Guide
Darts for children and teenagers
From what age children can play darts, which equipment suits them and how youth training at the club works
Darts builds concentration, mental arithmetic and fine motor skills, and it takes no strength to play. This guide explains when it makes sense to start, what parents should look for in equipment and safety, and how children find their place at a club.
From what age?
With soft-tip darts and an electronic board, children can start at primary school age; the plastic tips are harmless and the machines count automatically. Steel-tip darts make sense from the age at which a child can throw reliably and with focus, usually from around ten and always under supervision. Clubs and associations set their own age groups for youth leagues; the club page or the youth officer will tell you more.
Equipment for children
- Light darts (steel-tip around 18 to 20 grams, soft-tip up to 18 grams) with larger flights for a stable flight
- Leave the board at official height: children get used to the right measurements; for small children the oche can move closer
- Wall protection and a floor mat, no carpet pile directly under the board
- For home: a soft-tip machine or a sisal board with a catch ring
Safety
Darts are not toys. Nobody stands beside or in front of the board while someone is throwing; darts are only pulled out once all three are in the board; metal tips stay in the case. At a club, children learn these rules from their very first training session.
Youth training at the club
Many darts clubs have youth groups with their own training times, youth leagues and junior tournaments run by the associations. A youth officer takes care of training, player passes and travel. On DartCloud, the club page shows whether a club offers youth training; if in doubt, just ask directly.
How your child gets started
Trial session
Child and parents attend a youth training session; the club lends out darts.
Player pass
For youth leagues the club applies for the pass, parents sign.
First tournaments
Junior tournaments run by the associations and club championships, often with age groups.
Making training age-appropriate
Children lose concentration faster than adults. Short sessions of 20 to 30 minutes with clear games (Around the Clock, Shanghai, Double rounds) keep motivation high. Results are celebrated, not judged; an eight-year-old who puts three darts in the 20 has won. Technique corrections stay limited to one thing per session.
Youth tournaments and rankings
The regional associations run youth ranking tournaments and youth championships in age groups; the PDC has its own competitions with the Development Tour from the age of 16 and the Junior World Championship. Young players can also take part in open amateur tournaments if the organiser allows it and the venue has no age restriction. On DartCloud, every tournament states whether young players are allowed to enter.
Parents do best by supporting without coaching: drive, watch, ask questions, but leave technique and tactics to the youth officer. Children who experience darts as their own thing stick with it longer than children who play it for their parents.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can children play darts?
With soft darts from primary school age, with steel darts from around ten under supervision. Youth leagues have their own age groups set by the associations.
Which darts are suitable for children?
Light darts with large flights: steel darts around 18 to 20 grams, soft darts up to 18 grams.
Are there youth leagues in darts?
Yes, the regional associations run youth leagues and junior tournaments; the club enters the teams.
How do I find a club with youth training?
Through the club search on DartCloud; the club page lists training times and youth programmes, otherwise just ask.
Find your darts club
Clubs near you with training times, contact details and open training sessions – free on DartCloud.
Darts clubs near you
The most viewed clubs – with your location the page shows clubs near you.
- TSV Westerhausen-Föckinghausen e.V. – Melle · Training: Do
- SuS Buer 1927 e.V. – Melle · Training: Fr
- SV Lok Nossen Dart – Nossen · Training: Mo, Mi, Fr
- DJK Ewaldi Aplerbeck 1930 e.V. – Dortmund · Training: Di, Mi, Fr
- DC Bermatingen-Ahausen – Bermatingen · Training: Di
- Wooden Dart Club – Bochum · Training: Mo
- TVS Die Überspitzen – Fuldatal · Training: Mi
- DC Ruhrpott Freunde – Essen · Training: Mi