Red Star Education

The view from the PDPA

The Professional Darts Players Association (PDPA) has taken an exciting step to provide its members with financial wellbeing support and coaching services through Red Star Education. As the sport of darts continues to grow,

with more tournaments, increased prize money, and wider sponsorship opportunities, our players are facing more complex financial landscapes. With that in mind, the PDPA recognises the need to go beyond the traditional support systems and offer something more: personalised financial wellbeing support that helps you navigate the ups and downs of your careers while safeguarding your long-term financial health.

Why financial wellbeing support matters in darts

At the PDPA , we know that darts may not seem as financially complex as some other sports but it’s actually quite the opposite. Unlike team sports, where athletes receive salaries, most professional darts players rely on tournament winnings and sponsorship deals to sustain themselves. 

This can make income unpredictable, and, naturally, the inconsistency of earnings can lead to challenges when it comes to managing finances. That’s where we want to offer you some more support if you would like to take advantage of it. 

Red Star specialises in financial education and coaching, working with elite athletes from various disciplines to help them make the most of their earnings. The aim is NOT to provide traditional financial advice but to empower players to better understand their relationship with money, manage their income effectively, and prepare for life after darts.

This is not financial advice

But let’s be clear: this financial wellbeing support is not meant to replace your existing financial planner, accountant, or manager. If you’re already working with someone you trust, that’s great. 

The idea behind the PDPA’s partnership with Red Star Education is to *compliment* the work you’re already doing with your financial professional. It’s a resource to help you gain more control over your financial decisions and feel more confident in the long run.

Why Red Star Education?

Red Star Education has an impressive track record of working with high-profile clients, many of whom face the same challenges as professional darts players—unstable income, short career spans, and the pressures of public life.

Some of their clients include elite footballers, athletes and aspiring NFL players. These are individuals who, like you, do, or will, rely on performance-based earnings and need help planning for both their immediate needs and their future, when their playing careers come to an end.

Why Red Star Education?

The company’s approach is centred around education and wellbeing. They believe that by giving players the tools to understand their finances, they can make the best decisions for them and their financial wellbeing.

This might involve understanding cash flow, learning how to save for future goals, or even how to avoid common financial pitfalls like poor investments or overspending. It’s about empowering players with the knowledge to stay on top of their finances, rather than simply outsourcing everything to someone else.

Why Red Star Education?

Red Star’s expertise also stretches to emotional and psychological wellbeing, recognising that financial stress can take a toll on mental health, which in turn affects performance on the board.

By taking a holistic view of financial health, they ensure that their coaching not only looks after your wallet but also helps you to maintain focus and peace of mind in your career.

Benefits for darts players

So, what exactly are the benefits for darts players? We have listed some of them here for you but you do not have to speak to Red Star about all of these, and if you have any questions or concerns not listed here, the team at Red Star are happy to tailor discussions to YOUR requirements.

Financial Confidence and Empowerment

One of the biggest advantages of financial coaching is that it gives players more control over their financial future. 

Rather than feeling uncertain about where your next cheque is coming from, or how long your savings will last. Red Star works with you to create a sustainable plan that can cover everything from short-term goals to long-term aspirations. 

You’ll be equipped to make smarter choices, whether it’s about saving, investing, or managing cash flow during quieter periods.

Career Longevity and Transition Planning

A professional darts career can be relatively short, and while you might be at the top of your game now, it’s crucial to think about life after darts. Red Star Education’s coaching includes help with planning for retirement, transitioning into a post-sport career, and helping you think about what is enough to set aside to maintain the lifestyle you want when your playing days are behind you.

Managing Unpredictable Income

One of the toughest parts of being a darts player is dealing with the unpredictable nature of your earnings. You might win big at one tournament and then go a few months without significant income. Red Star’s financial coaching can help you learn how to manage these fluctuations, so you can plan ahead and avoid financial stress during leaner periods.

Protecting Yourself and your Family

Another key focus of financial wellbeing is protection— ensuring that you, your family, and your assets are safeguarded against the unexpected. This could be anything from taking out the right insurance policies to setting up a trust fund or ensuring you’re making the most of your savings opportunities.

Personalised Support

Red Star tailors their approach to meet your specific needs, so whether you’re just starting out in your darts career or you’ve been on the circuit for years, you’ll receive guidance that’s appropriate for your unique situation. This isn’t a “one size fits all” service; it’s designed around you and your goals.

Not a Replacement, but a Valuable Addition

It’s important to reiterate that Red Star Education’s financial coaching service is not designed to replace your current financial planner or advisor. Instead, it’s an additional layer of support that’s focused on helping you understand the impact of your finances on your overall wellbeing and supporting you to take control of your finances in a more proactive way. 

You can continue working with your trusted financial professionals while using the insights and tools provided by Red Star to enhance your financial wellbeing.

Partnership

In partnering with Red Star Education, the PDPA is making a clear commitment to supporting the financial health of its players, recognising that a strong foundation off the board leads to better performance on it. So, if you’re ready to take your financial wellbeing to the next level, this new service could be the perfect opportunity to do just that!