PDC star Jonny Clayton unveiled the latest Darts on Your Doorstep venue, in partnership with Smart Energy GB, with a special visit to the Aberfan Social Club on Monday.
Darts on Your Doorstep was launched in 2024 as PDC in the Community partnered with Smart Energy GB to install specially-redesigned darts areas in grassroots venues across the UK.
Over 250 clubs are set to benefit from the Darts on Your Doorstep initiative, which has already seen world number one Luke Humphries and Premier League star Chris Dobey star in special launches in Tamworth and Ashington respectively.
Alongside the new darts playing areas, clubs receive an information session from Smart Energy GB - the independent, non-profit organisation helping households access the benefits of smart meters - designed to help the local community to better manage their energy use and stay in control of their energy bills.
Monday's launch at the Aberfan Social Club saw Welsh number one Clayton preparing for his challenge to win a third BetVictor World Cup of Darts title next weekend by taking on local players on the newly-installed darts facilities.
Clayton also took part in a Q&A at the packed venue following the Smart Energy GB information session for those attending.
"I'll be representing all of Wales when I'm playing in the World Cup this weekend, and it was a big moment to receive such a great welcome in Aberfan," said Clayton, the former Premier League and World Grand Prix champion.
"My home village of Pontyberem is very similar to Aberfan and I know the importance of a sport like darts to the local community.
"The facilities installed through Darts on Your Doorstep will be a huge boost to the everyone, but it's also great chance for people to learn about the benefits of smart meters. Seeing so many people from across the community, including kids who’ve got into darts in recent years and could one day become players, made it a memorable night."
Clayton was joined at the Darts on Your Doorstep launch by Jack Sargeant MS for Alyn & Deeside, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, and James Evans MS for Brecon & Radnorshire from the Welsh Government and PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
"It's great to be in Aberfan," said Jack Sargeant. "Having a game against Jonny Clayton is a tick off my bucket list, but to see so many people here engaging in the game of darts is truly fantastic.
"The support of the PDC and Smart Energy is great and this is a first in Wales. As a darts fan, it's brilliant - helping people in Aberfan, across communities in Wales and beyond.
"We see lots of challenges for people with their energy bills and having that smart choice is a good way forward."
James Evans added: "It's great to see the community coming together around darts, and around a big issue as well which is being better with our energy bills.
"It's great to have the partnership of the PDC with Smart Energy to make sure this happens. It's a really enjoyable project."
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said: "It's great to be in Aberfan and these nights are always well received wherever we go.
"This sort of club is the heartbeat of the community and darts is the heartbeat of these sort of clubs, so it's a great partnership to work with Smart Energy to promote Smart Meter and it really means something to people here tonight.
"Jonny is from a community like this, so it shows how authentic darts is as a sport and how it still has that connection with people on the street.
"Darts on Your Doorstep is a fantastic initiative and one that we're looking forward to rolling out all the way across the UK, and I'm sure we'll get an equally good reception wherever we go."
Smart Energy GB is the independent, non-profit organisation helping households and small businesses to understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families and the environment. To find out more about smart meters visit SmartEnergyGB.org.
Phillippa Brown from Smart Energy GB said: “We know how important darts clubs are to communities across Great Britain, and it’s great to see how our partnership with the PDC has been able to support people at the Aberfan Social Club and beyond.
“As well as providing improved facilities, we’ll continue working with darts clubs to provide community resources and sessions, including on how smart meters are helping households get more control over their energy bills.”
The Smart Energy GB Darts Challenge is also taking place as part of the Darts on Your Doorstep scheme, with the top-performing clubs throughout the year winning a money-can't-buy dart-fitting experience from Winmau, the PDC's official equipment supplier.
Darts clubs and groups can register for PDC in the Community through this link.
PDC in the Community also includes Bullseye Maths, in association with Vanquis, which is an award-winning numeracy scheme aimed at encouraging numeracy across all levels – for further details please see pdc.tv/maths.
Jonny Clayton will be competing alongside Gerwyn Price for Wales in the BetVictor World Cup of Darts, which will take place from June 12-15 at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, Germany. Wales won the World Cup of Darts previously in 2020 and 2023.