The CRD hope the new membrs will help the league progress.
Croydon Roller Derby are continuing to put new recruits through their paces after January’s ‘Fresh Meat’ campaign was deemed a great success.
Described as rugby meets chess on roller-skates (and no ball) it is becoming the fastest growing sport in the country.
The CRD hope the new initiates will help the league progress in the sport.
MJ Hogan, known on the track as 007 Sookie Smackhouse, is a member of the Riot Squad – the league’s A team – and joined in the ‘Fresh Meat’ campaign of 2011.
Now involved with the new recruits, she is very pleased about what she is seeing.
“It is exciting as we now have an A Team, a B Team and new recruits to train and climb the ranks,” she said.
The sport is not for the faint-hearted as bumps, bashes and bruises come with the territory, but MJ feels it shouldn’t deter anyone from joining.
She said: “Playing such a high contact, fast-paced sport, most of us are proud to show off our bruises and minor injuries.”
The CRD’s off-field activities include teaming up with Nightwatch, Croydon’s homeless charity, and fundraisers including runs, skates and in 2013, a naked calendar.
There is a view to do more in 2014 and MJ says the team’s community work helps Croydon as a whole.
“Croydon doesn’t have the best reputation,” she explained.
“We want to show people that there are fun, friendly and positive people here who want to make our community a better place.”
The team were victorious against Milton Keynes Concrete Cows and on February 22 they play Portsmouth Roller Wenches
“I am without a doubt that roller derby will continue to grow until it is an Olympic sport and at the rate it is growing, I am sure it will be,” added MJ.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact the league on their website: www.croydonrollerderby.co.uk or on Twitter @CroydonRD.
Photo courtesy of nuttyxander, with thanks.
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