Last Sunday I nipped down to Blackpool Sports Centre to have a look at Blackpool Roller Derby League which was holding a roller derby taster session as part of Blackpool Sports Centre’s open day.
Roller derby is a fast-paced, full contact sport played on roller skates. As a league they currently have 50 members and are working towards having two bouting teams. There is a men’s team (Blackpool Tower Rangers) and a woman’s team (Blackpool Roller Coasters) and they are looking for men and women who are over 18 and think they have what it takes to be part of the most exciting and fastest growing sport in the UK. If you’re not sure what roller derby is about then their taster sessions really allow you to find out.
The taster session gave an idea of what roller derby is about. The team were on hand to answer any questions about the sport and then participants had the option to borrow equipment and take part in a taste of the basic training. There were opportunities to join the team as a skater, referee or non-skating official.
The session was part of a Blackpool Council Change for Life event which aimed to get more people participating in sports and physical activities.
Councillor Cain blew the first jam whistle and Councillors Smith and Campbell were also in attendance. The team was really pleased with the number of attendees and recruited lots of new skaters. My advice to you is get yourself down there for the next session. I believe it becomes a way of life and roller derby gets into your blood.
Get in touch with them on their Facebook page to stay updated.
All photography by Claire Griffiths.
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