Introduction to roller derby for new skaters
Roller derby is a full contact sport on roller skates that relies upon teamwork and athletic ability. We run an intro programme to teach you to play, even if you’ve never put on skates before!
To learn more about the sport itself, check out the WFTDA website.
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 Hub, 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 (aka ‘scrims’, or practice games).
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 Thursday nights until you’re ready.
How to join
We’ll share information on our next intake on our Events Page when it’s available. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or get in touch via social media (we’re @wearegrd in all the places you would expect).
