Eight-year-old Joshua hopes to make it big

Joshua Chapman could be a name worth remembering. The eight-year-old from Ivychurch is already making a name for himself after spending the last two years at the East Kent Darts Academy in Canterbury.

The left-handed thrower looks up to the likes of Rob Cross and Michael van Gerwen and has time on his side. Chapman has been playing since the age of six - having watched his dad Dean and uncle Darren play the sport - and is often up against fellow academy players up to the age of 21.

He recently completed a 13 dart leg, consisting of 60, 95, 130, 180 and hitting double 18 in one dart to finish.

Dad Dean said: “He is usually around 15-18 darts but 13 was something else. At times he is unbelievable, you never know what you are going to get from him.

“Some of the professionals at the academy say they wish they had his throw, he throws a very straight dart. He just needs to grow a bit - but that will come.”

Joshua throws the same distance and has the board at the same height as the professionals.

“His dream is to get into PDC and play with the big boys,” his dad added.

“I have played him and he beats me sometimes!” Joshua, who attends Brookland Primary School, has signed up for Sussex county youth academy while continuing to play in the

East Kent Darts Academy on Saturdays.

The East Kent academy are currently playing in a virtual league where players use a darts programme to register scores and use their phone to see each other’s board.

■ Anyone wishing to sponsor Joshua they can email joshuachapman1802@gmail.com

Young darts player Joshua Chapman