THE ever-growing Steve Brown Darts Academy has received a boost with a new sponsorship deal from Unicorn Darts.
PDC star Steve launched his first Academy two years ago in Bristol and has now expanded the concept to eight venues across the South-West and Midlands this year.
Unicorn Darts have now followed Darts Corner in giving their support to the concept, with Brown hoping to launch up to a dozen more Academies in the next 12 months.
"We're very proud of the development of our Academies over the past couple of years," said Brown, who will compete in the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship, which begins on Friday.
"We believe that adding the Unicorn brand and commitment will ensure that we can continue to offer opportunities to more and more young players, who are the future of our sport."
Unicorn are the title sponsors of the PDC's Youth Tour and World Youth Championship and also support five other independent darts academies around the UK, and will be extending that investment in the stars of the future with their backing for the Steve Brown Darts Academy.
"Developing the game of darts at youth level is a very important part of our long-term strategy," said Unicorn Darts Managing Director Edward Lowy.
"We welcome the opportunity of working with SBDA and all our Academies to provide a platform for developing youngsters and provide pathway into the PDC Unicorn Youth Tour, the PDC Unicorn World Youth Championship and beyond."
PDC Director Rod Harrington said: "By encouraging and supporting all Academies, we are looking to the future of the game and that is essential if we are to find the next Phil Taylor or Adrian Lewis.
"I've worked closely with Steve Brown and know how much hard work he has put in to develop the SBDA.
"He has never faltered in where he wants to take this scheme and it's very pleasing that he has the support of Unicorn and Darts Corner as well as that of the PDC."
For further information about the Steve Brown Darts Academy, visit www.sbda.tv.