Phil Taylor Takes On New Ambassador Role for Youth Darts Academy
Darts legend Phil Taylor has been named ambassador for an exciting new academy aspiring to build the sport's next big stars. Taylor, 66, enjoyed a scintillating 31-year career as he won an incredible 87 major titles before retiring in 2018. The sporting icon is now looking to pay it forward by teaming up with former footballer John Jones and his business, Ace of Sports.
Jones operates an expanding business that is set to open a brand new darts academy. The facility is expected to be completed ahead of Christmas, with the 16-time world champion playing a major role in its establishment and operation. The partnership brings together elite professional experience and business entrepreneurship to foster young talent in a dedicated environment.
Where the New Darts Academy Is Located
The new training facility will be situated at the Bromfield Industrial Estate in the businessman's hometown of Mold, North Wales. This location was chosen to serve the local community and provide young aspiring athletes with professional-grade infrastructure close to home. Industrial estates often offer the large, open floor plans necessary to accommodate multiple oches, seating areas, and complementary fitness amenities.
North Wales has produced various sporting talents over the years, but dedicated professional darts infrastructure of this scale remains a unique addition to the region. The choice of Mold brings high-level sports coaching directly to a community setting, making professional guidance more accessible to families living outside major English metropolitan hubs. The facility aims to welcome children and parents alike into a safe, structured environment.
How Phil Taylor and John Jones Partnered Up
The collaboration stems from a personal connection forged several years ago. Taylor explained his relationship with the founder during a recent interview with local media. Taylor told The Leader, I met John in Blackpool a few years ago and we just became very good friends.
Taylor expressed strong confidence in his business partner, praising both his character and professional drive. He is a lovely fella, whose heart is in the right place and I like his enthusiasm and his business sense, Taylor said. I am involved because I know he will do things right.
The Evolution of Youth Darts and Modern Training
The sport of darts has undergone a massive demographic shift over the past few decades. Taylor noted how the entry age for players has dramatically decreased since his early days on the professional circuit. Players started when I played, maybe from their 20s into their 70s, but now you are getting kids playing at four to eight years old, it has changed 100 per cent now, Taylor stated.
This generational change means modern youngsters can develop elite hand-eye coordination at a much earlier age. It is brilliant, Taylor continued. Children struggle to go out at night now, it is not as safe as it used to be when I was a kid. The academy provides a secure indoor space where young people can practice safely.
Facilities and Opportunities for Families
The Mold academy is designed to cater not just to children, but to entire families who accompany them. So they can come here, their parents can come here, there is a little gym the parents can use, Taylor explained regarding the layout. They can meet people, make new friends, enjoy it and learn how to play darts.
Beyond recreation, the initiative provides a clear pathway to professional success in modern sports. And if they are good, they can go out there and earn a really, really, really good living in the future, Taylor noted. Professional darts now offers substantial prize money on televised global circuits, making early coaching a valuable asset for talented youths.
Coaching Infrastructure and Future Expansion Plans
Structured guidance forms the core of the new academy model. There will be coaches here showing them how to play, giving them little tips on how to practice, Taylor said. He also confirmed his personal commitment to the project, adding, I will be coming here regularly to have a little chat and watch them play.
The ambition does not stop with a single location in North Wales. And it will not be the only Phil Taylor academy, the 16-time world champion revealed. We are going to open a few more, so it is a really good thing for the future.
Phil Taylor Prepares for a One-Off Return to Competition
While focusing on youth development, Taylor is also preparing for a brief return to competitive action. Taylor will be coming out of retirement for a one-off tournament between November 23-28 to team up with Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs tournament in Portsmouth.
This special appearance allows fans of the sport to see one of history's greatest players step back onto the competitive stage alongside his former protege. Lewis and Taylor share a storied history in professional darts, making their pairing in Portsmouth a major highlight for followers of the sport worldwide.
