A new youth darts club in Llandudno is going from strength to strength, providing teenagers with a welcoming place to meet, learn new skills and enjoy a growing sport in a supportive community setting.

Welly’s Darts Club, based at Ty Llywelyn next to Llandudno Hospital, launched in September 2025 and has quickly become a popular fixture for young people across the area.

Located in the Tre Cwm neighbourhood, one of the most deprived communities in Wales, the club offers more than just a game of darts – it provides friendship, structure and a warm space to go three evenings a week.

In just four months, the club has expanded its sessions to Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, now attracting up to 30 young people each night. Around 100 teenagers have signed up in total, many inspired by the rise of darts stars such as Luke Littler and keen to become Llandudno’s own future champions.

The club is run by Youth Officer Andy Sturdy, his wife Wendy, and a team of eight volunteers, including local councillor Angie O’Grady. Young people pay £1 per session, helping to fund monthly Saturday tournaments, prizes, and free food and drink provided to those attending.

Players are welcomed at the door by volunteer Natalie, while a popular tuck shop is run by local resident Daisy, giving young people the chance to buy extra treats if they wish.

Although many of those attending live nearby, the club is open to all young people, with some travelling from Old Colwyn, Colwyn Heights and Llandudno Junction due to the lack of similar opportunities elsewhere.

The club received a visit in January from Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and local PCSO Pam Hayers, who met organisers and young players and heard how the sessions are helping reduce boredom and provide positive alternatives to hanging around on the streets.

The PCC praised the atmosphere and enthusiasm among the teenagers, noting the club’s role in supporting young people through the winter months.

One of the club’s standout players, Alfie, who has already won two of the three tournaments held so far, said the club had helped him develop as a player while meeting others.

“It’s a great atmosphere at Welly’s Darts Club,” he said. “It’s great to play with new people and to see them develop as players.”

Finn added that the monthly competitions help everyone improve regardless of results.

“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose,” he said. “It just helps you get better at darts and you get the chance to win medals.”

Other young people spoke about the wider benefits of attending, including improved confidence, teamwork and even maths skills.

Shay said the club had helped him meet new people and stay busy in a positive way.

“It keeps us off the streets and not hanging around,” he said. “It’s helped my maths and I enjoy working together with the others.”

Macauley agreed, adding: “The staff are really friendly and it really helps with teamwork. Playing darts is really improving my maths in school.”

Andy Sturdy said he has been delighted with the club’s early success and hopes to build on it further.

“We’d love for more professional and experienced darts players to come along and give a demonstration,” he said. “We’d also welcome sponsorship for tournaments or support when our dartboards need replacing. The young people really benefit from coming along.”

PCC Andy Dunbobbin said the club was an example of the kind of local activity that can make a real difference.

“The young people were impeccable and it was a joy to see them playing a game they clearly love,” he said. “These activities are vital for giving young people something to do on a cold winter’s evening, keeping them off the streets and out of potential trouble. I definitely saw a few budding Luke Littlers on my visit.”