Roller derby enthusiasts will ‘jam’ on their skates and ‘pack’ the rink at RecWest Footscray next month to showcase the best of their sport.
The West Side Derby Dollz league will hold a public roller derby scrimmage on November 13, giving people a chance to watch practice games for juniors and adults.
The league, which has been running since 2010, includes junior, developing and bouting skaters teams.
League member James Bone said perceptions of roller derby had changed in recent years.
“Roller derby used to draw crowds, with big, violent hits and showgirl-type costumes, but it’s taken a huge shift instead to celebrating and encouraging the athlete,” he said.
“This is a sport where just looking pretty won’t get skaters very far, and each athlete puts in an epic amount of effort.”
Mr Bone said scrimmage events were essential to help skaters develop their skills.
“It often takes an athlete a long time to progress, from first being on wheels to a safe, confident and valuable team asset.
“This long training period is essential given that roller derby is a full-contact, often high-speed sport that would be an utter disaster were the athletes not properly prepared, trained and up to fitness,” he said.
The league will also be running a bake sale and selling merchandise during the scrimmage event.
It’s on from 10am until 3pm. Entry is $2.
Details: pr@westsidederbydollz.org.au
