Luke Littler reveals emotional reason why dad Anthony wears his bobble hat at every major darts tournament | International Sports News
Luke Littler did not talk about darts first. Instead, the world number one spoke about his dad, Anthony Littler, and the small bobble hat fans always notice. That hat is not about fashion or luck. It is about helping children. Anthony Littler was again seen wearing the bobble hat during World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Fans have spotted him wearing it at many events as he stands close to Luke during matches. Now, Luke has shared the real reason behind it.The 17-year-old world champion said the hat helps spread awareness for a children’s charity called The Matthew22 Fund. The connection began when the Littler family appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show. From that moment, the hat became a sign of support, not just a habit. Luke Littler explained that the story behind the hat matters more than anything else. He said it helps people talk about a cause that is very close to many families. For Anthony, wearing the hat is his way of showing care while supporting his son’s fast rise to the top of darts. Even if some see it as a superstition, Luke made it clear that the message behind it is what truly counts.
Luke Littler explains Anthony Littler’s bobble hat link to The Matthew22 Fund
Luke Littler shared the full reason during an interview, speaking openly and simply about how it all started.He said: “We were on the Michael McIntyre show. I think it’s spreading awareness, some fella, Gary Hollingworth, lost his son at a young age and he’s given us hats and something you put on your wrist just to spread that awareness. But if it’s a superstition to him, it is what it is. It’s just showing a bit of awareness.”The charity is called The Matthew22 Fund. It was set up by Gary Hollingworth and his family after the death of his son Matthew, who sadly lost his battle with bone cancer in 2022. The charity helps children and families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.Gary Hollingworth appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Big Show in February 2025. He competed against Luke Littler at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, in front of a large live crowd. After that appearance, the charity gained more attention. The Matthew22 Fund later confirmed that Michael McIntyre became its patron, helping spread the message even further.Away from darts, Luke Littler is also using sport to help others. He is working with England rugby legend Jonny Wilkinson on a campaign called Team Up. The week-long project focuses on fighting male loneliness through sport. The campaign hopes to show how sport can help people find safe places, make friends, build support, and feel part of a community.
