• JOIN WRD

Join WRD

To find out about or next intake, join our waitlist using the form below!

Why Join?

Inclusive and Supportive: Everyone is welcome, no matter your age, gender, or ability. Our community is built on respect, encouragement, and teamwork.

Expert Coaching: You’ll receive high-quality coaching from experienced skaters and league members, helping you build your skills safely and efficiently.

Great Exercise: Roller derby is an excellent way to get fit, build strength, and increase flexibility—all while having fun!

Meet New People: Joining Wearside Roller Derby means becoming part of a vibrant, friendly, and welcoming community.

Whether you want to train, compete, or support, we’d love to have you.

Get in touch and be part of Wearside Roller Derby

What you’ll learn

Over the course of six weeks, we will teach you the fundamental skills needed to get started in roller derby. The program is designed for beginners, so no prior experience is required—just a love for skating and a willingness to learn!

Unlock your full potential with our Roller Derby Training Program! Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned skater, our comprehensive drills are designed to improve your speed, control, and strategy.

Learn Minimum Skills

To be ready for safe play during roller derby and to pass Wearside Roller Derby’s Minimum Skills requirements, here’s what you’ll be focusing on.

By building confidence in these skills and demonstrating control and awareness on the track, you’ll be ready to pass Wearside Roller Derby’s Minimum Skills and join the action safely!

  • Skating Skills

    First things first—you’ll need a solid derby stance: low, stable, and with bent knees for control. From there, practice accelerating smoothly from a standstill to a sprint, skating at various speeds, and gliding on one foot (both left and right). You’ll also need to weave through cones or obstacles, master tight toe stop runs, and develop lateral movements (side-to-side skating).

  • Stopping Techniques

    Stopping safely is key! Work on your T-stops, plow stops, and hockey stops—all should be controlled and effective. You’ll also need to handle emergency stops within a short distance, so practice bringing yourself to a safe halt quickly.

  • Falling and Recovery

    Falling safely is a big part of derby. You’ll need to be comfortable with one-knee, two-knee, four-point falls, and the baseball slide (or figure-four fall). Most importantly, you’ll need to recover quickly—get back up on your skates in less than 3 seconds every time.

  • Balance and Agility

    Balance and quick movements are essential. You’ll need to be able to step from one foot to the other while skating, jump over a 6-inch obstacle (both while stationary and moving), and transition smoothly between forward and backward skating. Backward skating itself should feel controlled, and you should be able to look over your shoulder without drifting. Make sure you can do a clean 180-degree turn in both directions, too.

  • Pack Awareness

    Skating in a pack is a whole different challenge! You’ll need to stay aware of other skaters, adjust your speed to stay with the pack, and navigate safely through it. Practice weaving in and out of a group without losing control.

  • Blocking and Contact

    When it comes to blocking, focus on safe and legal techniques. You’ll need to show you can hold your position, deliver controlled hip or body checks, and receive them without losing your balance. Always stay aware of legal and illegal contact zones to avoid penalties.

  • Endurance

    Last but not least, you’ll need to meet the endurance requirement: skating 27 laps in 5 minutes on a regulation derby track. This shows you’re fit enough to keep up with the demands of gameplay.

Join our waitlist!

Please complete our waitlist form below, and we will be in touch if a space opens up

Intake Waitlist

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