Roller Derby has existed as a contact sport for nearly a century, with competitions first staged in the 1930s. In the early 2000s, there was a surge of interest in the sport, with women-led amateur teams popping up througout Europe and North America.
In 2010, Oxford Roller Derby joined their ranks. Today, the club competes regularly and is welcoming to both seasoned athletes and complete beginners.
With Oxford Roller Derby's next 12 week introductory course starting January 7th, we thought this would be a great time to sit down with club member Roz not Soz, and learn more about this seriously fun and empowering sport.
You can read our interview below.
DI: Oxford Roller Derby was founded in 2010. What's changed over the years?
RnS: When we started there was 10 of us at our first training, we grew from a group of people who couldn’t skate to two full teams of strong athletes working hard to be a supportive, fun unit.
DI: For those unfamiliar, what is Roller Derby like as a sport?
RnS: Roller derby is like roller hockey, without the sticks or ball but also like rugby without the ball but on skates!
It’s all about using your body and team mates to gain advantages and points, at the same time as stopping the other team from doing the same!
It's fun, fast and really tactical and everyone on track has a part to play.
DI: These last few years have been tumultuous to say the least. How did the ORD bounce back post-pandemic?
RnS: The pandemic was difficult, we kept our league together with online workouts and socials as much as we could. Post pandemic the league is different, we have different goals and focuses to pre-pandemic. It's been so great being back at our practice space, playing together and working on the hive mind again.
DI: Who is Oxford Roller Derby for?
RnS: The style of roller derby we play in Oxford is allied to the Women's Flat Track Roller Derby Association (WFTDA), which means it is open to all female-identifying, gender expansive and non-binary skaters who are comfortable competing under “women’s roller derby”. We also welcome aspiring officials of all genders to the taster sessions and to join us by supporting games by officiating and helping out with organisation and promotion etc. The nearest men's teams to Oxford are in Birmingham and London.
But otherwise: everyone! Seriously, anyone. We have had people with no skating experiences to those who've been skating since birth. All body shapes, sizes and skill levels, there are positives for everyone in this sport.
DI: What's been your personal highlight this year when it comes to Roller Derby?
RnS: Playing together again with teamates, welcoming the new rookies into the league, and getting back to playing against other teams again.
DI: And what are ORD most excited about in the near future?
RnS: The return of the British Championships! We can’t wait to get back to a season and regular games
DI: Sum up Oxford Roller Derby in three words?
RnS: Fun. Friendly. Fast!
To learn more about ORD and get involved, visit their website here.