IT’S a sport marked by its members’ fearless attitudes, is known as the world’s fastest-growing women’s sport, and Orange Roller Derby League is hoping to draw in recruits to their club through a new program.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The league is hosting an accredited 12-week introductory course for those who have wanted to try out roller derby but have never had the chance or the confidence to do so.
A basic ability to skate is required, but the league’s coaching co-ordinator Sarah Squire said the course would cover all other non-contact skills.
“The idea of roller derby can be really intimidating, but by creating a formal 12-week course to learn skating skills, people can decide if they want to go on to train in derby or keep doing the introductory courses and [Thursday nights’] RollerFit,” Mrs Squire said.
Once people have completed the course, they can start learning contact skills.
While women improve their fitness and muscle strength through the sport, Mrs Squire said that was secondary to the sport’s inclusiveness and celebration of all body types.
“The things that people get out of derby is fitness and having a good time while doing it, but they realise there is no ideal body shape. It really takes a combination of skating styles and body shapes to fit all the different positions,” she said.
It will cost $120 to participate, which covers rule books, insurance and training, and people must be over 16 to participate.
Men are encouraged to take part, as they can train to be referees after completing beginner training.
There will be an information night on Thursday at 7pm at the PCYC Orange in Seymour Street, before registration is due on September 20.
The course will start on September 27.
alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au
