Well things have been a little quiet on the site recently, haven’t they?

So here’s a quick update -

• Just before the end of 2011 we held an Open Day at the DISC in Dundee and had a great response from the public. From there we held 3 Fresh meat dates in January/February of 2012. The Fresh Meat nights were extremely successful, with over 50 attendees over the 3 nights, and last Wednesday we brought in our 3rd group of Newbie Skaters. We have roughly 25 new girls joining Dundee Roller Girls and we cannot wait to get them started on their training. The group has a range of abilities, and both the training and new skater committees are working hard to make sure that we look after the new group as best as we can.
• We celebrated our 1st Birthday as Dundee Roller Girls!
• We had a Team tshirt swap with the awesome girls at Rollin’ Roulettes Roller Derby
• The Intermediate level skaters celebrated passing their mins with a mini graduation bout. We held the closed bout at our beloved DISC and the team went out for a few drinks that evening to celebrate!
• On Saturday 18th February, we had our first home game of 2012 and the lovely ladies (and their male ref friends!) from Fierce Valley Roller Girls came along to take part in their first ever public bout. The turn out on the day was fantastic, as always it was great to see skaters from other leagues take the time out of their training and personal lives to come along and support the leagues. FVRG put up a great fight, but we took the battle and won 226-36. You can read a full bout report from Sam Skipsey, over on this blog – AOANLA
  
• The bouting committee are working hard to find us teams to play in 2012, and we currently have 2 away bouts and another home bout to look forward to this year, make sure you check our Facebook Page for more details.

Dundee Roller Girls still looking for potential sponsors for 2012 to help support our team. Roller Derby is a DIY sport and we do as much fundraising as we can. Hall hire, equipment, track tape…it all costs money. We can develop a partnership with you or your company and will have more information on sponsorship packages coming soon, but if you’re interested you can drop us an email – dundeerollergirls@gmail.com

1. How did you get into roller derby?

When I was younger I used to hang around with the dirty moshers in Glenrothes. One of the cooler girls was called Jess, and a few years on from the park days I was having a rake around her MySpace(!) and was confused by the photos of her in rollerskates and a tshirt emblazoned “Jess E Ska”. A frantic google of Glasgow Roller Girls led me into a world I was desperate to be part of. Alas, there was no such thing in Dundee. I reluctantly put it to the back of my mind. A few months later I googled again, someone was setting up a team! The rest is (somewhat messy) history. I even had a brief stint as vice CEO, but lets not think about that…

 

2. What has been your favourite derby experience so far?

My favourite moment so far was during our last game against FCR, Pivots of the Caribbean. I only jammed once, and I made lead. I scored 16 points in that jam, and it felt amazing. I’ve seen the footage, and I was no way as elegant as I imagined, but at the time I felt invincible. I’ve never thought I could be a jammer, I wasn’t fit enough, wasn’t strong enough, wasn’t brave enough. And now I do it. Occasionally. It’s a work in progress.

3. Do you have any other hobbies besides skating?

Ehhmmmmmm…….I dabble in my crafts, but my knitting needles and sewing machine have been somewhat neglected in the past few years in favour of derby. Since early autumn last year I’ve become a bit of a gym obsessive, protein shakes and all. I’m determined to become a derby tank, and the gym is helping me towards that. I’ve dropped a stone and a half and increased my endurance significantly. I’m sure everyone on my facebook is bored of my gym updates, but I’ve not a lot else going on in my life at the moment! The treadmill is my lovelife

 

4. What do you think is the most important thing for a new skater to learn?

Patience. The second you get those skates on, you’re gonna want to be Bliss Cavendish/ Suzy Hotrod/ Wild Oates/ Psychomilly within weeks. Unless you’re hugely naturally talented, it’s going to take work and time. I remember posing in front of my mirror and picturing myself on track, looking awesome and kicking ass. The reality is I still don’t even feel like that. It’s a constant effort, even being bouting standard is gonna take time. Trust your trainers, they’ll know when you’re ready. You’ll get there, I promise. And then you’ll keep on working.

 

5. Who is your skater of the month for January? 

I have chosen Cat.R.Waul. Cat has developed her skills in a very short period of time and is an inspiration in overcoming your derby fears.

