Darts, teamwork and inclusion: Kettering groups support local social enterprise

A partnership between two local darts groups and a Kettering day centre is bringing together sport, inclusion and opportunities for adults with additional needs.

Emma Atkins, co founder of Kettering Arrows, and former professional darts player David Pallett recently visited Teamwork Trust in Kettering to see first-hand the fantastic work being carried out by its members through its T-shirt printing enterprise.

The visit has led to an exciting new partnership, with both Kettering Arrows and David’s Kettering Darts Academy planning to utilise Teamwork Trust’s T-shirt printing services.

Teamwork Trust is a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities by providing meaningful opportunities to develop practical skills, increase independence, build confidence, and gain valuable vocational experience. Through its T-shirt Enterprise, members are actively involved in all aspects of the production process, developing transferable workplace skills such as design, printing, quality control. This hands-on experience helps members enhance their employability, progress towards volunteering or paid employment opportunities, and achieve their individual goals in a supportive and inclusive environment.

For Emma, the partnership is about much more than simply ordering club merchandise.

“As the co founder of Kettering Arrows, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We set up Kettering Arrows to give neurodivergent children and young people a safe, welcoming place where they can enjoy darts, build friendships and grow in confidence without feeling different or judged.”

“Visiting Teamwork Trust was a fantastic experience. Seeing the skills, enthusiasm and opportunities being created through their T-shirt enterprise really demonstrated how important organisations like this are within our community.”

“We are delighted to be able to support their enterprise while also giving our young members something to feel proud of when wearing their own club merchandise. It’s about local organisations supporting one another and making sure everybody has opportunities to be involved.”

Emma Slade, Vocational Lead at Teamwork Trust, welcomed the partnership, saying:

“It’s fantastic that an inclusive group such as Kettering Arrows, alongside David’s Kettering Darts Academy, will be making use of our T-shirt printing enterprise.”

“Partnerships like this are incredibly important because they showcase the skills, dedication and talents of the people we support. Our members play a vital role in producing high-quality printed clothing, developing valuable vocational and employability skills while contributing to real projects for local organisations. Seeing their work being worn and recognised within the wider community gives them a real sense of achievement and pride”.

“It’s wonderful to see organisations championing inclusion by supporting our enterprise, they are helping our members gain experience, build confidence and demonstrate their abilities to the wider community.”

David Pallett, a former professional darts player, is also launching Kettering Darts Academy, which offers a mainstream darts environment with professional coaching. The academy is open to everyone, including those with additional needs who would like to develop their game and enjoy the sport.

Both groups are based at Burton Band Club, Burton Latimer, offering local people opportunities to get involved in darts in welcoming and supportive surroundings.

Kettering Arrows meets every Monday from 6.30pm until 8pm and is specifically for neurodivergent children and young people age 8-17.

David Pallett’s Kettering Darts Academy meets every Thursday from 6pm until 7.30pm, welcoming players age 5-17 of all abilities and backgrounds.

The partnership is another example of local organisations working together to create opportunities, celebrate individual abilities and make Kettering a more inclusive community.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to see and purchase some of the fantastic work created by Teamwork Trust members when the organisation hosts a pop-up shop at the Newlands Centre in Kettering from 16th to 21st November, 9am until 4pm.

Visitors will be able to browse a wonderful range of handmade and personalised creations, including printed T-shirts, wooden gifts, badges and plenty of Christmas gift ideas.