Who can play Roller Derby?

Belfast Roller Derby (BRD) is a Roller Derby League (Club) and is a member of the WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association) and welcomes skaters who identify as female, non-binary and gender expansive to take part in our intake program and join the league as a skater.

We also welcome those who identify as men and are interested in becoming a ref, non-skating official or other volunteer. If you’re interested just get in touch!

You need to be 18+ to join, but there is no upper age limit and you don’t need to have any previous experience. Belfast Roller Derby is also a proud supporter and welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.

What is the format of the Intake Programme?

Our intake programme is designed to welcome those interested in playing roller derby, no matter their previous experience with skating.

It’s an 18 week programme, broken into 3 ‘blocks’ of around 6 weeks, with one 90-minute session each week.
Blocks 1 and 2 will focus on learning to skate and key footwork.
Block 3 will introduce the contact aspect of Roller Derby and playing the sport itself.

After your 18 weeks you will transition to train with the rest of the league and continue your Roller Derby journey.

What do I need to join?

Nothing more than a positive attitude and a mouth guard.

We offer the option to hire all the kit you need for blocks 1 – 3, then, from week 18 onwards, we ask that you have purchased your own kit.

(Fear not, we have plenty of knowledgeable people to hand to give advice!)

Roller Derby Kit contains:
Quad roller skates
Wrist guards
Elbow pads
Knee Pads
Mouth Guard
Helmet

How much is it?

Each block will cost £35, or £45 including kit hire
Once you have completed the programme and officially join the league you will become a dues-paying member and set up a £35 monthly direct debit.

When and where is training?

Intake Training is currently held in the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey from 2.15 – 3.45pm on Sundays

Once you move to block 4 and join our current skaters at League Training*, sessions currently run from 12 – 2.15pm on Sundays with an additional session from 8.15 – 9.45pm on Thursdays

*Please note this is subject to change as we explore potential new venues

Will I get to join the team?

Once you have successfully completed the intake program you will become eligible to become a rostered skater and join the team, playing both home and away games once club leadership deems you ready.

What if I decide playing Roller Derby isn’t for me?

That’s absolutely fine! You can choose not to continue or explore the many other roles needed to keep this league up and running. We’re always in need of passionate volunteers (and fans!!)!