For the first time in Glasgow Roller Girls history you can now purchase a Season Ticket for our travel team home bouts for the bargain price of £20! These are only available until our first bout on Saturday 10th March, so if you want one, you better get in there fast! They are only available exclusive from us here , so what are you waiting for?

If a season ticket is too much like commitment, you can continue to get tickets on a bout-by-bout basis, the first of which is Irn Bruisers vs Berlin Bombshells! This will take place on Saturday 10th March at the ARC Sports Centre, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow. Under 14′s get in for free and adult tickets are £5 in advance from here. Doors open at 1PM. See you there!

It’s time for the annual WFTDA demographic survey.

Help us give you more of what you want by filling in one or both of these fun surveys, and you could even win a prize! It only takes a couple of minutes and there might be a hilarious picture of a cat in roller skates at the end. Please click on Glasgow Roller Girls in the field where it asks what league you identify most with.

1. How did you get into roller derby?

I kind of stumbled across it really. On a forum I am part of, there were a few people that did it and one in particular convinced me to get into it. I dabbled with the idea for ages but was too scared to go along on my own as I find large groups of women intimidating, but a friend from work convinced me to go along to her league’s fresh meat night. That was in July 2010 and in April 2011 I joined DRG after a 6 month absence from roller derby. I have never looked back.

2. What has been your favourite derby experience so far?

It has to be taking part in my first bout, Pivots of the Caribbean. I’ve been through so much with derby since I joined, having missed out on bouting sooner due to an injury. I was so ready to bout and was able to show how far I’d come. It was the most fun I’ve had and can’t wait for the next one!

3. Do you have any other hobbies besides skating?

I’m actually a keen snowboarder. I try and get away at least once a year to the Alpes with friends and regularly frequent the Scottish resorts during the winter. The balance side of the sport really helps with derby actually. I also knit, having recently taken up the hobby again and I’m a writer on the Scottish Roller Derby blog as well as having my own blog.

4. What do you think is the most important thing for a new skater to learn?

Develop a good understanding of the game and the rules. It will by far make you a better skater. Watch as many games as you can, either in person or via boutcasts online. Read the rules, ask questions. The more you know, the better.

5. Who is your skater of the month for January?

I nominate Unprotected Bex. She’s been a huge help to me at derby. She’s great at helping you improve but also great at pointing out your own strengths, even if you can’t see them yourself. Bex is the best motivator, always gets you to push that little bit harder than you thought you could.

Been overdoing the cheese and chocolate over Christmas? Maybe spent too many afternoons slumped in front of the telly, one hand in a tin of Roses and the other clutching a glass of wine or festive mug of eggnog? Not to worry, it’s the start of a new month, a new year and most importantly, a new roller derby season! Check out our upcoming bout schedule and make a plan to come down and spend some time with Glasgow Roller Girls in 2012. After all, watching other people play a hard, fast, exciting game burns very nearly almost as many calories as doing it yourself!

Glasgow’s Irn Bruisers are kicking off the season with a team-bonding minibus convoy to Telford where we hope to dominate the fabulous 2012 Tattoo Freeze Tournament on Sunday 15 January. If you can’t be there in person, catch all the action online at RDUK from 10am. Eight teams are battling it out over eight bouts with the Grand Final at 5pm so tune in and settle down to a kick-ass day of derby. We’re on at 1pm.

EDIT// Click the more button for results…

FIRST ROUND

Bout 1 – 10:00 Auld Reekie Roller Girls 100 v 60 Dolly Rockit Rollers
Bout 2 – 11:00 London Rockin Rollers 128 v 44 Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls
Bout 3 – 12:00 Central City Rollergirls 133 v 51 Birmingham Blitz Dames
Bout 4 – 13:00 Glasgow Roller Girls 94 v 12 London Roller Girls Batter C Power

SEMI-FINALS

Bout 5 Auld Reekie Roller Girls 61 v 78 London Rockin Rollers
Bout 6 Central City Rollergirls 97 v 77 Glasgow Roller Girls

PLAY OFF FOR 3RD PLACE

Bout 7 – Auld Reekie Roller Girls 74 v 79 Glasgow Roller Girls

FINAL

Bout 8 – London Rockin Rollers 105 v 23 Central City Rollergirls

Tattoo Freeze 2012 Final Standing:

Winners – London Rockin Rollers

Second place – Central City Rollergirls

Third place – Glasgow Roller Girls

 

 

Kick start your New Year fitness resolution by trying a different sport; Dundee Roller Girls are recruiting new skaters to join our ever growing league.

