Raymond van Barneveld was present to launch a new football kit for English non-league side Dartford FC.
No, it wasn’t because of the pun, but the Isthmian League Premier Division club has announced a two-year sponsorship deal with Target Darts, a leading manufacturer of darts, as used by Barney.
Raymond van Barneveld appeared at a special promotional shoot at Dartford’s Princes Park stadium to mark the beginning of the partnership, as Target’s become Dartford’s front-of-shirt sponsor for the men’s home and away kits for at least the next two seasons, while the branding will also appear on the women’s team tracksuits.
Target will also support Dartford’s Community Programme, which works in tandem with the local people, schools and organisations to boost participation in sports and well-being initiatives. The programme also aims to tackle social issues, bringing people together through the power and collectivity of sport.
In addition, Target is exploring the opportunity to provide darts equipment into the community, with fans advised to expect further fun and promotional activities throughout the upcoming football season.
Target Darts 🤝 Dartford FC
We are delighted to announce that Target will be the official shirt sponsor for Dartford FC for the next 2 seasons!
This new partnership bring the passion of two sports together in darts and football, with a stunning new shirt that will delight… pic.twitter.com/8X33OEWEaP
— Target Darts (@TargetDarts) July 4, 2025
The link-up sees the Kent-based club join Raymond van Barneveld and other recognised names such as PDC World Champion Luke Littler, 16-time World Champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, PDC World Cup of Darts Champion Josh Rock, among other established players on the professional darts circuit, in the Target-promoted stable.
James Tattersall, Managing Director at Target Darts, said of the sponsorship deal: “We’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring Dartford. It’s our first venture into the heart of football and there couldn’t be a more fitting partner than ‘The Darts’.
“We see this partnership as more than just a logo on the shirt. It’s an exciting opportunity to celebrate the shared energy of darts and football, have some fun, and create unforgettable experiences for fans throughout the season.”
Dartford FC chairman Steve Irving also welcomed the agreement, stating: “We are delighted to welcome Target as a main sponsor of the Club over the next two seasons.
“Partnering with a progressive and innovative brand like Target is another crucial step on this journey. Can there be a more perfect partnership in non-league football?
“Not only do we share the Darts name, but we are aligned in our goals and aspirations and see this as an opportunity to celebrate the synergy between darts and football and bring a new dynamic to the club.”
Image credit: @thekitmanuk/X
Graeme Hanna is a full-time, freelance writer with significant experience in online news and content writing. Since January 2021, he has contributed as a football and news writer for several mainstream UK titles including The Glasgow Times, Rangers Review, Manchester Evening News, MyLondon, Give Me Sport, and the Belfast News Letter. "My football journalism highlights include reporting on the 2022 Europa League Final and attending Rangers games at Ibrox during the Covid lockdown. Beyond the game itself, fan culture and experiences are my biggest football passion"
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