Vic Tori Bee on what it's like being training manager at MRD

What has been the highlight of your time as training manager at MRD so far and what are you most proud of?

Zero to Hero III has been the highlight of my time as training manager and when taking on the role it was what I was most looking forward to, despite being very nervous about it! This Zero to Hero programme for new skaters is unlike any we have done in the past; rather than a 12-week programme it is now continuous with intake every six weeks. New skaters can learn at their own pace, repeating the 6-week programme as many times as they wish. The calibre of skaters moving through the programme and into team training is brilliant and I guess this is what I am most proud of!

What has been your biggest challenge in the role?

The entirety of the role has been challenging and that’s what I love most about it. I do love a challenge! From finding my own teaching style to organising endless lists of skaters, it’s all been a big learning curve.  We’ve had over 100 people sign up for Zero To Hero so far this year, with around 15 - 20 starting each intake.

How many people passed their minimum skills at last testing?

25th March saw the first minimum skill assessment for this year’s Heroes and they did great, far exceeding my expectations. Six passed all of their skate skills and another 17 were hot on their heels, with only a couple of skills left to nail.  The following week these skaters found themselves back in the classroom to sit the rules test. It’s a very challenging test, even for those skaters with up to 12 months experience and it is rare people pass first time. Safe in this knowledge, I offered to bake cheesecakes for any hero who passed first time. I now have FOUR (much deserved!) cheesecakes to bake!

What is your favourite thing about the new skaters?

My favourite thing about the new skaters is their eagerness to learn, and I especially love the giggles as they hit the deck.  It’s also great seeing all the new friendships blossom, both in session and on social networking groups. They’re all so fresh-faced and have so many new persepctives and talents to bring on board the MRD ship.

What would you say to people thinking about getting involved that might not be too sure?

Come and give it a go! It may be scary, starting anything new is scary. But it’s also exciting and odds are, you’ll be hooked by the second week.  Anyone concerned about the physical contact aspects of the game should be reminded that we also need refs and non-skating officials who are imperative in this sport!

Any other aspects to the training role that deserve a mention?

On the other end of the scale, I have also really enjoyed coaching Checker Broads (MRD’s travel team) of which I am a part.  It’s a bit strange coming directly from teaching the Heroes and then jumping into the thick of it with highly intensive drills and tactics. After a bit of a losing streak for MRD, it was my goal to bring us back to the top of our game; teaching urgency, fancy footwork and killer tactics to go out there and dominate the track on bout-day…. and with two glorious wins under our belt in the month of March, I think we’re on to something!

Vic Tori Bee jamming at Malice in Wonderland vs Liverpool Roller Birds in March '12
(copyright Shirlaine Forrest)

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If you want to see the results of the Zero to Hero programme in action, come along and watch MRD's next home bout on Saturday 21st April. This will be MRD's Phoenix Furies first bout as a team and will feature three skaters who have come through the Z2H programme this year. The Checker Broads will also be bouting, in a return game against Dundee Roller Girls. Tickets here, more info here.