Wolverhampton youngsters take to the oche to learn about darts and maths

The schoolchildren from Woden Primary School in Park Village in Wolverhampton were able to learn how to play darts, take part in a number of challenges and also meet some of the top players in the world as part of the Professional Darts Corporation’s award-winning Bullseye Maths programme.

The youngsters learned about the technique and skill of the game at WV Active Aldersley on Wednesday from World Matchplay Champion Mike de Decker and European Championship finalist Jermaine Wattimena, who are both participating in the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts at the venue.

Bullseye Maths was introduced in 2022 after studies found that numeracy levels amongst children had been affected during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alongside an online Bullseye Maths portal on the PDC website, popular in-school sessions have been developed and run by staff from Nottingham College’s Room 180 Academy to encourage maths learning through a combination of numeracy exercises and darts-based games.

PDC Head of Media Dave Allen said the initiative was a great way to get kids interested in darts, while also helping them to develop more of an interest in maths.

He said: "We introduced Bullseye Darts about two-and-a-half years ago as a numeracy scheme where we could help primary school age children to engage with maths and encourage numeracy by using the simple maths around darts, so it's something we've been running with professional players, with them making guest appearances.

"When we come to Wolverhampton, it's good to have some of the local schools involved, bring them down to learn a bit about maths, but also have some fun playing darts.

"All the players have been really supportive of helping to grow this, because it could help to encourage the next generation of players, but also just help children to engage in a subject they might find difficult at school."

The two professional players posed for photos with the youngsters and also helped them with learning how to hold and throw a dart, as well as demonstrating how to hit the bullseye on the board.

Both Jermaine and Mike said they hoped they could inspire the kids to keep playing darts and said they had enjoyed being there.

Mike said: "It's nice to see kids being interested in darts and, hopefully, some talents come out of this as it's a fun thing to do.

"I hope we can inspire them as that's why we're here today and I hope that they love the game and will continue playing."

Jermaine said: "I think this initiative is great and I hope the kids have really enjoyed being here today.

"I hope they can learn a lot about maths and also learn how the sport works and I'd have loved to have this as a kid as there wasn't anything like it when I was young."

The youngsters also had the chance to walk onto the stage at Aldersley and look out over the 1,800 seats that would be filled that evening and throughout the tournament to the final on Sunday.

Among those taking in the session was Matchroom boxer Conah Walker from Wolverhampton, who is on the undercard of Edwards vs Yafai on November 30 in Birmingham.

The 29-year-old was a guest of the PDC, who are partners with Matchroom, and said he has been enjoying the session and learning more about a sport he said he enjoyed watching.

He said: "I'm here for the kids as I love to give back and I love the idea of this event as it can inspire people and if I can inspire them, then I will.

"It's brilliant because if maths is something they're interested in, then they can learn in a different way and watch some of the top lads in action and see what it takes to get to that level.

"I like a game of darts to be fair, so it's great to be here and great to be involved."