Canterbury Schools Launch Competitive Darts Scene with Six Teams

The inaugural Canterbury secondary schools darts competition brought thrilling action recently, featuring six teams from four local schools. Among the participants were two teams from Shirley Boys’ High School, who ultimately triumphed over Ellesmere College in a decisive playoff match. This event not only showcased local talent but also highlighted the growing popularity of darts at the school level.

Max Walker, an 18-year-old standout from Shirley, caught the attention of spectators by scoring a perfect 180 during the tournament. Walker, who has already participated in various city tournaments with his club, Richmond, expressed his aspirations for a professional career in darts. “I’m practising every day and hopefully I can make it to the big leagues one day,” he stated confidently.

Growing Interest in Darts

The darts program at Shirley Boys’ High was initiated by social science teacher Michael Skinner. Since 2014, Skinner has been encouraging student participation through lunchtime sessions and tournaments. “I always had darts but it just wasn’t a massive number, there was probably five or six guys that were really keen every year,” he recalled. The recent surge in media coverage has sparked increased interest among students, leading to a more vibrant darts community.

Globally, darts has gained significant traction, particularly with the emergence of young talents like Luke Littler. At just 18 years old, Littler has become a leading figure in the sport, making history by reaching the world championship final at 16 and winning it at 17. His success has inspired many young players, including those in Canterbury, to pursue the sport more seriously.

Organiser Kerry Treymane, who has been involved in darts since childhood, played a crucial role in establishing the competition. “I got the kick in the backside from Littler when he burst on the scene two years ago. He was 16-years-old, and I thought, he’s 16, he’s in year 12, there must be a year 12 kid in Canterbury at school who plays darts,” Treymane remarked. He emphasized that darts can attract a diverse group of students who may not typically represent their schools in sports.

Future Aspirations and National Recognition

The future looks bright for darts in Canterbury, with ambitions extending beyond local competitions. Treymane envisions a scenario where Shirley Boys’ could compete against schools like Wesley College in Auckland for the New Zealand school dart championships. “It takes a black curtain, five strobe lights, a dartboard set up with lights around it, and someone confident on a microphone, and you can do it,” he explained, outlining the potential for a more dynamic and engaging sporting experience.

Walker aims to build on his recent success after graduating at the end of the year. He plans to participate in professional tours across New Zealand, starting with the South Islands in Oamaru early next year. “I’ll go to South Islands in Oamaru early next year, hopefully I can play well and see what happens,” he expressed, demonstrating his commitment to advancing his career in darts.

As the sport continues to grow in popularity among young players, the Canterbury secondary schools competition marks a significant step towards establishing a robust darts culture in the region. With dedicated teachers and passionate students, the landscape of school darts is poised for expansion and success.