracy skills and team working.

"It^s not just playing a game, it^s learning maths, working in pairs and also appeals to the kids that don^t necessarily want to play rugby, cricket or football."

The darts centre is aimed at eight to 19-year-olds who will meet once a week at the school to practice and play mini tournaments.

The centre will also seek affiliation with the British Darts Organisation.

Head teacher Chris Wheatley said: "I^m really excited, combining sports with maths is great for the children and to be linked with a centre of excellence is something we want for the school.

"We^re always trying to find activities for the children to do, it^s going to help them in the classroom, especially with maths – mental maths is one of our focuses at the moment."

The darts school will start in April for a trial period until September when it will be officially launched.

The £15,000 project will be part funded by Mr Jenner and darts manufacturers Unicorn.

The school has also applied for a £3,000 Government grant under the Local Network Fund for Children and Young People.

David Broughton, of darts manufacturers Unicorn, said: "We^ve seen relative growth in interest and participation and also a reduction in the age range as well. We^re absolutely sure it^s a consequence of coverage on Sky. It^s changed the whole image of darts, their presentation is a million miles away – it^s full of life.

"Darts has always been recession proof because of its low cost – anyone can find £10 for a set of darts."

The school is seeking coaches for the centre with coaching skills and a good knowledge of darts.

To find out more about coaching or joining the centre call Mr Jenner on 07773 453 681 or email info@elitedarts.co.uk

delia.monk@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk