England call-up for darts ace

Young Wymondham darts ace James Hubbard has won national recognition as he prepares to represent England on the European stage this summer.

The 15-year-old Wymondham High School pupil is one of four boys called up to represent England Youth in the Europe Cup at Swansea University in July.

James said: “I'm overwhelmed, to be honest. I have only started playing youth county darts this year so to be picked in my first year is a great achievement.”

James' dad, Vic, is a former darts professional, having worked his way around the PDC's Sky television circuit and been crowned British champion.

Now, father will get to see his son perform on the perfect platform to prove his potential to the rest of the continent. “It was only for four boys in the whole of England and they generally go for older players. I'm really proud of him. I know how it feels to be picked for your country,” said Vic.

“He's really keen to be a professional darts player and he loves the idea of the cameras and all that. He really could be a future world champion. A lot of people drift away but he's been picked for England and past world champions have come from that team. It's a great thing for him.”

This summer's Europe Cup will see James look to go some way in matching his performance at the England Open earlier this month.

James reached the quarter-finals of the U18 tournament and beat the best two Dutch players in the early rounds - both of whom he'll be meeting in Swansea.

“Because it's my debut, I just want to win my first game and go from there. I'm not going there expecting to win the whole thing. Obviously I want to but it's just experience as it's my first time,” said James, who will spend the whole year as a member of the six strong England youth team, which includes two girls, until it is re-selected in 12 months' time.

“I'm the youngest in the boy's team but I have got three years until I'm 18, so the next year hopefully I can win a few.”