Blackburn teens to represent England at darts world championships

Archie Macleod, 17, and Samuel Anderson, 16, have made their families and everyone at the academy proud after qualifying to compete in the event earlier this year.

This is the first time the two Lancashire lads have competed in the JDC World Championships which are being held between November 21 and November 25.

Archie, who lives in Preston, only started playing darts just over a year ago and has achieved an incredible milestone by being asked to represent England on the B team, and after winning in the World Team Event on Tuesday (November 22), his team have made it to the finals.

Archie (far left) on England Team B (Image: Blackburn Youth Darts Academy)

His dad Bruce said: “As a parent, I’m so proud of him.

"For a kid that only started playing in lockdown in his bedroom to now qualifying for the world championship and playing for England, it’s fantastic.

“We’re overwhelmed by it all, it’s been a whirlwind, but we couldn’t be happier. It’s his first time travelling to Gibraltar so he’s getting all these new experiences. He is loving it.

“I also want to say a massive thanks to Keith Brunt as well because he’s absolutely fantastic as a coach and puts in so much work for his students.”

Archie, who attends Cardinal Newman College in Preston, is joined by his fellow classmate at the Academy - Samuel.

The 16-year-old from Bolton has been playing darts since he was seven and was too small to even reach the dart board.

Samuel (right) with his younger brother Owen (left) (Image: Adele Fletcher)

The darts would be on every single Christmas in Samuel’s household and professional darts player Matt Clark is even a relative within the family, so the rising star has always been surrounded by the sport.

In addition to playing at Blackburn Youth Darts Academy, Samuel practises with his dad Sean Anderson on a weekly basis as well as playing in the Astley Bridge Darts League where he was won the Young Newcomers Award.

His mum Adele Fletcher said: “We are absolutely over the moon. All the work he’s put in over the years has paid off and we couldn’t be prouder.

"Whatever the result, just getting to Gibraltar is a huge achievement.

"We’re just so proud of him and his younger brother Owen looks up to him so much.

"They both play darts and Samuel’s his inspiration, and he just wants him to do really well.”

Both of the boys competed in the MVG Masters tournament yesterday (Thursday, November 24) and are both gearing up to compete in the World Finals today (November 25).

Keith Brunt, director of Blackburn Youth Darts Academy, shared how proud he was of his students.

He said: “We are immensely proud of you both, not only for your achievements and progress at the academy and in darts, but also with your overall attitude.

“You’re two lovely lads who will always have the Academy's support.”