A NORTH-EAST recycling firm has renewed its commitment to a darts team which once boasted a member who has gone on to climb to the top of the sport.

Scott Bros has announced its continued sponsorship of Cleveland Youth Darts and its support for the creation of an accredited youth darts academy on Teesside.

The family-run business currently sponsors the team £200 per season while director Peter Scott makes Thornaby Sports and Social Club available free of charge for all home matches.

It is also backing the team’s coaches Marie Bulmer Dobson and her husband, former darts professional Kenny Dobson, as they seek accreditation from the Junior Darts Corporation later this month to run an under-18s academy from the club.

As well as agreeing to fund the accreditation fees, Scott Bros also sponsors potential future England international Lewis Coates, 15, as well as 14-year-old Mia Simmonds, £200 each.

Lewis recently reached the semi-finals at three separate grand prix events, including the England Youth Grand Prix.

The Northern Echo:

The business also donates £1,000 per season to the senior Cleveland County Darts team, plus up to £4,500 to cover home matches.

Currently top of the North Eastern Division, Cleveland Youth Darts, is made up of 32 youngsters, aged seven to 21, from Thornaby, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Hartlepool, Darlington and Catterick.

One former distinguished member of the team is none other than Teesside’s very own three-time BDO Championship winner Glen ‘Duzza’ Durrant.

Marie, herself a former Cleveland County player, said: “Several of the kids, including Lewis, have the potential to follow Glen and turn professional and may one day represent their country.

“Whatever their skill levels, the whole team benefits from the sport, which gives them a purpose in life, builds confidence and develops their learning abilities.

“That’s why we are seeking official accreditation to set up a darts academy to develop future talent not just here on Teesside but throughout the country.

“We are extremely grateful to Scott Bros for their continued financial support and to Peter for allowing us to use the club free of charge. In the past, the company has helped us out whenever we have asked.

“Their sponsorship is vital as it costs around £2,500 to run the youth team each season and I, supported by several parents, fundraise to cover the cost of transport to away matches, league fees, individual registration fees and the Prostate Cancer UK team shirts.”

Peter Scott said: “As a local family-run firm we have supported both Cleveland Youth and Cleveland County Darts for many years and are proud to continue our long association.

“Darts is a sport anyone can take up and its fantastic to see the youth team playing to such a high standard.

“The creation of a youth darts academy is also a very exciting prospect for the area.”