Steve Brown is to step back from playing in ADC events in order to focus on his role as chairman of the organisation. 

The former PDC pro has been a regular winner of ADC events in the South West since the organisation relaunched at the start of 2022.

But he says he is swapping the oche for the boardroom to avoid a potential conflict of interest as the organisation goes from strength to strength.

Brown said: “It was a difficult decision, because all I’ve done since I was 15 is go out and play darts three or four nights a week. But I feel it’s the right decision in terms of my role within the ADC and moving the game forward.

“When we launched the rebranded ADC, we had no idea where it was going to go or how big it was going to get. It’s only gone in one direction and we can see it getting bigger and bigger over the next few years.

“We have created so much opportunity with the ADC that pretty much every event I was playing in was an ADC event.

“And, as the organisation goes from strength and strength, I can see a potential conflict of interest further down the line if I continue to play. I’m not sure sponsors, for example, will be too happy investing significant money in an organisation where the chairman is regularly winning the competitions.

“Before it gets to that stage, I’ve made the decision to step aside, and I’m now looking forward to the next chapter of my darts journey at board level.” 

 

Brown, who is also chairman of the Junior Darts Corporation, said he will continue to act as a practice partner for sons John and Ashton, but ruled out competing on the WDF circuit.

“I’m busy enough with Team360 the ADC and JDC, plus I’m looking forward to spending time with my first grandchild and getting to know him,”