BY JOSH GREEN
Blackburn Darts Academy player Nathan Care clinched his first Junior title on Saturday as he won through an experienced field to take the glory at Riley’s Chorlton.
Academy Director Keith Brunt has had the pleasure of coaching Care (pictured), seeing his rapid improvement carry him into the upper echelons of the JDC order of merit. He said: “If a player achieves a good result or gets far in a tournament it’s great to see. Seeing the juniors doing well on the JDC Tour and enjoying themselves is very rewarding, so long as they’re enjoying their darts and making new friends that’s what it’s all about.”
His excellent work in the area hasn’t gone without recognition, he was recently nominated for a Community award for grass roots clubs in the area. He told me “I’m very pleased with the nomination. I’m excited and humbled all rolled into one!”
Speaking of his experience setting up the academy, Brunt told me: “The JDC have been fantastic, Darren especially, they have been there from day one. They were great at helping out with ideas and anything else I needed help with. So being affiliated with the JDC has been a real blessing since setting up the academy.”
Keith along with help from the Junior Darts Corporation set up the academy in early 2017, with now PDC Pro Tour player Bradley Brooks attending the sessions. Brunt sited Brooks as one of the reasons for initially setting up the academy, but with up to 20 juniors attending a session, he has plenty of talent willing to learn following Brooks’ departure.
Brooks and Care are arguably the best players to come out of Lancashire in years. Keith told me: “Bradley Brooks is obviously the top star in Lancashire at the moment, but one of our members Nathan Care could give him a good game. He’s only just 15, but is an outstanding player for his age, he’s the sort of player that’s going to get better and better.”
The results speak for themselves, Care sits fifth in the JDC order of merit, a scene packed with talent from all around the UK and competitors based in the Netherlands. His sensational win on Saturday afternoon proves he has enough to go all the way in the sport, but only time will tell.
The academy runs every Saturday 2pm-4pm at the Two Gates Bowling and Social Club. If you would like more information please feel free to contact Keith at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
