A Blackburn darts academy has increased the number of sessions it hosts and says teenage sensation Luke Littler is behind the surge in popularity.

Students at Park Primary School in Colne have also been hit by the ‘Luke Littler effect’ and a darts club has been started at the school.

Keith Brunt, director of Blackburn Youth Darts Academy, said he has added an additional darts session on Saturdays after realising they had a waiting list of more than 60 children.

Keith said: “We already had the afternoon session on the Saturday, with 70 children, but we had a waiting list with more than 60 kids on so we decided we had to start another session earlier in the morning, which is from 11am until 1pm.

“Even with the additional classes there is still a waiting list so it hasn't cured the problem – but we want to help as many kids as possible.”

According to Keith, 18-year-old Luke, who is ranked second in the world for darts by the PDC Order of Merit, is behind the surge in popularity as parents rush to help their children become the next darts prodigy.

Keith said: “We’ve always had a waiting list and been quite popular but obviously, with Luke Littler darts seems to have become more popular.

“Some of our kids have the potential to become ‘the next Luke Littler’ and some have been playing for a while."

Keith said the club, which launched in 2017, is “getting bigger and bigger,” adding that he receives up to 10 emails a day from parents who want to get their kids involved.

He said: “The club has just got bigger and bigger. I think I have 18 volunteers on board now.

A pupil at Blackburn Youth Darts Academy (Image: Blackburn Youth Darts Academy) “Currently, I must get 10 emails a day from parents who want their child to join.

“Parents want to give their kids a try at darts, thinking they could potentially be the next Littler if they come here enough.

"Because of what Luke has done, parents have searched for academies like ours and discovered us.

“We accept kids aged six to 18, and some parents bring four to five-years-olds. We are having to turn them away as they are too young."

Keith said Luke, who won the  UK Open title in Minehead earlier this month, is a great thing for the sport.

He said: “Luke Littler is a great thing for the sport. If he gets more kids playing darts, and off their Xbox consoles, it can only be a good thing.

“Darts helps with their maths and social skills too, so it’s a great thing to get into.”

Luke Littler (Image: PA) The academy is going from strength to strength, with Bullseye the TV show even reaching out as a sponsor.

Keith said: “They approached us with the offer and said they had been watching us for a couple of years and decided to sponsor 10 events we are holding this year and then called back and said they’d sponsor even more!

“We are also planning a darts festival in October that is open to children, kids and women.”

One of the academy’s members, Joe Westby, was even meant to take on Luke at the Junior Darts Corporation’s Super 16 final, in Milton Keynes, last year. Unfortunately, Luke pulled out before the competition.

Joe’s darts career looks promising, and he has qualified for the World Darts Championships in Gibraltar this year.

The darts academy isn’t the only place in Lancashire encouraging children to take up darts.

A darts club has been set up by Mr Thompson at Park Primary School in Colne.

Mr Thompson, a passionate darts enthusiast, has established the club to provide students with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game. The club meets at lunchtime as well as after school weekly, offering a fun and supportive environment where pupils can develop their skills and share their enthusiasm for darts.

A spokesperson for the school said: “The influence of Luke Littler's success is evident as students eagerly participate in the club's activities. They are motivated by his journey and aspire to follow in his footsteps. Mr. Thompson's guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in nurturing this interest, helping students to improve their technique and build confidence.

“The new darts club has quickly become a popular addition to our free extracurricular offerings, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants. We are excited to see the positive impact it has on our students and look forward to watching their progress in the sport.

“Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for your dedication and for inspiring our pupils to aim high in their darts endeavours!”