UK Darts Issue 9 - December 2013 | Page 25

rooper the last 64 of the Po t t e r i e s Open I was so proud of myself although all my dad said was, “Can I have my tenner back!” I played my first home youth county game on stage for Staffordshire after completing a season and half as reserve. Pat Smith gave me chance and I won 2-0 couldn’t of been prouder to play for my county. Then I was asked by my team mates if I would like to join a pub league on a Friday and a Tuesday; I was very nervous. Second season came along in the Burslem Darts League under some local and good friends, I picked up the most money I’d ever dreamed of at this point by picking up most 180’s, reaching semi-finals of the merits, and winning various cups in the league. After entering various tournaments around the country I decided I wanted more of this! That’s when the PDC introduced the first ever Youth World Championships at Rileys clubs around the country. So I sneaked my name down on the entry list without noticing that I had my qualifying match on the 16 October 2010 which was my mum’s 40th birthday. My mum wasn’t to happy after spending most of the day at Rileys, but I had qualified for the Youth World Championships which were to be held at the Barnsley Metrodome on the 4th November 2010. I lost in the last 64 against Michael Smith 4-0 with Michael narrowly missing D12 for a 144 checkout for a 9 darter! That was a reality check for myself that I needed to up my game! After this the PDC introduced The