“It makes me appreciate how far I’ve come” – Damon Heta praises new PDC project

Australian star Damon Heta is the latest PDC name to throw his support behind the successful Darts on Your Doorstep initiative. Working alongside Smart Energy GB, Heta this week unveiled a completely refurbished darts facility at the Enderby & District Social Club in Leicestershire. He follows in the footsteps of fellow professionals Luke Humphries, Chris Dobey and Jonny Clayton, who have all been involved in the nationwide scheme.

Launched last year under the banner PDC in the Community, the programme has already given dozens of venues across Britain a much-needed makeover. Alongside the refurbishment of playing areas, each reopening also features an information session from Smart Energy GB, offering practical tips on energy use and the benefits of smart meters.

Heta travelled to Enderby with PDC chief executive Matt Porter and representatives from Smart Energy GB, where, a week out from the 2025 World Grand Prix, he officially cut the ribbon on the upgraded club. For the 36-year-old, who lifted the 2022 World Cup of Darts alongside Simon Whitlock, it was another opportunity to underline his connection with the grassroots of the sport.

He spent time chatting with members, joining a Q&A session and playing a few legs against local players on the brand-new Winmau boards. The experience clearly struck a chord with the Australian. “It’s great to represent the PDC and Darts on Your Doorstep,” he said. “It’s a grassroots sport and it’s good to see the investment that’s being made by Smart Energy GB and the PDC. Clubs like this are where so many players begin playing darts and it makes me appreciate where I am and how far I’ve come.”

Heta added that the scope of the initiative is significant. “It’s outstanding to see and it’s a massive scheme – it will create opportunities for so many players,” he said, before signing autographs for youngsters in attendance.

Since the launch of the initiative in November 2024, almost fifty clubs across the UK have been able to improve their facilities, often with the installation of brand-new Winmau Blade 6 boards supplied by the PDC’s official partner. More than a thousand people have also attended Smart Energy GB’s sessions, which explain how smart meters can help households manage energy more effectively.

The Enderby & District Social Club is one such venue. It competes in the Central England Darts League, hosts the South Leicestershire Darts Academy and runs a competition dedicated to players with disabilities. With darts being played four nights a week, it serves as a hub for players at every level.

That community role was something Smart Energy GB was keen to highlight. “Local darts clubs play an important role in communities all over the country,” said Phillippa Brown, the organisation’s Deputy Director of Specialist Audiences. “Projects like this, that provide improved facilities and equipment, are vital to make sure they are able to thrive and harness community spirit for years to come.

“It’s also really important to use these opportunities to help the people in those communities manage the high cost of living. We hope the information sessions will give people real, actionable advice to help them manage their finances, and see how a smart meter could help them to save a little money on their energy bills.”

The programme also features the Smart Energy GB Darts Challenge, with the best-performing clubs during the year earning the chance of a bespoke darts experience from Winmau, complete with equipment and expert coaching.

For the PDC, the progress has been exactly what they hoped for. “Darts on Your Doorstep has been a big success since being launched last November, and it’s great to see clubs around the UK benefitting from the scheme,” said Chief Executive Matt Porter. “It’s wonderful to continue working with Smart Energy GB to promote the use of smart meters across Britain, as well as transforming the darts facilities of grassroots venues. Venues such as the Enderby & District Social Club are the hub of their community, and darts plays a huge role for so many of the club’s members.”

For Heta, meanwhile, the timing of the visit to Enderby doubled as a warm-up for next week’s World Grand Prix in Leicester. But more than that, it reaffirmed to him what matters most. “You see here players who are just starting out in their careers,” he reflected. “If we, as professionals, can help improve conditions and create more opportunities, we’re happy to do it. Ultimately it’s all about passion for the sport and the people who come together in clubs like this.”

With names such as Heta, Humphries, Dobey and Clayton backing it, Darts on Your Doorstep shows no sign of slowing down. The PDC and Smart Energy GB clearly have ambitions not only to keep darts shining on the big stage, but to build an even stronger and more sustainable foundation for the sport across Britain.