A KILWINNING darts prodigy has taken the next step in forging himself a career in the sport.

Kyle Davidson, who is still only 11, performed so well in 2022 that a sponsor has come forward to sign him up.

The youngster has signed on the dotted line with Mission Darts, who were more than impressed by his talents.

It’s fair to say that 2022 was a breakout year for the North Ayrshire Darts Academy player after he won three Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) titles and made the final of the JDC Scottish National Championships.

He lost that match 4-2 to opponent Logan Gilmour, but left a lasting impression the large crowd who watched the match, with many arguing it was the “game of the day”.

Kyle also enjoyed success further afield, making it to the last 16 of the World Masters Boys tournament, played in Assen in the Netherlands.

It was events and performances such as this which encouraged the team at Mission Darts to move quickly to secure the youngster’s signature.

Mission player development manager Darryl Fitton said: “Kyle saw a strong end to 2022, winning three JDC titles and making it all the way to the JDC National Championship Final in December.

“The final was played in front of a crowd of around 500 and a couple of 180s and a 117-checkout showed Kyle wasn’t fazed in the slightest.

“Kyle is only 11, but I believe he has great potential. He is a product of the North Ayrshire Darts Academy and comes from the same coach as Cameron Menzies and Jim McEwan.”

Kyle was also delighted to secure the sponsorship, and s looking forward to seeing what it can bring in 2023.

He commented: “I’m so happy to sign for Mission. I think I will learn a lot here and it’ll help me get even better.

“I can’t wait to play for Mission in all my tournaments this year.”

While Kyle has already performed to such a high level on the national stage, and has made brief appearances elsewhere in Europe, this sponsorship should provide a better platform for taking his talents international – making it look as if, while 2022 was impressive, 2023 could be even better.