Roller derby is for blokes too

Erin McIntosh (front), Jacintya Gillespie and Peter Collin (back) are enjoying the revival of roller derby.

Related links

• Three-way roller derby battle

NO LONGER a sport purely for women, roller derby is welcoming men with open arms.

The fast-paced sport has exploded in popularity in recent months and Ipswich’s local league – the Brisbane City Rollers – is expecting a packed rink at its next open day for new skaters.

Known as “fresh meat”, converts spend six weeks learning the basics, including skating techniques, how to fall properly and the rules of the game.

Eastern Heights nurse and recent fresh meat graduate Brigitte Gamble, 21, said the Rollers made learning the skills a dream.

“You’re really sore at first but when you come everyone’s really welcoming and no one makes you feel stupid,” Miss Gamble said.

Ipswich receptionist Erin McIntosh also recently graduated from fresh meat training to level two and has caught the roller derby bug.

“It gives you more confidence in derby and in your everyday life,” Ms McIntosh said.

“It’s lots of fun, you get fit, it builds muscles and you get to meet new people.”

Roller derby was big in the 1960s and 70s but has experienced a recent revival across Australia and internationally.

Played on quad skates, the sport involves two teams with four defensive players (blockers) and one points scorer (jammer) on each team.

A jammer scores points for his/her team when he/she passes blockers from the opposing team while skating around an oval circuit.

Level three skater Jacintya “Jgrrrl” Gillespie, 39, said she was drawn to roller derby because it was different and had a richly diverse subculture.

“It just seemed like a really cool way to get fit – not boring because I hate the gym,” Ms Gillespie said.

Brisbane City Rollers – Australia’s first co-ed league – is looking for men and women aged 18 and above.

The next fresh meat intake is on Sunday, January 24 from 4.45pm at the Bundamba Skateaway at 21 Agnes Street, Bundamba.

Training costs $12 per session and skates and protective gear can be hired.