Luke Littler and Luke Humphries figureheads in campaign against loneliness among young men

Darts sensations Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are among a growing group of elite athletes backing a new UK government campaign against loneliness among boys and young men. The so-called Team Up campaign unites sports clubs across the country and runs from 26/1/2026 to 01/02/2026. The goal: to show how sport can foster social connection, mental health, and positive role models.

Alongside Littler and Humphries, icons from other sports have joined, including former England rugby international Jonny Wilkinson and cricket talent Jacob Bethell. The campaign is supported by major sports organizations such as the Premier League, the English Football League (EFL), and the Rugby Football League, underscoring its broad social backing.

For the darts world, the involvement of Littler and Humphries is especially meaningful. Both players are hugely popular with younger fans and show that mental health is a key topic even in an individual sport like darts. In a statement, world champion Humphries explained how crucial connection has been throughout his career.

"I’ve seen first-hand how important connection and community are within darts. Whether you’re playing, watching, or supporting, feeling part of something can have a really positive effect on wellbeing," said Humphries.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler, who took the world by storm at a young age with his stage performances, also has backed the campaign and how sport can give young people a lifeline.

The campaign was prompted in part by recent Sport England research showing that one in four boys and young men feel lonely at least some of the time. UK ministers warn that the absence of so-called “positive spaces” leaves young people vulnerable to social isolation, mental health issues, and negative influences online.

Former rugby icon Jonny Wilkinson captured the importance of openness around this topic. “It’s definitely not wrong to feel isolated – to feel lonely, on your own, challenged, stressed, to feel all those kind of things. It sure can be tough but it’s definitely not out of the ordinary.

“I’m supporting this campaign because of the power of sport, the power of activity, of getting together with other like-minded people.

“The power of sharing, letting go, being able to experience that connection with people. Coming together through sport is a special thing and it can change lives.”

In December, the UK government announced a ten-year plan for youth, investing £500 million to revitalise youth services and sports initiatives. With the Team Up campaign, it aims to show that sports clubs — from football pitches to darts venues — play a crucial role in the wellbeing of young men.