Ahead of the 2020 calendar launch of JDC activity next year, JDC Chairman Steve Brown sets the scene for what is to come.
Steve Brown Comments,
"2019 has been a landmark year for the JDC in many ways. One of the huge success stories is the amount of people who wish to get involved in grassroots darts and help set up clubs and academies for the benefit of the children.
This year we have seen the growth of academies in other parts of the world including New Zealand, China and Gibraltar. Fanatastic to see academies growing around the world.
Speaking of Gibraltar the JDC held its first major tournaments on International soil in Gibraltar this year. An amazing 3 days of action which gave us one of the matches of the year in the final of the International Open. In 2019 the Scott Farms tour had developed to 10 events and we delivered double header events for the first time. We introduced an old friend in the Rileys Super16 and revitalised the tournament last played out in 2014. We still have the Super 16 playoffs and the World Final at Ally Pally next month to sign off an amazing year for Junior Darts".
"Ok, onto 2020".
"We will be adding further to the JDC main tour. Next year there will be 12 qualifying events, up 2 again on last year.
We will be putting up a huge prize fund of over £7,000 which will equate to a payout of £600 per event. Double last years rewards. Payment will be paid down to the quarter finalist for the first time next year.
We will continue to find Team England A from the top 4 players of English nationality, with the addition this year that Welsh players will be able to qualify through the JDC Tour Order of Merit for Team Wales A.
PDPA Scholarships continue and the academy oom system will also provide qualifiers as previous years".
"The Rileys Super 16 event will evolve into more tournaments and looking to other countries for qualifiers. 16 super players from the tour and 16 super players from the JDC academy system will battle it out for the ultimate Super 16 champ in 2020.
So more places available and a significant increase of prize money for this event next year too".
"We have a new Tournament for 2020 - The MVG Modus Darts Masters.
Multiple qualifying days in the UK and Holland to find the best of these top darting nations has to offer. A significant prize fund and huge commercial advantage for any young aspiring dart player to compete in. I know for a fact Michael is excited about this tournament next year".
"2020 is going to be really exciting with all the competitions, academies, accreditations, education and more. I cannot thank our partners and sponsors enough to enable us to give the youngsters a great platform to play the sport I love".
"I really hope you enjoy 2020".
Steve