Oban junior darts benefitting from Luke Littler effect
The future looks bright for darts in Oban and the wider Argyll area after 20 youngsters gathered at the town’s Clarry pub for Saturday’s round robin tournament.
This impressive turnout, which organisers have put down to the "Luke Littler effect", points to Oban darts having a promising future.
The round robin tournament was open to children aged 10 to 17 years and many of the entrants brought their own darts with them, showing real enthusiasm.
The competition was fierce, too, with two ’180s’ on the day from the young players.
After a good showing from everyone, the battle came down to four, with Max Walker and Iain MacDonald going home in the semi finals despite valiant efforts.
The two finalists gave quite a showing as well with Alfie McIntyre, aged 15, and Scott McLean, 17, evenly matched.
With the score tied at two legs each, you could cut the tension in the room with a knife.
But there can only be one winner, with Alfie claiming victory.
Saturday’s success story has given organisers the confidence to go ahead with setting up a Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) affiliated academy in Oban.
Adam Brook said that at previous tournaments they would only have around five to ten entries but Luke Littler had made darts popular with the children.
Thanks to this, Oban and District Darts League is bringing back its junior division Oban and District Darts Youth Academy and talks with the JDC are progressing smoothly.
Argyll currently has no JDC affiliated academies or competitions, with players having to travel to Glasgow to compete.
Organisers hope Oban’s new league can bring the future of Argyll’s darts community to the forefront and further develop player skills.
A JDC affiliation would provide Oban with the best equipment and lessons to help youngsters develop routines and consistency.
Adam Brook continued: "We’re going ahead with the academy next week. It’s not affiliated with the JDC yet, but that’s coming soon.
"We’re trying to get children to come from all over Argyll."
The junior league will be played from 6pm till 8pm every Tuesday as well as from noon till 2pm on a Sunday. It starts on Tuesday February 18.
Another junior tournament is scheduled for March 15.
Latest News
JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Latest News
JOBS
Childcare and Education Worker - ARB15733 - Argyll and Bute Council
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.