The Illawarra District Darts Association is a prominent sports club located in Wollongong, Australia. Established in the 1950s, the association has a rich history and has evolved over the years to become a thriving darts community in the Illawarra region. Initially, the club consisted of only a few teams, but it quickly grew to have five grades, with eight teams in each grade during the late 80s to mid-90s.
However, with the challenges of work commitments and family responsibilities, the playing numbers gradually declined. As a result, the association currently operates with three grades. Nevertheless, darts remains strong in the Illawarra area, and the club takes pride in its numerous state winners and representatives.
The Illawarra District Darts Association covers a wide geographical area, stretching from Helensburgh in the north to Kiama in the south. This allows darts enthusiasts from various locations within the Illawarra region to actively participate in the sport.
The association aims to promote competition darts in Wollongong and the Illawarra area. They offer opportunities for players of all skill levels to find a suitable team to join. The club plays on Tuesday nights, typically from 7 PM to 10 PM, providing a convenient schedule for members.
In 2023, the association is excited to announce their new venue, the Wollongong Tennis Club. The forthcoming season will feature the 2023 Bill Cross competitions, which will be divided into three grades: A Grade, B Grade, and C Grade. In total, 20 teams will be participating across the different grades, with six teams in A Grade, six teams in B Grade, and eight teams in C Grade.
The first competition, known as the Bill Cross Shield, is scheduled to commence at the end of January. Team nominations for this competition are to be submitted during the association's first meeting in early January. The second competition, the Fred Dunwell Shield, will start at the end of June, with team nominations due in early June.
To stay updated with the association's latest news and events, individuals can connect with Illawarra District Darts Association through their website or their Facebook page. The club encourages those interested in playing competition darts in Wollongong and the Illawarra region to reach out, and they assure assistance in finding a team that suits their skill level.
The Illawarra District Darts Association expresses its gratitude to the outgoing 2022 committee for their dedicated time and effort in ensuring the success of the association. They are eagerly looking forward to the 2023 season, aiming for another prosperous year with the introduction of an Illawarra representative team.
Overall, the Illawarra District Darts Association is a well-established and vibrant sports club in Wollongong, Australia. With a strong commitment to fostering the spirit of competition darts, they provide opportunities for players of all levels to engage in the thrilling sport and contribute to the ever-growing darts community in the Illawarra region.