Junior Derby: The Skate Aways

Roller derby looks different in every city. Some larger cities, in addition to the women's team, also have men's teams or co-ed teams, some have leagues, which consist of multiple teams, some have multiple, unconnected teams and some have junior teams. Although Richmond isn't big enough to accommodate most of those things yet, we do have a growing junior derby team: The Skate Aways.

This is a relatively new adventure we are undertaking, but so far it has been successful! Kids ages 8-17 can join. They provide their own gear and pay monthly dues (just like us!), skate with the team Sundays 4-5pm, and get to participate in bout day activities. At our last home bout against Bone City, The Skate Aways made their debut and they rocked it!

Don't let the cuteness fool you.

For some reason we did not take a group pic of the juniors, but you can see a few of our Skate Aways in action. Left to right: Bomber Bailey, BadAZZ Brat, Korah the Destroyer, Zac Attack, Puke Skywalker, Homicidal Hamster, and Baby BadAZZ. Honey VooDoo and Trouble Clef are not pictured

After the introduction and the general display of junior awesomeness, The Skate Aways collected shout outs and sold popcorn for us. We will put them to more good use at future home bouts, making them demonstrate the rules of derby before the game starts and maybe having them do the half-time show!

Just kidding....we want all of your children.

Many of the The Skate Aways have a mom on the team, but not all. Non-derby parents still sit and watch their child rock the track though. During practice we work with juniors on basic skating skills such as stopping and falling and they work on endurance. They each play and practice at the level in which they test, but we take it slow. They work at their own pace and learn to feel confident and strong on their own accord.

The juniors skate hard and have a lot of fun.

We, as a team, work hard to create a fun, encouraging, and empowering environment for these awesome kids as they learn the power of derby!

Are you interested in getting your child into derby? Contact us! Speak with your favorite roller girl or message us with questions!

Junior Derby

Roller derby is great because anyone who WANTS to play CAN play. You can be taught to skate well and the strategy involved in gameplay can be picked up as you go. The only restriction is that a potential skater must be overage, but NO MORE! Come hang out with us, ladies ages 11-17. We are excited to meet young women interested in derby! Come learn about derby (of course), but also come to reap the benefits of derby: exercise, community, fun, and more!

Ignore that date, come join us any Sunday this Novemeber 4-5pm at The Skate in Richmond. Still not sure? Feel free to come watch our practice during that time and see what you think.

I hope to see you out there!

--Bilbo Stabbins