A TEAM of expats and Turks in Didim is gearing up for a crack at matches with rivals across the country as part of the Turkish national championships – and have extended an appeal for others to join.

The Didim Darts Team, headed up by Ron Brown and Ender Ecir, will be talking on teams from Izmir, Ankara, Antalya, Northern Cyprus and Bodrum from October onwards.

The team is reckoned to be the only one among the regional squads to be packed with so many foreign residents.

They are extending the invitation to other expats – both male and female – to join the team before they embark on their first ‘away’ trip to Antalya in October.

That match will coincide with the Turkish Open Championship, the Turkish Championships and conclude with the Darts World Cup, with many of its star members turning out for the event.

Mr Brown said potential members would need to be a licensed dart player, but he and the team would be able to offer application forms, the conditions and further details.

The team on Wednesday sported their new Didim Darts shirts, which are being officially sponsored by Altinkum Debate Group, a Facebook group created by local businessman Blake Maynard.

Mr Brown said the present team included Anthony Sapsford, Paul Whitall, Alan Wilson, Chris Bate, Chas Howell, Stephen Tickle, Önder Çibuk and Robert Karabulut. Ender’s wife Cihangül is presently the only lady member.

Mr brown said: “Darts is quickly becoming a very popular sport in Turkey and their standards are already very high.

“As Didim has an active darts community, we just thought it would be great idea to get foreign and Turkish residents together to represent the resort at a regional and national level and help put it on the darting map.”

He added: “I’d like to thank everyone who has joint, those thinking of joining and to Blake for the finances for the shirts and the sponsorship.”

Anyone wanting to join or obtain further details can email Ron at: ron-turkey@hotmail.com . Deadline for applications is the end of September.