Phil Taylor is set to help develop the next generation of darts players. The 16-time world champion has been named ambassador of a new darts academy in Wales, where young talents will have the chance to hone their skills. The 66-year-old Englishman will visit regularly to pass on his knowledge and experience.
Taylor retired from professional darts in 2018 after an impressive 31-year career and is regarded as one of the most successful players of all time. With 16 world titles and 87 major titles to his name, “The Power” has built an outstanding record. He now hopes to use that experience to guide young players as they take their first steps in the sport.
The former top player has teamed up with Ace of Sports, the company owned by former footballer John Jones. The business is working to open a new darts academy at Bromfield Industrial Estate in Mold, North Wales. The facility is expected to be ready before Christmas.
Taylor and Jones’s partnership grew out of a friendship that has lasted for years. The pair met in Blackpool several years ago and have stayed in close contact ever since. “I met John in Blackpool a few years ago and we just became very good friends,” Taylor told The Leader. “He’s a lovely fella, whose heart is in the right place and I like his enthusiasm and his business sense. I’m involved because I know he will do things right."
Taylor says the darts world has changed enormously over the past few decades. The age at which children start playing darts has changed in particular. "Players started when I played, maybe from their 20s into their 70s, but now you’re getting kids playing at four to eight years old, it’s changed 100 per cent now."
“It’s brilliant. Children struggle to go out at night now, it’s not as safe as it used to be when I was a kid. So they can come here, their parents can come here, there’s a little gym the parents can use. They can meet people, make new friends, enjoy it and learn how to play darts. And if they’re good, they can go out there and earn a really, really, really good living in the future."
Taylor’s role will involve more than simply lending the academy his name. The 16-time world champion plans to visit regularly to watch the young players and offer advice. “There will be coaches here showing them how to play, giving them little tips on how to practice. I’ll be coming here regularly to have a little chat and watch them play.”
The plans also extend beyond the new venue in Mold. Taylor says the aim is to open several academies in the future, giving even more young players the chance to develop. “And it won’t be the only Phil Taylor academy. We’re going to open a few more, so it’s a really good thing for the future.”
