CREATIVITY, community and one day competition. These words describe the Great Lake’s first roller derby team the Great Skates Roller Derby League.
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In May 2013 Great Skates started as a team of six in Forster.
Now the group has expanded to 20, with more expected to join, they have moved their training to Taree PCYC.
President Liz Batch is better known by her derby name - Madam Dirty Boots. Each member gets to decide on their own derby name, evidence of the creativity and individuality the sport offers.
“I like the fact that it’s a sport for women that involves strength, creativity and welcomes all kinds,” said Janine Watson (Pippi Wrongstocking).
“I’ve always loved the spectacle and entertainment of roller derby, the names, the outfits, the team spirit - everything,” said Kellie Isaac (Dolly Part’Em).
Members of the league see each other as family, referring to each other as derby sisters and their derby brother coach, Brutal.
They’ve participated in Doyalson’ RAW Challenge and a fundraiser for their training ground Taree PCYC’s ‘Time 4 Kids’.
The ages of the group range from 15 to early 40s.
“There is a fantastic sense of community. Even when we are training hard, you know that someone has your back,” said Kellie Isaac (Dolly Part’Em).
The league have made close connections with Port Macquarie’s league, and would hope to see roller derby grow along the East Coast.
Eventually, the league would like to compete, but at the moment, safety is at the core of what they do, explained president Liz Batch (Madam Dirty Boots).
For those that haven’t tried roller derby before, they are introduced with the derby lingo as ‘fresh meat’, who get taught the basic rules with extra TLC.
The league accommodates for all different levels by breaking up in to groups based on ability.
“I’ve never really been involved in sport - I didn’t really fit in,” said Simone Densley (SycoSimatic).
“With derby, I’ve found my place. I have become fitter and I just love skating.
“I recommend Great Skates to anyone and everyone because that’s who we are - a great bunch of all different types of people who’ve come together supporting each other in something we love.
“Whether on skates or off, you too can get something out of Derby.”
The group train Monday Wednesday from 6 to 8pm at Taree PCYC.
If interested in getting more information about Great Skates Roller Derby League, find them on Facebook or email them on great_skates_roller_derby@hotmail.com.au