Raymond van Barneveld may be a five-time world champion, but the Dutchman is already planning for a future beyond the oche — and it could involve a darts school of his own. The 58-year-old, who has been one of the most recognisable faces in darts for years, currently runs Barney's Darts Clinic, where he passes on his knowledge to participants in a relaxed setting. According to Van Barneveld, that initiative could evolve into a dedicated darts school.
"I've always had the dream of opening a sort of darts school. Why not? I'm living in England at the moment, of course, but I can always travel back and forth," Van Barneveld told Sportnieuws.nl. During one of his clinics, he mainly worked with novice players and was careful not to draw big conclusions about the talent on show. "These are all lads who are just starting out and simply enjoying it. Or they received this as a gift to attend my clinic. I can't really say there's a lot of talent yet. But you also can't say after one two-hour session that you're a complete darts player," he said.
For Van Barneveld, the clinics are not solely about performance — it's the laid-back atmosphere that appeals to him. "I just enjoy doing it. It's relaxed. Two hours always fly by. Unfortunately, I can't do it too often because of the busy schedule, but maybe there will be more time for it in the future." The feedback from participants also pleases him. "I've actually never heard a single grumble. People find it fun and relaxed. They get to know me in a different way. Not fully focused on darts, but with a joke and a laugh in between. It's always nice to fill those two hours like this."
At the same time, Van Barneveld notices that teaching comes naturally to him, though he avoids forcing his own preferences on participants. "I like giving people something to take away and teaching them. That's in me. In the end, I can give tips, but you're the driver of your own bus. So you decide. I can say: you have to hit this treble or that double. But if you prefer other doubles and trebles, then you should make that call yourself." One element covered during the clinic was drilling the numbers 20 down to 15, which Van Barneveld considers key segments in the 501 format. Participants were sent home with clear homework: "Go and work on this at home. Twenty down to fifteen are the most important trebles and numbers in the 501 game."
Van Barneveld then played a leg of 501 against those present — and even suffered a defeat. "I lost the very first leg of the day. You're constantly talking and explaining the game, of course. That costs energy and focus." There's no question of giving gifts, though. "I don't do anything on purpose. I go for every leg. Whether you're six years old or 36, I always try to win. But in this setting I do sometimes lose a leg. That can happen and it's no problem. There are no consequences."
In the longer term, Van Barneveld sees a bigger role for himself in developing players. The current venue accommodates around fifteen to twenty participants, and should the initiative grow, he would have to move to a larger location. He is also looking explicitly at youth. "Ideally with as many dartboards as possible and youth competitions. There's nothing at all for youngsters. So that's something we should look at in the future."
