A local darts coach is celebrating this week after becoming one of just six people worldwide to pass an advanced coaching course with the Professional Darts Players Association.
Bedford’s Shaun Jacques, who was one of 195 people to sign up to a level one course that began in March 2025, progressed on to the new level two qualification launched just a few months ago in June.
That means Shaun is one of the very first level two darts coaches in the world, and with a third stage potentially coming in 2028, he may not have reached his coaching ceiling just yet.
The accreditation process involved months of portfolio work, planning and preparation, culminating in an in-person assessment with former professional darts players Jamie Caven and 2020’s Premier League Darts champion, Glen Durrant.
“I’m incredibly proud to have achieved Level 2 accreditation,” said Jacques.
“Becoming a PDPA Accredited Coach was already a huge milestone for me, but progressing to Level Two is something I’ve worked extremely hard for.
“To be one of the first coaches in the world to achieve this level makes it even more special.
And when it comes to darts, Shaun says the coaching qualification is equally about mindset training and coaching players to deal with the pressure alongside the physical action of finding treble 20s and doubles.
“For me, coaching isn’t simply about helping someone throw a dart better.
“It’s about understanding the player as an individual, their technique, decision-making, mindset and the pressures they face when competing.”
The PDPA, who runs the coaching courses, commended all six of the new advanced coaches, commenting on the ‘exceptional level’ they reached, and ‘setting a high standard for others to follow’.
“On behalf of the PDPA, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of our level two coaches who have graduated at this level, and we wish them every success in their continued coaching journey”, added PDPA president, Alan Warriner-Little.
An academy for the future
Alongside his work with individual players, Shaun is also the founder of The Ministry of Darts, a junior darts academy, which provides youngsters with a friendly and supportive environment in which to learn and develop.
The academy, based at the Kempston Constitutional Club, usually meet on Saturday afternoons and welcomes players of all abilities from ages seven to 16, focusing on developing skills, confidence, teamwork and a positive attitude towards competition.
“Darts is growing rapidly, and there are some incredibly talented players coming through at grassroots level,” says Shaun.
“I want to help give those players the knowledge, support and confidence they need to see just how far they can take the game.
“Whether someone is picking up a dart for the first time, playing in their local league, competing at county level or aspiring to play professionally, good coaching can make a huge difference.”
Readers can find out more about the junior academy at ministryofdarts.com.
