Target Darts have wasted no time making headlines on the grassroots front, unveiling not only the signing of another bright young prospect but also the addition of a thriving junior academy to their growing network.
Fresh from securing the signatures of Caprice Hingston and Harry Childs, Target have now welcomed Macy Gibbons into their Elite 1 programme. At just 15, the Nuneaton thrower has already shown the kind of drive and talent that suggests she’ll be more than comfortable under the bright lights in years to come.
Having only taken up darts in 2023, Gibbons has racked up achievements that many players twice her age would be proud of. Representing England at the Nations Cup – where the team emerged victorious – she also partnered Lucy Shepherd to clinch the pairs title, before lifting the England Grand Prix on debut. A run to the Ladies Open final at the British Open further underlined her fast rise through the ranks.
With a strict training regime – hours spent drilling doubles and competitive games on the OMNI – Gibbons has made rapid progress. Her ambitions for 2025 include the Girls World Masters in Budapest and a climb into the top ten of the Girls’ World Rankings. Inspired by Luke Littler’s fearless approach, she looks set to carve her own path with the same fearless edge.
While Gibbons’ story provides plenty of excitement for the future, Target have also strengthened their ties to the grassroots game by bringing the Coventry Junior Darts Academy into the fold.
Founded in 2021 and led by Sean Casey-Poole, the academy has already built an impressive reputation, welcoming up to 50 players aged six to eighteen every Tuesday evening. It’s not just about throwing arrows either – youngsters are coached on maths, technique, board management and equipment knowledge, creating a rounded environment that produces both players and people.
The academy’s track record speaks for itself. Alumni include Jenson Walker – winner of the WDF Italian Open – as well as England internationals Hannah Meek (pictured), Ben Gamble, Lucy Shepherd and of course, Macy Gibbons. A standout weekend earlier this month saw Shepherd lift both the National Girls Cup Singles and Doubles titles, the latter alongside Gibbons.
For Casey-Poole, the Target partnership is both a milestone and a springboard.
“I am delighted for Coventry Junior Darts Academy to be working with Target. With my new role as Global Academy Lead for Target, this partnership goes hand in hand. It’s a proud moment for the academy and an exciting opportunity for all our members.”
By backing promising talents like Gibbons and investing in junior hubs like Coventry, Target Darts continue to underline their commitment to the stars of tomorrow. For the next wave of darting hopefuls, the message is clear: the pathway is there, and the opportunities are growing.
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Images: Target
