ABOUT PENDLE YOUTH DARTS ACADEMY

Pendle Youth Darts Academy is a non-profitable organisation launched in October 2024 by the founders Gary Hooper and Mark Edwards along with the support of our amazing coaches, volunteers and sponsors.

The academy aims to promote the Sport of Darts to children and young people who are the future of the sport. The academy enrol both boys and girls from the ages of 8 to 17 years old. We have a three tier training system based around their experience - the training categories are Novices, Intermediates and Elites. We also hold weekly coaching sessions and have various competitions throughout the year.

We currently have 35 students on our books with a waiting list of over 20 due to the ever-growing interest in the sport. All funds collected go back into the academy by paying for equipment, competitions, trophies, trips and general running costs.

WHERE AND WHEN

Venue - David Street Club, Barrowford, Lancashire, BB9 6HL

When - Saturday Mornings - 10:30am - 1:00pm

Who - Ages 8 to 17 years old for both boys and girls

Cost - £6 per session

We are fully insured with public liability insurance, and all coaches and volunteers are DBS checked.

MEET THE TEAM

Mark Edwards

Head Coach & Co-Founder

Mark is one of our head coaches and co-founder. Whilst Mark has a number of years of darting experience, he also brings his organisational skills to the academy and takes on the key administrative tasks within the academy.

Gary Hooper

Head Coach & Co-Founder

Gary is one of our head coaches and co-founder, and the man who had the idea for the academy. Gary has a wealth of darting background experience including a number of years on the circuit as a professional, as well as playing at County Level. Gary is one of a number of coaches in the UK that are PDPA qualified. Gary focusses on 1:1 sessions with the students whilst supporting the other coaches as required.

Gaz Lowe

Coach - Intermediates

Gaz has been with the academy from the outset alongside his son Lucas. Gaz has only been playing a few years in local league darts but is now an accomplished darter and he continues to support our Intermediate darters.

Adrian Lingard

Coach - Elites

Adi has been with the academy from the outset along with both of his boys Kai and Lincoln. Adi is a very experienced and talented player and has won a number of local competitions whilst also competing in ADC events. Adi along with Wayne looks after the Elite section within the academy.

Wayne Ellison

Coach - Elites

Wayne joined the academy a few months ago with his son Arthur attending the academy. Whilst Wayne doesn't have a significant darts background, he has been a great addition to the academy with his leadership skills and has supported the Elite section within the academy.

Ian Watson

Coach - Intermediates

Ian has been with the academy from the start, he is a local league darts player with over 40 years' experience. Ian has been an integral part of the Intermediate section of the academy.

Trish Jakes Conboy

Coach - Novices

Trish has been with the academy from the start, again a local league player with a wealth of experience. Trish has helped grow and nurture the Novices in her time with the academy.

Jordan Peverley

Coach - Intermediates

Jordan is another coach who has been with the academy from the start along with his son Seth. Jordan, whilst not having years of darting experience, is an integral member of the academy and he continues to help and support the Intermediate section within the academy.

Katie Knowles

Coach - Novices

Katie, as well as being with the academy from the outset, is also stewardess at David St Club, our host venue. Katie has a wealth of darting experience and works with Trish looking after and developing the Novices.

Craig Carpendale

Assistant Coach

Craig joined the coaching team a few months after the academy started with his son Freddie having been with the academy from the start. Craig, whilst again not having a vast amount of playing background, always supports where needed.

Paul Brown

Coach - Novices

Paul is another parent who joined the academy a few months ago with his son Harry playing here in the Novices. Paul along with Trish and Katie help support and develop our Novice players.

Adam Parker

Coach - Intermediates

Adam is one of our most recent additions to the coaching team, with both his sons Alfie and Bailey playing at the academy. Adam is a very experienced local league darter who is helping support our Intermediate darters on their journey.

Michael Hardy

Assistant Coach

Michael, similar to Adam, is one of our newest additions to the coaching team, again with his son Elijah playing at the academy. Michael plays local league darts so brings this experience to the academy to help support the students on their journey.

John Hargadon

Welfare Officer

John is our Welfare Officer and has been with the academy from the start. John has helped ensure all the relevant welfare and safeguarding checks are in place so we can operate a safe and welcoming academy.