Phil Taylor may have walked away from professional darts, but the greatest player ever to pick up a set of arrows clearly has no intention of disappearing from the sport.
The 66-year-old has landed a new role as an ambassador for an exciting darts academy project in North Wales, and frankly, it could be one of the most important things he has done since stepping away from competitive action.
Taylor, widely known as ‘The Power’, is teaming up with former footballer John Jones and his Ace of Sports business to help develop a new academy in Mold.
The facility, which is expected to be completed ahead of Christmas, will be based at Bromfield Industrial Estate and has ambitions to introduce more children to darts while helping identify the next generation of potential professionals.
And if anybody understands what it takes to become a champion, it is Taylor.
The 16-time world champion won an incredible 87 major titles during his remarkable 31-year career, establishing a level of dominance that modern darts players can only dream of matching.
Some might argue that Taylor has already given enough to the sport. But his latest move demonstrates why his influence should extend far beyond the trophies he collected.
Phil Taylor could be exactly what young darts players need
Speaking about his involvement, Taylor explained that his friendship with Jones was a major reason behind the decision.
He said: “He’s a lovely fella, whose heart is in the right place and I like his enthusiasm and his business sense. I’m involved because I know he will do things right.”
That is an important statement.
Darts has experienced an extraordinary transformation over recent years, particularly following the emergence of young superstars such as Luke Littler.
Children are now seeing darts as something they can pursue from an incredibly early age, rather than simply a game played in pubs or recreational settings.
Taylor has noticed that change himself.
He explained that when he started playing, competitors could be anywhere from their twenties to their seventies. Today, children as young as four to eight are getting involved.
And that presents a huge opportunity.
The problem is that enthusiasm alone does not produce world champions. Young players need proper coaching, discipline, facilities and people who understand the demands of competing at the highest level.
That is where Taylor’s experience becomes incredibly valuable.
It would be difficult to find somebody with a better understanding of the mental strength, practice routines and consistency required to dominate professional darts.
Darts needs more than another Luke Littler
There is no denying that Littler has been phenomenal for darts.
The teenager has attracted enormous attention, brought new audiences to the sport and demonstrated that young players can compete against established professionals.
But here is something that darts supporters should consider.
What happens when the current generation of superstars eventually slows down?
The sport cannot afford to depend on one or two exceptional individuals to maintain its popularity.
It needs a production line of talented youngsters who can develop into future stars, challenge established names and create new rivalries.
That is why Taylor’s academy involvement deserves attention.
The opportunity to learn from somebody who won 16 world championships is something that cannot easily be replicated.
Imagine being a young player struggling with your doubles, confidence or match temperament and having Taylor available to offer advice.
That experience could be worth more than countless hours watching online tutorials.
Of course, nobody should expect every child entering the academy to become the next Phil Taylor. That would be an unrealistic expectation.
However, creating an environment where youngsters can discover their potential is precisely what the sport needs.
Taylor has identified something bigger than winning trophies
One particularly interesting aspect of the project is its family-friendly approach.
Taylor explained that children will be able to attend with their parents, make friends and enjoy learning darts. There will also be a small gym that parents can use while their children participate.
He also pointed out that children face different challenges when going out today compared with previous generations.
His comments suggest that this is not simply about producing professional darts players.
It is about creating a safe environment where young people can socialise, develop confidence and discover a sport they might eventually fall in love with.
That is a considerably bigger ambition than simply finding the next world champion.
Taylor also revealed that he would regularly visit the academy, speak with the youngsters and watch them play.
And he has even suggested that this could become a much bigger project.
“It won’t be the only Phil Taylor academy. We’re going to open a few more, so it’s a really good thing for the future,” he explained.
That is perhaps the most exciting part of the announcement.
If the project succeeds in North Wales, expanding the concept into other locations could give more youngsters access to structured darts coaching.
The sport should be embracing Taylor, not just celebrating his records
There is sometimes too much focus on comparing current players with Taylor’s achievements.
Every time Littler wins another major title, discussions about whether he can eventually surpass the 16-time world champion inevitably follow.
But perhaps the sport should spend more time appreciating what Taylor can still contribute rather than constantly treating him as a record for somebody else to break.
His competitive achievements are already secured.
Nobody can take away his 16 world championships, 87 major titles or extraordinary contribution to darts.
However, his influence on the next generation could become an equally important part of his legacy.
Taylor is also preparing for a return to competitive action, partnering former world champion Adrian Lewis at the MODUS Super Series International Pairs tournament in Portsmouth from November 23 to 28.
But this academy announcement could prove far more significant in the long run.
Winning another tournament would be a wonderful story. Helping produce the next generation of champions would be something entirely different.
Darts does not need Phil Taylor to win another world title to remind everybody of his greatness.
It needs people like him to help ensure that the sport has a bright future.
And if the 16-time world champion can inspire even a handful of youngsters to become serious players, his latest chapter could end up being one of his most rewarding yet.