Bill Hammond Jr. had never envisioned his entire family engaging in competitive darts, let alone having a teenager clinch a world cup victory. His introduction to the sport dates back to the ’90s when a friend invited him to give it a try. Initially skeptical, he soon discovered his talent for darts. Meeting his now-wife, Sandy Hope, marked the beginning of their competitive darts journey, both in love and in the sport.
Reflecting on the past, Hammond acknowledges the limited opportunities that existed compared to the thriving landscape for dart players today. His son, 17-year-old Peyton Hammond, recently secured the World Darts Federation World Cup Youth Singles 2025 title in Seoul, South Korea. Peyton aspires to pursue a professional darts career in England, where tournaments are more frequent and lucrative.
The Hammond-Hope family, spread across Canada from Langford, B.C., to St. John’s, N.L., is united through their passion for darts. During the pandemic, they embraced virtual darts sessions, nurturing Peyton’s talent from a young age. With relentless practice and family support, Peyton honed his skills, aiming to make a mark in the competitive darts arena.
Darts, often underestimated as a mere pub pastime, holds deeper significance for the Hammonds and Hopes. The family emphasizes the sport’s ability to foster hand-eye coordination, mental acuity, physical fitness, and mathematical skills. While competitive, darts is ultimately about enjoyment and camaraderie, with the darting community known for its supportive and inclusive nature.
Despite the family’s efforts to promote darts, they face challenges in engaging new enthusiasts, citing misconceptions and reluctance among potential players. To combat this, they leverage social media platforms like Facebook to spread awareness about dart leagues and tournaments. Encouraging those intrigued by darts to connect with local groups on Facebook, the family aims to grow the sport’s reach and appeal across Canada.