The JDC NZ online team is made up of local players including Jack Sheppard, Hunter Eyles, Chiarn Waikawa, Aaliyah Taukamo-Pohio and Jadine Black.
Another player, Apirana Taukamo-Pohio is placed in the top three of the JDC order of merit, which is world-ranked.
The academy is for youth aged between seven and 18, and Fraider is a firm believer that playing darts brings extra benefits to rangatahi such as improved arithmetic.
“It offers positive opportunities and experiences to develop leadership skills and provides positive role models while promoting Māori values.”
“Rangatahi learn dart etiquette — how to chalk/score a game and engage in team-building and bonding.
“These kids have come along in leaps and bounds and it's not just their dart playing that's getting better. Their maths and other school subjects are improving too.”
Fraider said he was happy to help out and give something back to rangatahi.
“I've noticed more of them can do the scoring in their heads now, which they couldn't before. The whiteboards are also a great help.”
Tao Matarau Junior Dart Academy manager Matiu Hawea said the club was looking good for 2022 and new players were welcome.
“A few of our players are current New Zealand champions for their age groups and we welcome new kids and whānau,” he said.
“Our focus for the first three seasons is on qualifying for this year's JDC World Dart Championship.
“As well as being good for hand-eye co-ordination and arithmetic, darts has the social benefits of getting together with peers to play.
“It's good old-fashioned social interaction and it gets rangatahi off their devices and engaging in something that is proving to be more than just a game.
“We would like to thank Eastland Port for their generous sponsorship and the wider community for its continuing support of a grassroots sport like darts.
“Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to email taomatarau@gmail.com.
“Ngā mihi matakuikui ki a koutou katoa.”
