The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) have extended their partnership, committing to continued investment in the development of young darts players worldwide. The renewed agreement, announced on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, further solidifies a structured route for youth players aiming to reach the sport's elite level. The JDC has served as the PDC's official youth partner for over a decade, during which youth darts has seen tremendous growth, moving from reliance on local leagues to offering a clear international pathway.
The collaboration encompasses both sporting and educational fronts. On the sporting side, JDC tournaments, including finals, have been played on major PDC event stages, a tradition set to continue. The JDC operates an open system, allowing children worldwide to compete, and runs an extensive competition structure featuring the Advanced Tour for 64 players, the Foundation Tour, the Girls Series, the JPL, and knockout tournaments like the JDC Volts, Super 16, European Open, and World Cup. Educationally, the JDC Education Team supports the PDC's Bullseye Maths numeracy program, which uses darts to boost children's math skills.
JDC CEO Darren Barson emphasized the depth of the partnership, stating, "We are delighted that the PDC are continuing to support the JDC in so many areas." He highlighted the day-to-day collaboration in community projects, media, regulation, and player inclusion in PDC events. PDC CEO Matt Porter noted that the agreement aligns with the PDC's global affiliate tours strategy, praising the JDC's academy network as a key driver for growth. "The JDC are at the forefront of this through their ever-growing Academy network, providing a structured and safe playing environment," Porter said, describing it as a positive development for the sport.
The pathway has already produced notable successes. Recent youth champions include Mitchell Lawrie, winner of the Junior World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace in London, and Kaya Baysal, who claimed the Winmau Junior World Masters title at Arena MK in Milton Keynes. Former JDC players like Luke Littler, Keane Barry, Rusty-Jake Rodriguez, and Jurjen van der Velde have progressed to the PDC professional circuit. The system also allows JDC players to qualify for events like the Winmau World Youth Championship and Winmau World Masters, with players aged sixteen and older encouraged to transition to the Development Tour.
