Kildare Youth Academy

Building the Next Generation of Champions

The Kildare Youths Academy provides structured coaching for young players of all abilities. Through the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) pathway and the Kildare County Darts Organisation, we help every player develop confidence, technique and a love for the game.

Kildare Youths Academy

Building the next generation of darts players through structured coaching, the ABC Stars Programme and the Junior Darts Corporation pathway.

Join the Academy

Academy Training Nights

Junior Academy

Thursday
6:30pm – 7:15pm
  • ABC Stars Programme
  • Throwing Fundamentals
  • Fun Skills & Games
  • Confidence Building
  • Suitable for Beginners

Advanced Academy

Thursday
7:15pm – 9:00pm
  • JDC Weekly Routine
  • Scoring Practice
  • Finishing Drills
  • Match Play
  • Performance Development

EXPLORE THE ACADEMY

THE WEEKLY ROUTINES

ABC Stars

Learn the Fundamentals

What is ABC Stars?

ABC Stars is the Junior Darts Corporation's introductory programme designed to develop young players through fun, structured challenges that improve throwing technique, scoring, confidence and consistency.

🎨 Artist

Hit three different colours every visit.

  • ⭐⭐⭐ 21+
  • ⭐⭐ 10-20
  • ⭐ 0-9
  • 5 Bonus Points

🎯 Bully

9 darts at the Bull.

  • ⭐⭐⭐ 28+
  • ⭐⭐ 18-27
  • ⭐ 0-17
  • Maximum 90

💯 Call Out

Score 180 in as few darts as possible.

  • ⭐⭐⭐ 0-9 darts
  • ⭐⭐ 10-15 darts
  • ⭐ 16+ darts

JDC Challenge

Official Weekly Performance Routine

What is the JDC Challenge?

The JDC Challenge is the official Junior Darts Corporation scoring programme used by academies worldwide. It develops scoring, finishing, doubling and consistency through a structured weekly practice routine that allows players to monitor their progress over time.

🎯 Shanghai 10–15

Three darts at each number from 10 to 15.

  • Three darts on every number
  • Singles, Doubles & Trebles all score
  • Shanghai Bonus = 100 Points

🎯 Doubles 1–20 + Bull

One dart at each double from 1–20 and Bull.

  • 50 Points for every Double
  • Bull Bonus = 50 Points
  • Accuracy under pressure

🎯 Shanghai 15–20

Three darts at each number from 15 to 20.

  • Three darts on every number
  • Shanghai Bonus = 100 Points
  • Finish with maximum scoring

Academy Equipment

The specialist equipment used throughout the Kildare Youth Academy to help every player progress from beginner to competition standard.

Green Zone Board

Green Zone Board

Beginner Friendly

Designed to build confidence by allowing developing players to finish using the Green Zone before progressing to traditional doubles.

Equalizer Board

JDC Equalizer

Progressive Training

The official JDC training board featuring larger scoring areas to improve confidence, consistency and accuracy.

Blade 6

Winmau Blade 6

Competition Ready

The official competition dartboard used to prepare academy players for league and county competition.

Meet Our Coaching Team

Our experienced coaching team are passionate about helping every player develop their skills in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.

👤

David O'Sullivan

Head Coach

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David O'Sullivan

Head Coach

Leads the Kildare Youth Academy coaching programme and oversees player development.

👤

Joe McDonagh

Senior Coach

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Joe McDonagh

Senior Coach

Supports player development and assists with weekly academy coaching sessions.

👤

Jonny Meenahan

Coach

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Jonny Meenahan

Coach

Works with academy players to develop technique, confidence and match play.

👤

Janet Meenahan

Coach

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Janet Meenahan

Coach

Provides coaching support and helps young players build confidence and enjoyment.

👤

Pauline Butler

Coach

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Pauline Butler

Coach

Supports academy sessions while encouraging fun, learning and progression.

👤

Paul Butler

Coach

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Paul Butler

Coach

Works with players of all abilities, helping prepare them for competition.

MEET OUR COACHES 

Principal Sponsors

The Kildare Youth Academy is proudly supported by our Principal Sponsors whose continued investment helps provide coaching, equipment, competitions and opportunities for young players throughout County Kildare. Their commitment plays a vital role in developing the next generation of darts talent.

In Partnership With

Kildare Youth Academy is proud to work alongside organisations and businesses that support the development of youth darts across County Kildare.