The BDC Darts Academy, based in Kilkeel, received massive news on Saturday when it received official JDC (Junior Darts Corporation) status. Affiliation to the JDC allows the academy’s teenage players access to the world darts stage, providing opportunities to take part in qualifying events for competitions such as the PDC World Youth Championship, recently won by both of Saturday’s World Darts Championship finalists, 18-year-old Luke Littler and 23-year-old Gian van Veen.
It also provides members with the chance to represent Northern Ireland at the JDC World Youth Cup, with two places guaranteed for the BDC’s highest ranked players at the Winmau World Youth Masters competition, which will be held in England early next year.
Kilkeel native Andrew Bridges, who set the academy up in May 2025, explained the significance of receiving JDC affiliation. “It’s huge for us, it takes us from just being a wee club in Kilkeel to now potentially playing on the world stage. We’re guaranteed that at least two of our boys will be representing Northern Ireland at the Winmau World Youth Masters next year. The likes of Luke Littler have played in and won that tournament.
“So to have two of our guys from Kilkeel playing in the same tournament that players like Littler played in, it’s fantastic from where we started at back in May. There’s lots of opportunities there for our players if they’re able to hit the high scores and get themselves ranked at the top of the JDC rankings.”
Andrew’s academy has 25 members, ranging from nine to 14 years of age. Training takes place at the Bracken Centre on the Ballinran Road every Tuesday night, from 6pm to 7pm. If you would like to join the BDC Darts Academy, get in touch via the group’s Facebook page, or you can contact Andrew directly on 07864684813.
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