AN experienced sports coach is hoping to hit the bullseye with a new venture after spotting a gap in the local market for a dedicated darts facility in Kingsteignton.

Ryan Bougourd, pictured, has opened Kingsteignton Darts Lounge at Exeter Road Business Park, offering a welcoming space for players of all ages and abilities.

The venue features ten dartboards, three of which have automatic scoring, with plans to expand to six.

The idea came after Ryan noticed a lack of dedicated places for darts players in the area.

‘I just thought it would be quite a cool idea. Obviously, in the local area, there's not much around here like this. I just sort of saw a gap in the market’, he said.

Kingsteignton Darts Lounge
A look inside Kingsteignton Darts Lounge (Ethan Heppell / MDA)

Having spent more than 20 years coaching tennis and working with players of different abilities, Ryan hopes to bring the same development-focused approach to his new venture.

The lounge aims to provide an alternative to playing darts in pubs, giving people a dedicated place to practise, socialise and enjoy the sport in a relaxed setting.

‘I just wanted to try and give somewhere for everyone to come and play darts, really. A nice facility that's welcoming and warm’, he said.

Future plans include junior coaching sessions and adult programmes catering for everyone from beginners to more experienced players.

‘The main focus will be just getting juniors in playing, building the academy side of it, and the adult coaching programme as well’, Ryan said.

Kingsteignton Darts Lounge
(Ethan Heppell / MDA )

He also hopes to establish local tournaments, club nights and membership, with the long-term ambition of developing the lounge into a fully fledged darts club.

As well as encouraging more people to take up the sport, Ryan wants the venue to become a social hub for the wider community.

‘I just want it to be a really good social space, to be honest. That's the main aim for it’.

With plenty of ideas for the future, Ryan plans to grow the business steadily and build a loyal local following.

‘I'm excited to get it going. It's just trying to do it step by step, really’, he said.