I have never been to a roller derby bout.
I know. This is quite possibly a mortal sin. Especially as I’ve been training with Manchester Roller Derby for the past four months.
I could give my excuses and explain that I’m not often free on a Saturday, and I was ill one time, and double-booked another time. Or I could just tell you how excited I am that in just two weeks I will AT LAST be watching my first live roller derby bout!
Manchester Roller Derby are hosting an amazing double-header bout on Saturday 15th September. Yes, two bouts. The first sees MRD's Women's B team Phoenix Furies, skating against Furness Fire Crackers. And in the second bout, MRD's Men's team New Wheeled Order take on Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder.
Oh, I have so many reasons for being excited.
At last I’ll be able to witness first hand all the live jamming and blocking action. I mean, I’ve been to scrimmages, which are essentially practice bouts. I’ve watched and been a non-skating official at scrimmages. I've seen all the skills and techniques, the hard hits, penalties, falls, the fast jamming. But, I know from photographs, video clips, and talking to people in my league that bouts are a whole different experience.
My five reasons to be excited about seeing a live bout for the first time:
1. The Noisy Crowd
I can’t wait to be shouting, cheering and clapping along with more than two hundred other people. I want to hear the roar that Captain Malice from New Wheeled Order says you can hear on the track and from anywhere in the building whenever there is a big hit. I’m not sure whether I dare sit in the suicide seats right at the front. But I will be there, right in the middle shouting go, go, go!
2. The Skate Outs
I can’t wait to see the teams skating out, and hear their names introduced by the announcer. And some of my friends will be skating out, so I think I might yell until I’m hoarse when their skate names are called out. So many derby names are clever or funny plays on words or puns, and hearing those names over the PA, as the teams skate out… that’s got to be exciting… especially when they are names I know and love.
3. The Boutfits
Roller Derby is well-known for its amazing, alternative style. Personally I think it’s the coolest sport around. I love that each player can be an individual, as well as wearing team colours or patterns. All the face paint and war paint, the painted numbers on arms, the crazy socks, the hot pants, fishnets or patterned tights, the bandanas, the glitter and glam. And that’s just the girls...
4. The Derby
Of course, I’m there to watch the sport. I know how hard all the players train on their skills and endurance. I can’t wait to see it all put into action on the rink. Derby is so many things as a sport. It’s fast, skilful, tough, exciting, nerve-wracking, full-on contact. I can’t wait to watch the jammers racing round the track, the blockers trying to get in their way, assists breaking through so the jammer can whizz round again and score (hopefully many) points.
5. The Whole Event
Add to all the above... The stalls selling all kinds of cool (from jewellery to derby kit to cakes)... The fact that kids come along and get excited watching their mum, dad, big sister or brother playing derby and get high fives from all the players after each bout... All the derby love that fills the whole rink because people so genuinely LOVE playing, watching and talking about derby... And (hopefully) the after party
Sigh.
Two weeks and counting down...
Tickets are on sale now at only £7 if you book in advance (£6 concessions) or £10 on the door. Click here to buy tickets and/or RSVP on Facebook
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