Introduction – Cambridge Roller Derby
Cambridge Roller Derby? Curious about the fastest-growing female sport in Cambridge? In this blog post, we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Roller Derby and The Rollerbillie team – their impressive successes, equipment requirements, and regulations guiding tournaments.
Brief History Of Cambridge Roller Derby
Founded in 2011, Cambridge Roller Derby’s Rollerbillies are the first flat-track roller derby league in Cambridge and one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the region. Starting with a small group of passionate skaters, the Rollerbillies have grown from strength to strength across both recreational and competitive levels.
Throughout their history, players of all backgrounds have come together to create a formidable league that punches well above its weight – both domestically and internationally – around the UK and beyond. With well-established bouts taking place at spectacular venues such as The Junction, Duxford Imperial War Museum, and Leisure World, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Meet The Rollerbillies Team Organization
The Rollerbillies are run by a passionate and committed team of volunteers in both the UK and internationally. From trainers, referees, medics, and officials – each member takes responsibility for making sure that every game is an enjoyable experience for both competitors and spectators alike.
Cambridge Roller Derby: Vision And Mission
Vision
The Rollerbillies aim to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for all skaters, including those transitioning from recreational to competitive levels.
Mission
Cambridge Roller Derby aims to promote the development of skills in roller derby, support the growth of sustainable teams within the community, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Off-Skates Activities of Cambridge Roller Derby Rollerbillies
Pop Up Events
Cambridge Roller Derby Rollerbillies regularly host pop-up events to promote roller derby and get people involved. From rallies to carnivals, and tournaments – these fun-filled events are a great way for new skaters to learn the basics of the game, whilst also providing an opportunity for experienced players to hone their skills in a friendly yet competitive environment.
Fundraising Events
The Rollerbillies also run a variety of fundraising events throughout the year to generate funds for much-needed equipment and supplies. These include bake sales, pub quizzes, and even charity runs! All money raised is used to benefit the team and its members by helping with the purchase of protective gear, skate components, and other essential items.
Regular Socials
Regular socials are also held by the Rollerbillies to keep members up-to-date with news and announcements. It’s a great way for everyone to stay connected and meet new people, whilst enjoying a fun evening out.
Opportunities For Personal Development
Cambridge Roller Derby Rollerbillies believe in thriving and growing off skates as well as on. To that end, they work to provide their members – and those who aspire to be a member – with opportunities for personal development.
The team offers workshops on subjects such as nutrition, public speaking, resume writing, and networking. As many of their members are also working professionals, the organization emphasizes the importance of continuing to expand knowledge off the track. They also offer training for beginners for aspiring members.
Prominent Players Of the Cambridge Roller Derby Team
Throughout its history, The Rollerbillies have had several prominent players who’ve made an impact on the team. These include:
Polly O’Brake
One of the original members of the Rollerbillies, she was instrumental in building the foundation for the growth and success of the team. She is now a lead jammer and continues to be one of the key faces of Cambridge Roller Derby Rollerbillies.
Emily Trixie
Joining The Rollerbillies in 2015, Emily has quickly become one of their most successful players with her powerful playing style. She continues to inspire other skaters and leads by example on and off track.
Eddie Robinson
Eddie has been with The Rollerbillies since the very beginning and is now one of the team’s most experienced players. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the game, along with an impressive record in competitive bouts.
Safety Requirements And Regulations For Tournaments
All Roller Derby tournaments, including those organized by The Rollerbillies, are fully knowledgeable of the rules of roller derby, and adhere to strict safety requirements and regulations to ensure that everyone involved is safe and well-protected at all times. These include:
• All skaters must wear full protective and safety gear while participating in any tournament games or practices. This includes helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, mouthguards, and appropriate shoes or skates.
• All participants must sign a waiver before taking part in any tournament.
• All teams must have a designated medic on hand to provide medical assistance when required.
Strategies And Techniques Of The Cambridge Roller Derby Team
The Cambridge Roller Derby Rollerbillies has developed a comprehensive set of strategies and techniques for success on the track. The team starts their practices with skating drills designed to improve agility, footwork, and positioning.
The drills are focused on skating smoothly and quickly from point A to point B, tips for stopping without injury, controlling speed and momentum, communicating effectively, tackling opponents successfully, and developing a theoretically-sound short game for finely-crafted maneuvering. On top of this, intense scrimmages help players practice their skater/blocker identities across a variety of configurations.
Above all else, the Rollerbillies prioritize safety; consistently refreshing their knowledge of rules and regulations means their skills won’t sacrifice anyone’s health in the process. As they build and reinforce these physical and mental capabilities together as a team, they become more formidable competitors and strong allies who move forward in sync with grace each time they slip into their skates.
The Rollerbillies Successes
The Rollerbillies have achieved a great deal of success since their formation. Different members of the team have earned a wide range of awards, including multiple World Cup titles, National Championships, and All-Star game recognitions.
Their most significant accomplishment has been winning the International Roller Derby Cup twice in 2011 and 2014. They continue to work hard and maintain their competitive edge, securing further top places at national-level competitions over the past decade.
Beyond competitive medals, members of the Rollerbillies have also held prominent positions within the roller derby community. Some of these have included coaches for international teams, referees for major events, and long-standing involvement in shaping rules, judging qualifications, and judging at major events both domestically and abroad.
This work has demonstrated their commitment to improving the roller derby scene not just nationally but regionally as well as internationally. Ultimately then it comes as no surprise that thanks to the Rollerbillies’ hard work they find success in all areas they pursue in the world of roller derby.
Conclusion
Cambridge Roller Derby Rollerbillies is a passionate, driven, and successful team. With their commitment to safety, skill development, and personal growth both on and off the track, they have achieved remarkable success in one of the fastest-growing female sports in the region.
Whether it’s popping up events for new members or competing in high-level tournaments, The Rollerbillies are an important part of roller derby’s future. So why not lace up your skates and give Cambridge Roller Derby a chance? Who knows what successes lie ahead?
