PHIL TAYLOR has launched a nationwide search for a new superstar in the 'Team Taylor' initiative, which will take place in Rileys clubs across the UK this year.
With darts' popularity at an all-time high, the sport is attracting players of all ages as aspiring players not only to play the sport at the highest level but also enjoy the opportunity to earn millions of pounds doing so.
Phil Taylor, the 15-time World Champion, is beginning his own search for a star of the future with 'Team Taylor', which will give any darts player the chance to win a place in the PDC's Qualifying School in 2013.
The 'Team Taylor' initiative will see players compete in Rileys clubs around the UK, where each player undertakes a series of tasks in a bid to score as many points as possible and win a place in the Regional Finals, before 16 players are paid for by Phil Taylor himself to compete in the 2013 Q School for a place on the PDC's £5 million professional circuit.
Entry to 'Team Taylor' costs just £10 and is available through www.rileys.co.uk/teamtaylor, while a special website has also been launched at www.protege-teamtaylor.com where aspiring players can follow their progress and watch exclusive video clips including tips from Phil Taylor.
"I honestly believe we're going to find a player who hasn't played darts before who can make it big at the very highest level," said Taylor.
"I'd have been one of the first players to enter this 25 years ago - and if I didn't succeed in the first year I'd have paid a tenner to have another go until I made it!
"I think we'll discover a player who thinks to themselves that they can pack in work or not go to college and become a professional darts player instead."
Taylor talks passionately about the number of parents over the years who have claimed that their child is the 'next Phil Taylor' - and he believes that now it is time for them to come through and put their money where their mouths are, as indeed he is.
Taylor's dedication to find his protégé is admirable - he will pay for the 16 winners from 'Team Taylor' to play in Qualifying School in January 2013.
"This is a tremendous opportunity, not just for the 16 players who will go through to play at Q School but for all players to take the opportunity to start playing darts," added Taylor.
"Anyone can enter 'Team Taylor' - whether you've never picked up a dart before or if you play every week in the local league; this is your chance to see if you've got what it takes to be a professional."
The 'Team Taylor' initiative sees the Stoke legend continuing the recent trend of leading players putting their support behind emerging stars, with Gary Anderson sponsoring young pair Michael Smith and Adam Hunt, James Wade backing Chris Aubrey and Mark Webster mentoring James Hubbard.
Taylor is setting a number of practise tasks for players and throughout this year; every player will then be assessed in their local Rileys club on how well they have learned the skills.
Over a hundred talented players will make it to Regional Finals taking place with Rileys later this year, and the top 16 will be paid into Q School by 'The Power' himself.
Players who make it through will be mentored by Phil in their first year as a professional in 2013 and become part of 'Team Taylor' - any darts player's dream.
'Team Taylor', in association with Protégé Events Ltd, has launched through Rileys clubs and players can enter at www.rileys.co.uk/teamtaylor.
Players can check their progress, watch exclusive videos and download their own sample scorecard at www.protege-teamtaylor.com.