Bulldog Licensing – the licensing agent for Bullseye – has confirmed a major sponsorship and a triumphant return to TV for the iconic darts game show and brand, along with continuing growth for the Bullseye licensing programme.
Bullseye is now a sponsor of the Blackburn Youth Darts Academy and will be sponsoring all 10 events in the Blackburn Youth Darts Academy Champion Players 1 series this year. It is also the main sponsor for the Academy’s Blackburn Youth Festival of darts in October with events for age categories ranging from 8 to 18.
The Blackburn Youth Darts Academy aims to promote the sport of darts to the children and young people who are the future of the sport. It enrols both boys and girls aged 6 to 18 years to participate in darts activities, holding weekly coaching sessions and attending competitions locally and nationally.
“The response to the Blackburn Youth Darts Academy Champion Players 1 series and Blackburn Youth Festival of darts has been fantastic and with the growing appeal of darts to the young, we think it’s going to be one of our best years ever,” commented Keith Brunt, Academy director. “It’s now been boosted in a big way with sponsorship from one of the darts world’s best-loved names. We’re thrilled to have the support of this iconic brand.”
The announcement underlines the growing popularity of darts with younger people, and has coincided with breaking news that, following the success of the 2024 Bullseye Christmas special, the team of Freddie Flintoff and official scorer Richard Ashdown will be back in a brand new series on ITV later this year.
The licensing programme has also grown in recent months to include plush from Posh Paws International, board games and mini dart games from University Games and, most recently, dress up from Blues Group. Bullseye has also grown in the entertainment sector, with guests at Away Resorts able to play along on stage, and players at Buzz Bingo able to play Bullseye Bingo every evening at 6pm.
“Bullseye has always been popular, but the Luke Littler-inspired explosion of interest in darts and the success of the Bullseye Christmas Special have given the brand a higher profile than ever,” commented Rob Corney, md at Bulldog Licensing. “Now the new TV series, an important sponsorship and licensing growth are bringing Bullseye to an even wider audience of viewers, young players and consumers and contributing to what we think will be Bullseye’s best year to date! Good luck to all the players competing in the Blackburn Youth Darts Academy events and remember: you can’t beat a bit of Bully!”
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