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Introduction to roller derby for new skaters

Roller derby is a full contact sport that relies upon teamwork and athletic ability. It is currently one of The UK's fastest growing grassroots sports, and our intro programme can help you learn to play, even if you’ve never put on skates before!

Glasgow Roller Recruits

Glasgow Roller Derby (GRD) offers a learn-to-skate programme for anyone 18 years and over who is interested in joining the league as a player or as a skating official (referee).

The aim of the course is to teach roller derby basic skating skills to a safe standard to enable the skater to join the club's advanced roller derby training sessions or to join as a skating official.

Skaters passing through the course are known as the Glasgow Roller Recruits (GRR).

The course consists of one 2-hour session every week, teaching skills such as stance, stride, falls and technique. The course is also designed to build fitness and endurance. Once a skater proves competent with the basic skating skills, we will teach them contact skills such as hits, whips and working in close proximity on track.

GRR training sessions

  • Thursdays from 6-8pm at Park Villa Community Sports Hubm, 337 Langlands Rd, Glasgow G51 4AW

GRR skaters are also welcome to attend league training sessions and help out by being non-skating officials (NSOs) at scrimmages.

Scrimmages take place on Sundays from 3:45-5:45pm at the ARC Recreation Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road Glasgow, G4 0BA.

Equipment

You will need:

  • quad skates

  • a mouthguard

  • a helmet

  • knee pads

  • elbow pads

  • wrist guards.

If you can’t afford equipment, or want to borrow equipment before you decide if roller derby is for you, we may be able to lend you some. Just ask when you get in touch.

If you want to buy equipment, our friendly local roller derby skate shop, 5th Blocker Skates has everything you need and lots of expert advice on hand! You can also take a look on “UK Roller Derby Recyclables” on Facebook.

Moving from GRR to league

Your coaches will assess when you are ready to move up to league, based on your skills. This usually takes about 3 months, but if you need more time to build up your confidence, you can keep coming on Monday nights until you’re ready.

How to join

Our next intake will be on 19 September. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.