The Target Junior Darts Series aims to find the next generation of talent as the sport continues to grow
Target Darts is launching a brand-new national competition designed to discover and elevate the next generation of youth players.
Launching in March 2026, the Target Junior Darts Series (JDS) will provide ambitious young players the platform, structure and competitive environment they need to follow in the footsteps of stars such as two-time PDC World Champion Luke Littler.
Open to players aged seven to 18, the JDS will travel across the UK, featuring five elite events hosted by leading junior academies, each with a prize fund of £750. The highest-ranked players will then advance to finals day, competing for a top prize of £1500.
The launch of the JDS follows a standout year for Target’s youth initiatives. In 2025, the company more than doubled its Target Darts Academy network, expanding from 25 to 60 academies nationwide, providing them with free equipment and support to help them grow within their areas and offer more opportunities to young people.
Lorraine Winstanley, Head of Youth Development at Target and former women’s world number one, said: “The Junior Darts Series is a milestone moment for youth darts in the UK. We now have a competition that not only raises standards but gives every young player the chance to shine and experience the excitement of playing in a nationally recognised event.
“Target has always been committed to grassroots and youth development around the country, and the more young people we’re able to support, the stronger the future of the sport becomes,” she added. “We can’t wait to see which future champions emerge from this year’s series.”
Target also signed 10 new players to its Elite 1 Programme, a high-performance, selective development initiative that prepares players with exceptional ability for the demands of elite darts, with a long-term objective of progression towards professional tours and tour card status.
For more information on the Target Junior Darts Series visit: www.target-darts.co.uk/junior-darts-series
Image courtesy: TipTopPics