Roller Derby is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and with the first ever World Cup just passed, we want to open the opportunity up to more people!

Whether you are competitive, looking for fun or just want to try something new, roller derby has something for everyone! We will provide you skates and safety equipment, all we ask is that you come along and have some fun!

We have 3 taster sessions available for you to come along to – Wednesday 18th January, Wednesday 25th January and Wednesday 1st February, 7-8pm at the DISC, Mains Loan, Dundee

1. How did you get into roller derby?I heard about it at the Freshers Fayre when I started University in 2009. Sadly, work commitments clashed with the training times so I wasn’t able to come along to the sessions. I noticed the stall at the fayre the following year and luckily my work schedule had changed so I was able to come along and give it a go. It really doesn’t feel all that long ago, but that was over 18 months ago!2. What has been your favourite derby experience so far?I cherish every bout I take part in, but my favourite experience so far has to be GI Jam. I think this is the bout where I really felt I had used all the skills I have learned and really had a good understanding of the game. I continually learn something each time I bout and I really felt this was a great game for me. I was awarded best jammer for this also. Proudest moment so far! I hope there are many more to come!

 

3. Do you have any other hobbies besides skating?

Outside of skating I don’t really have much spare time. I’m in my 3rd year of University now and I am about to start planning my degree show and dissertation for 4th year. But when I do, I enjoy writing. I am an author on the Scottish Roller Derby website. I’m also a bit of a wheel geek so I spend quite a bit of time on forums nagging people for the opinions on wheels! But most of all, I really like a good night out with friends or a day on the sofa watching the football with my boyfriend.

4. What do you think is the most important thing for a new skater to learn?

The rules. Having a good understanding of the rules from the beginning really helps when you are first start scrimming. The skills come with practice. I wish someone would have encouragde me more to learn the rules earlier. They are the most important part of the game.

5. Who is your skater of the month for January?

I have chosen Go Go Gadget Skates for skater of the month. Louise does an amazing job recruiting new members and making sure that their first few months with us are as enjoyable as possible. She is a valuable member of DRG and truly deserves a spot on SOTM!

We are holding a Christmas Fayres this year on Saturday 17th December, 12pm-3pm. This event is to raise money for our next intake of new skaters next year.

If you have anything that you would like to donate to the fayre, please get in touch on our Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/dundeerollergirls

We would like to say a massive thank you to all those who attended our Open Day a couple of weeks ago. We got a great turn out on the day and we are looking forward to meeting potential new skaters when our Fresh Meat intake opens up early in 2012! Thank you to the skaters from FCR, FVRG and GRG who came along to take part in our open scrim, thank you to all the refs and NSO’s making the scrim possible, thank you to the bakers who made lovely treats for everyone and lastly thank you to the all the Dundee Roller Girls who took time out of their busy schedules to help organise the day. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Here are some photos from the scrim we had going on throughout the day. An extended thank you to our photographer on the day, Iain Gordon, Magdalen Green Photography (www.magdalengreen.co.uk)

Hugs and Shoves
Cilla Block

xx

Dundee Roller Girls ◄ Back Next ► Picture 1 of 30

Dundee Roller Girls

 

Glasgow Roller Girls are proud to announce that our bid has been successful and we are going to be hosting a WFTDA Officiating Training Clinic in 2012!

Our clinic will be held on the 4th and 5th February 2012, and will be open to ref’s and NSO’s. Find extra information here. Stay tuned for information on how to get your ticket!

Many thanks to everyone involved in making this possible for us, and congratulations to the other successful leagues!

….for the home teams final?

Come along this Saturday and see the Bad Omens take on the Death Stars in the final game of the 2011 season.

The bout will be taking place in the Arc sportscentre, doors open at 12.30PM and tickets cost £6, but you can get your tickets in advance here for an advance price of £5, as usual under 14′s get in for free.

See you all there!